Thank You for the Invitation, I Successfully Held Hands with the Best Actress - Chapter 24

The mint water seemed to carry some mysterious magic. Last time Mu Qiuyan was unconscious, but now her mind was clear, allowing her to distinctly feel the changes within her body.

 

 

First, the pain in her glands was gradually soothed, and her whole body felt much lighter. The previously volatile and agitated pheromones slowly calmed down—the blizzard had ceased, the scent of snow faded, replaced by a crisp, elegant pine fragrance that flowed gently through the air like a spring breeze passing through a mountain stream.

 

 

Her rapid breathing steadied. She felt warmth in her stomach, her entire body cozy, and even the cold sweat on her back was replaced by a soothing warmth. It was as if she were soaking in a hot spring, an indescribable comfort washing over her.

 

 

Her eyes grew heavy, nearly lulling her to sleep. Sensing no movement behind her, she slowly turned and caught sight of Ning Yu’s composed face.

 

 

She seemed to be chatting with someone, her brows occasionally relaxing, then furrowing again. Her slender, pale fingers danced across the screen as she typed, pausing at times as if deep in thought.

 

 

Over at Ming Jue’s birthday banquet, which had already begun, Wen Mianmian and Zhu Wen looked around but couldn’t spot Ning Yu, who had been “most eager” to freeload food and drinks.

 

 

So they sent her a message.

 

 

Ning Yu simply replied that something had come up.

 

 

Wen Mianmian: “What a shame! It’s so lively here—the stage performances are amazing, and the food… wow, truly befitting a five-star hotel restaurant. So many elites and celebrities showed up too. Didn’t expect to see them in person, but Ming Jue doesn’t seem to be in high spirits.”

 

 

Ning Yu: “Probably exhausted from organizing the banquet. Heard she handled everything alone this year.” A romantic candlelit dinner for two had been forcibly turned into a hundred-person spectacle—no wonder she was drained.

 

 

Ming Jue, wearing a polite and impeccable smile as she held her wine glass, inwardly seethed. She would track down the staff member who leaked the news. What was supposed to be a private gathering had once again turned into a high-society networking event.

 

 

A well-dressed, handsome man approached her with refined courtesy, wishing her a happy birthday before smoothly striking up a conversation. “Director Ming, did you forget to send out invitations this time? People have been quite displeased about it.”

 

 

Ming Jue: Hmph. If you knew you weren’t invited, why force your way in? The moment the news broke on Weibo, you arrived within an hour—impressive speed.

 

 

Ning Yu silently apologized to Director Ming in her heart. Better not mess with her too often—it’s bad for my conscience.

 

 

She then asked, “Is Gao Mi around you guys?”

 

 

At an event like this, would she stay quiet? She’d definitely seize the chance to stir up trouble.

 

 

Wen Mianmian replied: “No. A lot of media showed up for the banquet—seems they all found ways in after seeing the news online. Gao Mi said it might reflect poorly on Director Ming, so she went to greet some reporters she knows.”

 

 

Greeting reporters and media? Ning Yu’s instincts prickled. Her frown deepened, then her expression shifted abruptly. “Are they still in the banquet hall now?”

 

 

Wen Mianmian: “Hmm, they’re still here, but it looks like they’re discussing something. More and more media are gathering around.”

 

 

Ning Yu gritted her teeth. “If anything happens, please let me know immediately.”

 

 

She stood up at once and began swiftly packing up the room.

 

 

 

Seeing her grave expression, Mu Qiuyan couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? What happened?”

 

 

Ning Yu replied, “Reporters will be here any minute. We need to leave now.”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan’s eyes widened. Ignoring her still-weak body, she slowly sat up from the bed. She knew exactly why the reporters were coming—this was a crucial part of the plan to ruin her reputation.

 

 

But—

 

 

She thought about the VIP card in Ning Yu’s hand that could unlock the door. The rooms above the 20th floor of Blue Moon Hotel were reserved for VIP clients, accessible only with a VIP card.

 

 

Ning Yu clearly knew she was here, which meant she must be connected to whoever was behind this scheme.

 

 

Pursing her lips, Mu Qiuyan stared at Ning Yu. So, what role do you play in all this?

 

 

“Lend me your phone. I need to make a call.”

 

 

Ten minutes later, the hotel hallway erupted into chaos. The spacious corridor became cramped under the surge of people. Camera operators led the way, their equipment hoisted high, while the trailing journalists buzzed with excitement.

 

 

“Never thought we’d catch Mu Qiuyan red-handed one day.”

 

 

“This is huge—front-page entertainment news! Don’t miss it. Make sure you get a clear shot of her face.”

 

 

“Maybe we’ll even get some steamy photos. Hah! Seeing the cold, beautiful ‘Ice Queen’ fall from grace—this is a rare opportunity.”

 

 

“Tsk, a top-tier actress like her, reduced to this. And all because of some trashy woman. That Ning Yu doesn’t even seem like much—just a pretty face. What else does she have?”

 

 

“To deceive so many omegas and even make an award-winning actress bow to her—that’s no small feat.”

 

 

“Damn, what kind of sorcery is this? I’m dying to know.”

 

 

“People always said Mu Qiuyan was frigid. Remember that time during filming when a male actor went into rut? His alpha pheromones flooded the set, and several omegas fainted on the spot. But Mu Qiuyan? She just wrinkled her nose and said the smell was too smoky.”

 

 

“There were even rumors she had some kind of mental aversion to alphas—kept them at arm’s length.”

 

 

“You actually believe that fan-made persona? Who knows how many people she’s slept with behind the scenes.”

 

 

“Honestly, a little scandal like this won’t change much. Mu Qiuyan’s longevity in the industry isn’t just because of her ‘untouchable goddess’ image. Another girlfriend? Fans will rage for a bit, then move on.”

 

 

“But this is a permanent stain. Wasn’t she always pretending to be above it all? Acting all high and mighty in interviews, warning us not to ask ‘inappropriate’ questions. Every interview pushes boundaries—why is she the only one making a fuss?”

 

 

Gao Mi walked alongside them, sneering at their chatter.

 

 

Their venomous words were like sharp swords, mercilessly pinning their target to the execution stand.

 

 

When they reached the door, the crowd fell silent, holding their breath as they watched Gao Mi prepare to open it. Yet no one dared to be the first to barge in.

 

 

Gao Mi scoffed in disdain and calmly pushed the door open.

 

 

But the room was empty. Her face twisted in disbelief as she stormed inside, searching frantically. Every trace had vanished—only the overpowering scent of disinfectant lingered in the air.

 

 

 

Several media personnel were pacing around the room, glaring at Gao Mi with obvious frustration, clearly feeling they’d been deceived. “Where are they?!” they demanded.

 

 

Gao Mi scratched her head. “They must still be here, just in another room. They must have hidden in a different one.”

 

 

But with countless rooms in the building, searching one by one was impossible.

 

 

“Gao Mi, we trusted you enough to follow you here. Are you just wasting our time?”

 

 

Gao Mi found herself at a loss for words.

 

 

Unable to capture what they’d come for, the group left in disappointment, preparing to head back.

 

 

Suddenly, however, a group of hotel security officers in black uniforms emerged in the hallway, holding walkie-talkies and batons, eyeing the media sternly.

 

 

“This is a private VIP area of the hotel. No media personnel are allowed inside. Please come with us to the police station.”

 

 

“We didn’t film anything!” they protested in a clamor, but the security officers still ushered them out.

 

 

The Blue Moon Hotel was known for its strict privacy policies, so this incident put the manager on high alert. With President Ming’s birthday banquet taking place on the top floor and so many VIP guests present, they couldn’t afford any slip-ups.

 

 

Thus, the entire security team was mobilized.

 

 

Meanwhile, the two women at the center of the storm were lounging leisurely in the adjacent room, listening to the commotion outside.

 

 

As the noise faded, Ning Yu finally relaxed and sent Wen Mianmian a message of thanks.

 

 

Wen Mianmian replied with a video—footage of the reporters arguing in the hallway.

 

 

Wen Mianmian: “Hope this helps.”

 

 

Ning Yu set her phone aside and turned to Mu Qiuyan. “How are you feeling?”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan’s complexion had regained its healthy glow as she lay lazily on the bed. “Almost fully recovered.”

 

 

Ning Yu shrugged. “Now do you believe I didn’t give you any suspicious drugs, Ms. Mu?”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan narrowed her eyes. “How did you know I was here?”

 

 

Ning Yu avoided the question. “Do you know Gao Mi?”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan raised an eyebrow. “So Gao Mi was the one behind all this?”

 

 

Ning Yu rested her chin on her hand. “If you didn’t see Gao Mi when you arrived, how did you end up in the next room?”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan recounted her experience.

 

 

After receiving a text from Ming Jue, she took the elevator to the top floor, only to be stopped by a staff member. The staffer explained that President Ming was too busy with preparations and asked Mu Qiuyan to wait in a nearby room.

 

 

“You just believed her? I didn’t take you for someone so trusting, Ms. Mu.”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan averted her gaze to the white ceiling. “She was holding Ming Jue’s VIP card. At the time… I didn’t think much of it. But once I entered the room and realized something was wrong, she snatched my bag and locked the door.”

 

 

Each VIP card was uniquely customized for its holder, so Mu Qiuyan hadn’t been overly cautious.

 

 

“That VIP card you have—Gao Mi gave it to you, didn’t she?” Mu Qiuyan said bluntly. “Are you two working together?”

 

 

How should she answer that?

 

 

They had started as allies, but then they’d begun betraying each other.

 

 

 

“The card was indeed given by her, and she was the one who told me your room number. As for the plan… well, I did play a part in it…”

 

 

Mu Qiu-yan looked at her as if she were already dead.

 

 

Ning Yu choked back her words. “But I never imagined Gao Mi would despise you this much. The original plan was simply for me to keep an eye on you, preventing you from meeting Ming Jue. Then she would find a legitimate way to appear and enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner with him.”

 

 

“The plan changed last minute, and she didn’t even warn me.” She couldn’t understand why Gao Mi had suddenly altered the scheme—one that, if mishandled, could even backfire on them.

 

 

Her gaze flickered toward Mu Qiu-yan. Aside from Gao Mi’s existing hatred for her, she couldn’t fathom any other motive behind this move.

 

 

Mu Qiu-yan had clearly reached the same conclusion. After a brief silence, she said, “Actually, Gao Mi came to see me last night.”