Transmigrated as the Black-Bellied Film Empress's Live-in Alpha (GL) - Chapter 20

The irregular lake view, shrouded in night, was tinged with a deep blue, the calm, greenish lake surface like a dark, dull jade. In the lake-view room on the top floor of the hotel, the glass reflected the figures of the two women.

 

Bai Nian leaned back against the sofa armrest, her knees curled up, her phone hot from her sweaty palm. Chen Qingying leaned over, her elbow propped on the backrest, a mischievous glint in her foxy eyes.

 

What did she mean by “she’s really not her”…

 

Thinking of the foolish things she said to Chen Qingying when they first met, Bai Nian wished she could pull her own ears from back then and tell herself to shut up.

 

She hadn’t expected the other person to actually take her seriously.

 

Swallowing, she dared not look directly at Chen Qingying, mumbling, “I don’t understand what you mean…”

 

“Where’s that person now?” The Omega’s expression visibly brightened. The former complexity and coldness dissipated, replaced by a teasing look.

 

“Probably dead—” Chen Qingying’s aura was powerful. Bai Nian cowered in the corner, trembling. She quietly turned, trying to inch away.

 

“Dead, huh…” Hearing this news, Chen Qingying showed no emotion, as if they were discussing an irrelevant person.

 

Every time Bai Nian shuffled sideways, Chen Qingying would lean in closer, maintaining a not-too-far, not-too-close distance between them.

 

Bai Nian knew that Chen Qingying was now intensely interested in her, this “person with no place to be.”

 

Such an absurd thing; if you told it to a random person on the street, they’d think they’d met a lunatic. Yet, this Chen Qingying believed it without a doubt, making Bai Nian unable to gauge her attitude.

 

As Bai Nian fell into thought, Chen Qingying suddenly leaned in. Her unfastened collar almost touched her, and that faint fragrance wafted from her hair ends to her cheek.

 

“Phew!”

 

Chen Qingying briefly blew a puff of air onto the top of her head.

 

“Thinking of how to fob me off?”

 

The Alpha below her was flushed red, her eyes darting around, trying to figure out how to escape the questioning. The few swaying strands of hair on top of her head looked even cuter.

 

She was talking about something outlandish, yet her attitude was inexplicably sincere. This way of narrating a child’s fairy tale, Chen Qingying found herself listening with relish.

 

This sudden proximity was clearly offensive to Bai Nian. She already felt guilty towards Chen Qingying and was wary of her, like a mouse seeing a cat.

 

“Don’t tease me anymore…” The words were mumbled on the tip of her tongue, indistinct. Even though the distance was safe, she still picked up a cushion and placed it between them.

 

“I’m not fobbing you off, it’s all true,” Bai Nian obediently said again.

 

Her silver tongue was completely useless here. She had never encountered a woman as… uniquely charming as Chen Qingying before, and she didn’t know how to handle her.

 

She truly lived up to those foxy eyes, like a vixen.

 

Bai Nian curled her toes, not daring to face the shameful shyness in her heart, attributing it all to Chen Qingying’s overwhelming charm.

 

Tonight was truly pathetic. In her twenty years of life, this was the first time she had been so utterly flustered by a woman.

 

Chen Qingying saw through her pretense at a glance. Not to mention the inexplicable words that night, the stark contrast between the two was so great that she could calmly accept it, no matter how incredible.

 

Bai Nian was a typical “high attack, no defense” type. She seemed earnestly concerned about her, but a little teasing would make her spill everything.

 

Completely guileless.

 

“Anyway, don’t worry, I’m not the person from before. I won’t do anything excessive to you, nor will I have any improper thoughts about you. We’ll both play the role of a model couple, and then we’ll go our separate ways after the divorce.”

 

When she mentioned “improper thoughts,” Bai Nian stammered. She stated her vision for the future, and Chen Qingying listened quietly.

 

“That’s my thought too.” She stood up, and the unique rosemary scent she carried diffused.

 

“You play the role of wife well, and I won’t mistreat you. At least, what you gain will be far more than what you give,” Chen Qingying said, crossing her arms. They returned to their usual mode of interaction.

 

Her lips were still curved in a smile, but the warmth in her eyes gradually faded, as if this was her true self, suppressed for a long time.

 

After the cards were laid on the table, the worries that had occupied her mind for so long no longer seemed as important. Since the other party knew that the person sending the messages wasn’t her, He Kun’s threats were naturally ineffective.

 

“Remember to get your money back. Your money isn’t for charity or handouts,” Chen Qingying said, her tone not overly forceful.

 

“Getting it back won’t make it disappear…” Bai Nian muttered softly.

 

She hated the original owner’s accomplice the most. This person had blackmailed her for a large sum of money, not just a financial loss, but she hadn’t slept for several days, okay!

 

Chen Qingying happened to hear this, and she misunderstood it as being directed at her: “You want to clear the slate?”

 

“No!” Bai Nian shook her head like a rattle drum, vehemently denying it.

 

The other party smiled brightly: “Although it’s quite unethical, since you’re in Bai Nian’s identity, you’ll have to pay her debts.”

 

At this point, Chen Qingying seemed regretful. Before turning to leave, she said goodnight.

 

It wasn’t until that graceful figure entered the bedroom that Bai Nian, like a deflated balloon, lay on the sofa, at a loss, slowly processing Chen Qingying’s words.

 

She’s a really good person.

 

She silently gave Chen Qingying a “good person card” in her heart. After all, the latter, without knowing the full situation, had still given her many opportunities to make amends.

 

Saying she had to repay the debt, she probably wouldn’t make things too difficult for her.

 

Understanding this, Bai Nian suddenly felt her future path was bright and promising. She ignored whatever He Kun had sent before and directly sent two words in the chatbox.

 

Bai Nian: [Pay up!]

 

She had no hope of He Kun paying her back. She was in a different city now, and dealing with things was troublesome. When she returned to S City, she’d see how she’d deal with him.

 

Too much had happened tonight. She dragged her tired body to wash up, then returned to the bedroom and pounced onto the soft bed, like a little rabbit smelling carrots.

 

Fresh from her bath, the faint scent of body lotion lingered, the same brand Chen Qingying used. Bai Nian turned off the light and couldn’t help but curl up tighter.

 

This feeling was very comforting. She and Chen Qingying were like a litter of newborn kittens, eyes tightly shut and meowing, only able to identify the location of the other cats by scent.

 

Then they would sleep with their foreheads touching.

 

She woke up laughing at her own imagination. Unable to sleep, she got up, opened her phone, and recorded on Weibo.

 

Invincible Tyrannosaurus Warrior: [Rainy day, got closer to my goddess, she smells so good.]

 

Her daily records were always so nonsensical, talking about things with disjointed logic, trivial and boring routines that few people would bother to stop for.

 

Staring at the last three words, Bai Nian buried her face in the blanket.

 

She thought, she really was a pervert.

 

That initial profile picture, perhaps, hadn’t visited for many days.

 

After opening up to Chen Qingying, Bai Nian’s attitude became even more attentive, almost to the point where the former couldn’t handle it. In every corner of the house, she would follow her closely.

 

The continuous drizzle for half a month finally stopped, leaving the low shrubs glistening. The temperature gradually dropped, and Bai Nian’s short-sleeved shirt was replaced with long sleeves.

 

Assistant Wang had gotten a little wet in the rain those few days. Although the rain wasn’t heavy, S City was a humid and stuffy area, and furniture molding year-round was not uncommon.

 

Small ailments accumulated, and she soon fell ill. Plus, something happened at home, so Chen Qingying specially approved nearly two weeks of leave.

 

Bai Nian finally had her chance to step in.

 

After Chen Qingying finished breakfast and went into the room to change, Bai Nian stood in front of the dressing mirror, buttoning the blue and white striped shirt to the very top.

 

The loose, oversized air-conditioned shirt had a pocket on its left chest. She tucked her notebook and pen into it, looking like a leisurely, unemployed person on a beach vacation.

 

Outside the wide-open door, Chen Qingying’s figure flashed past, leaving a brief instruction: “Going.”

 

“Let’s go.” Bai Nian finished organizing the things she needed to take and followed her footsteps.

 

Daylight streamed from the semi-open corridor, reflecting shimmering patterns on the silver metal railings. She tucked her room card close to her in her jeans pocket. Chen Qingying, who was ahead, pushed her sunglasses up, and said unexpectedly.

 

“Where are you going?”

 

“Following you,” Bai Nian replied.

 

Before Assistant Wang left, she had sent her a text message, asking her to take good care of Chen Qingying in her absence, as she didn’t trust anyone else.

 

Hence, the current scene: Bai Nian, like a little shadow, constantly followed behind Chen Qingying.

 

“She asked me to take good care of you, so for now, I’m your temporary assistant,” Bai Nian said with high spirits, clearly confident in taking on this role.

 

This was a good opportunity to get close to Chen Qingying, and perhaps even capture some big news from the set.

 

Chen Qingying, walking ahead, secretly frowned, feeling that this arrangement was inappropriate, even absurd, but she couldn’t really send her away.

 

The two walked into the elevator. She swiped her card and saw Bai Nian pull down her hat brim in the smooth elevator wall, trying to minimize her presence.

 

“You don’t need to go to such lengths to compensate me. I’m not an unreasonable person.”

 

She didn’t like to displace her anger. Since it wasn’t the current Bai Nian who did it, there was no need for her to bear the burden. So Bai Nian’s current attentiveness was meaningless.

 

For her, it made no difference if another person put on an act.

 

Bai Nian, of course, knew this, but after so many days of interaction, her kindness towards Chen Qingying had been ingrained, becoming a habit.

 

Discarding the cautious flattery driven by purpose, it was now more like adoration for Chen Qingying. The other party was so good to her, giving her so much money.

 

One’s hand is short when taking, and one’s mouth is soft when eating. She didn’t want to be at her beck and call, but Chen Qingying gave too much, so much that if she didn’t do something, she would feel bad.

 

“Since I’m your wife, I must take on the responsibilities and obligations to ensure your safety,” Bai Nian gripped the brim of her hat, pulling it down to cover her eyes.

 

She could feel Chen Qingying looking at her, her gaze direct and revealing, like a swift, agile leopardess on the savanna, predatory and sharp.

 

Bai Nian had this illusion more than once, but Chen Qingying was clearly a woman of utmost gentleness and patience.

 

“Responsibility, obligation…” These two words were held in Chen Qingying’s mouth. She hooked her glasses frame, the outer corners of her foxy eyes tinged with a delicate flush.

 

Suddenly, she chuckled with pleasure: “There’s no need to blame yourself for such things. After all, we haven’t even been to bed together.”

 

When such words came from Chen Qingying’s mouth, they didn’t seem frivolous or lighthearted at all, but Bai Nian’s face turned bright red. She tugged at the cuff button, almost tearing off the thread.

 

“There’s surveillance here…”

 

At the reminder, Chen Qingying lifted her eyelashes and looked at the corner. The red light was constantly on, recording their entire conversation.

 

“Unless specially permitted, no unauthorized personnel enter the hotel, and they won’t check surveillance,” she said, a hint of cunning in her tone. “Are you that timid?”

 

“It’s you who spoke out of…” The rest of Bai Nian’s words were swallowed, afraid of upsetting Chen Qingying.

 

Like a frost-bitten eggplant, she wilted and fell silent.

 

“I said that time, I wouldn’t have any improper thoughts about you.” Bai Nian clutched her shoulder bag tightly, the duck’s beak on it almost deformed from her grip.

 

No matter how many mouths she had, she couldn’t explain herself, and she couldn’t blame Chen Qingying either.

 

“I didn’t say you had improper thoughts about me.” The elevator arrived, and the doors slid open, revealing a bit of tender green tip from the monstera plant placed at the entrance.

 

Stepping out of the elevator, Bai Nian brushed past the leaves, making a rustling sound. Chen Qingying’s pace was always fast, and the click-clack of her heels on the ground made her exude a powerful aura.

 

Bai Nian had to jog to catch up with her, but then heard the other person say in a voice only the two of them could hear: “I’m just saying, there’s no need to bind yourself with responsibility and obligation.”

 

“After all, ensuring your partner’s s3x life in a marriage is also part of the obligation.” At this point, Chen Qingying paused, her tone so cold as if the vibrant person just now wasn’t her.

 

“But neither of us can do that.”

 

Bai Nian swallowed her retort. She thought she had upset Chen Qingying, but the latter smiled again, her eyes sparkling.

 

“But even if you had improper thoughts, I wouldn’t blame you.” The Omega’s Bohemian long dress swayed with the wind, lace ribbons adorned her shoulders, giving her an ethereal quality.

 

“After all, you blush every time you see me.”

 

Bai Nian couldn’t deny this statement; she did indeed blush every time she saw Chen Qingying.

 

Because she was a great beauty, who wouldn’t feel shy seeing a mature, gentle, and charming older sister?

 

“It’s your fault for being so beautiful,” she didn’t hesitate to give a compliment.

 

Chen Qingying smiled faintly. She had heard compliments about her appearance since childhood and didn’t react much to them.

 

The film set was some distance away, and the nanny van was parked at the entrance. Seeing them descend the steps, the driver opened the back door.

 

Bai Nian very considerately put her hand on the car roof to prevent Chen Qingying from hitting her head. Chen Qingying elegantly got into the car, her swaying skirt trailing in the back seat, which she unhurriedly gathered.

 

After she was settled, Bai Nian squeezed in, feeling the person beside her pause for a moment.

 

Chen Qingying looked up. After taking off her sunglasses, those foxy eyes became even clearer and softer in the dim environment. Her eyelashes were long and straight, sparsely catching the overhead light beneath her eyes.

 

The two looked at each other, and Bai Nian broke out in a sweat.

 

W-what’s wrong?

 

The driver was a taciturn middle-aged male Beta. He cleared his throat loudly and met Bai Nian’s confused gaze in the rearview mirror.

 

“Assistant Miss, please sit in the front passenger seat.”

 

At this reminder, Bai Nian’s face flushed with embarrassment. Under Chen Qingying’s unreadable gaze, she awkwardly got out of the car and buckled herself into the front passenger seat.

 

To ease the awkwardness, she pulled out a pre-prepared bottle of mineral water from her bag and passed it through the gap: “Ms. Chen, would you like some water?”

 

Anyone with eyes could understand her intention. Chen Qingying didn’t expose her, reaching out to take it.

 

The mineral water, taken from the refrigerator, was cool, and the plastic wrapper clung tightly to the bottle.

 

Bai Nian was visibly nervous, extending her arm to hand it over, veins bulging on the back of her hand, a stark contrast to Chen Qingying’s hand.

 

“Thank you,” the Omega’s voice came from behind, yet it felt as if it was right next to her ear, making her earlobe tingle and redden, causing her to scratch it repeatedly.

 

As they pulled away, Chen Qingying’s soft fingertips unconsciously brushed Bai Nian’s palm, startling her into quickly retracting her hand.

 

It was a perfectly normal action, but recalling their earlier conversation, she felt utterly awkward.

 

Chen Qingying, having received the water, didn’t twist it open. She simply held it in her palm, leaning back in her seat, gazing at the receding scenery outside the window.

 

The journey was silent.

 

The horizon turned a pale, fish-belly white, a bluish hue tinged with faint blue, igniting the lingering clouds as the sun rose, burning along that spot until the sky was fully bright.

 

Bai Nian followed Chen Qingying all the way to the film set. Many people enthusiastically greeted her, and Chen Qingying returned their greetings one by one, like a polite and popular senior student.

 

Not just her, but others also cast curious glances at Bai Nian. A new face inevitably drew attention. Chen Qingying simply introduced her.

 

“Temporary assistant. Little Wang is on leave for personal reasons.”

 

The set’s backdrops and resting rooms weren’t far apart. Walking through the wide, noisy corridor, busy figures could be seen through the slightly ajar doors.

 

Chen Qingying’s exclusive dressing room was well-located. Although it was on the second floor, it had ample light and was twice the size of other actors’ rooms.

 

Pushing the door open, Bai Nian heard an enthusiastic female voice.

 

“Oh, you’re finally here! Did you get delayed today?” The woman was idly fiddling with her makeup brushes. Seeing Chen Qingying, she instantly perked up.

 

She wore a collared vintage motorcycle leather jacket, with silver accessories visible everywhere on her body. Her purple-red streaked short hair revealed her right ear, and a cross earring dangled with her movements.

 

Zhou Qingzhi, Chen Qingying’s friend in the original book, was a hardcore hot girl who loved motorcycles. She was also playful and willing to try anything, serving as Chen Qingying’s semi-exclusive makeup artist.

 

The last time they met at a bar, Chen Qingying’s group of friends had seen the original owner, and Zhou Qingzhi was among them.

 

Their gazes met in the air. Zhou Qingzhi naturally noticed Bai Nian, scrutinizing her up and down for a moment, then showed a look of sudden realization: “Isn’t this…”

 

She didn’t finish her sentence, shifting her gaze to Chen Qingying, waiting for an explanation.

 

Chen Qingying pulled out a chair and sat upright in front of the mirror. The perfectly angled light illuminated her face without any shadows. She slowly took off her small earrings and placed them on the table, then unhurriedly said, “My temporary assistant.”

 

“Hello, my name is Bai Nian,” Bai Nian extended her hand generously to introduce herself.

 

Zhou Qingzhi winked at Chen Qingying, but the latter completely ignored her. Only then did she force a smile and offer her hand: “Hello, hello, I’ve heard much about you.”

 

Their hands touched briefly and separated. Bai Nian couldn’t even feel any warmth, but based on the book’s description and her intuition, she believed Zhou Qingzhi didn’t like her.

 

After all, the original owner’s reputation among Chen Qingying’s friends was not good. To put it bluntly and unpleasantly, she was a gold-digger.

 

When Chen Qingying was about to marry Bai Nian, this Zhou Qingzhi had jumped out, listing no less than ten reasons to stop them, watching helplessly as they registered their marriage.

 

Bai Nian was going to take the blame again.

 

“My name is Zhou Qingzhi, I’m Qingying’s friend and makeup artist. I saw you at the bar before.”

 

These words weren’t pleasant to hear, as they touched upon the original owner’s most unwillingly mentioned past. After becoming the Chen family’s live-in Alpha, she clearly forgot her roots.

 

Bai Nian didn’t care. Chen Qingying spoke first: “Come quickly and do my styling. The second scene is mine.”

 

“Miss Bai, would you mind helping me get today’s costume? It’s with the styling teacher next door, just tell them my name.”

 

Bai Nian, having something to do, nodded repeatedly and left the makeup room after responding. Only the two women remained in the entire room.

 

Seeing her leave, Zhou Qingzhi stopped what she was doing: “Seriously, Grandma, why did you bring her here? Aren’t you afraid people will find out about your relationship?”

 

“Who cares about such trivial matters?” Chen Qingying said unhurriedly, picking up her phone to look at a file she had received, not even lifting her head.

 

“True, anyway, if it gets out, your family will handle it. Where’s Little Wang?” After moisturizing her face, Zhou Qingzhi began applying a thick layer of foundation.

 

The camera tends to “eat” makeup, so offline makeup is often exaggerated and heavy. Fortunately, Chen Qingying was naturally beautiful, and a little embellishment could make her stunning.

 

She was a typical “strong-featured” beauty, with prominent brow bones that made her eye sockets deep, giving a misleading impression of tender affection when she looked at people. Among her delicate features, her slightly narrow double eyelids perfectly balanced this out.

 

Beautiful without being overdone, appearing fake or overly seductive.

 

“She’s not feeling well, and there are some family matters, so I gave her a few days off,” Chen Qingying casually swiped through the PDF, scanning it quickly.

 

“But you can’t just find her! You know how vain Bai Nian is. She’ll agree not to tell anyone on the surface, but secretly she’ll hint to people that your relationship with her is extraordinary,” Zhou Qingzhi said with disdain.

 

“Then if your rivals see it and it goes viral, you’ll be in for it.”

 

Chen Qingying helplessly turned off her phone, looking at herself in the mirror, allowing herself to be styled: “I didn’t find her; Little Wang asked for her help.”

 

“What kind of judgment does Little Wang have…”

 

“Maybe Bai Nian delivered a meal last time, and Little Wang thought she was good at taking care of people, so she added her on WeChat,” Chen Qingying didn’t know what their relationship was like or what they discussed privately.

 

“Huh? So scheming. She’s probably hoping to get familiar with Little Wang,” Zhou Qingzhi made a disgusted expression.

 

“Perhaps,” even knowing that Bai Nian was different from before, Chen Qingying remained tight-lipped, vaguely agreeing.

 

Zhou Qingzhi was a noisy and outgoing person, chattering like a cheerful little sparrow, her mouth never stopping.

 

“I really don’t think this Alpha is all that. She’s clumsy and probably trying to trip you up behind your back.” She began styling Chen Qingying’s hair.

 

Fortunately, the crew’s costumes weren’t pull-over. They could be put on layer by layer, otherwise, putting on intricate outfits before makeup would waste a lot of time.

 

“Then you come be my temporary assistant?” Chen Qingying opened her eyes, looking at Zhou Qingzhi, who was busily working behind her, through the mirror.

 

In the bright light, her upturned eye corners became even more beautiful and alluring, her slowly moving pupils like a lazy cat surveying its surroundings.

 

“Don’t try to charm me, it won’t work,” Zhou Qingzhi retaliated by tugging at her hair, making Chen Qingying feel both itchy and painful.

 

She really didn’t know what Chen Qingying ate to grow up like this; just a glance from her could make one’s heart itch. Fortunately, Zhou Qingzhi was also an Omega, otherwise, she might not have had such self-control.

 

Bai Nian, who had been sent away, knew that Zhou Qingzhi was going to have some private “sister talk” with Chen Qingying again, and these conversations would most likely revolve around her.

 

She carefully held a pile of costumes whose necklines were indistinguishable and knocked on the makeup room door.

 

The hushed discussions inside stopped, and Zhou Qingzhi called out loudly, “Come in.”

 

Bai Nian placed the costumes on the sofa and saw Zhou Qingzhi already packing her makeup bag. Chen Qingying sat beside her, subtly adjusting details of her makeup that she wasn’t satisfied with.

 

“Just put them there,” Zhou Qingzhi, clearly more experienced than Bai Nian, the temporary assistant, said. “I’m leaving now, Xiao Bai, take good care of Qingying.”

 

“Walk slow,” Bai Nian walked over and saw Chen Qingying using her fingertips to blend lipstick.

 

Zhou Qingzhi’s makeup skills, though not yet perfected, suited Chen Qingying’s bone structure well. Coupled with the actress’s own understanding of the role, she listened well to Chen Qingying and would make slight adjustments in certain areas.

 

The rouge color stained her fingertips crimson, spreading layer by layer to the lip edges. Chen Qingying’s lips were very beautiful, of moderate thickness, with upturned corners, especially her full cupid’s bow.

 

They looked very kissable.

 

Bai Nian averted her gaze, and Chen Qingying’s words echoed in her ears.

 

“Hand me the costume on the sofa. It’s hard for me to put on.”

 

“Oh.” She picked up the intricate clothes, first taking the pure white undergarment in her hand.

 

Chen Qingying was about to remind her, but seeing her actions, she said nothing, stood up, and spread her arms, the meaning clear.

 

Looking at the costume in her hand, which didn’t even have a visible collar, she was at a loss, casting a pitiful, pleading look at the other person.

 

After a sigh, Chen Qingying slightly raised her chin: “You unfold it. That long, trailing strip is the belt.”

 

After some instructions, Bai Nian finally understood. She walked in front of the Omega and draped the wide fabric over her slender back.

 

The two butterfly bones behind the backless long dress looked like they were about to sprout a pair of wings. Their beautiful contours made one wonder if Chen Qingying’s skeletal structure itself was superior to others.

 

To avoid Chen Qingying overthinking, she deliberately avoided skin contact with her hands. However, while adjusting the collar, the other party brushed aside the hair draped over her shoulders.

 

The pheromone inhibitor patch adhered to the gland, vaguely protruding a tiny bit. Bai Nian wasn’t unfamiliar with the ABO world; Alpha and Omega necks had glands that stored pheromones, which differentiated after adulthood, distinguishing them from Betas.

 

Distracted, she accidentally brushed the edge of the inhibitor patch and immediately felt the person in front of her tense up.

 

“Don’t move around.” Chen Qingying’s voice showed no discernible emotion, but Bai Nian felt she was somewhat displeased.

 

“Sorry, I was just trying to help you flip the collar…” Bai Nian explained softly, immediately moving away from behind her and walking to the front.

 

Her slightly narrow, slender shoulders, accentuated by the shoulder pads in the undergarment, gained a bit of presence. She began to reach for the belt that had fallen to the floor. Just as she was about to approach Chen Qingying’s lower abdomen, a pair of hands pulled it away.

 

“I’ll do it,” Chen Qingying politely declined.

 

After layering on four layers, they finally reached the outer robe.

 

Even Bai Nian couldn’t help but quietly think to herself, so many clothes, tiring for the wearer, and the actors still had to film in hot weather.

 

It’s really not easy.

 

At least Chen Qingying made a fortune from acting. Aside from respect, she felt no envy.

 

“Roll kings” (people who work extremely hard) all burn their lives for it.

 

After all the costumes were on, Bai Nian stared at the belt in her hand, stumped. This belt was intricately made, with a mechanism specially installed at the buckle for martial arts scenes. She herself was confused when she got her hands on it.

 

“Ms. Chen, this…” Bai Nian handed it over. Seeing Chen Qingying look at her, she instantly understood.

 

She found one end of the buckle, wrapped it around the Omega, finally gathering both ends in her hand, and began to ponder.

 

“This is wrapped around here and then tightened, right?” She repeated Chen Qingying’s earlier instructions. Just as she was about to lower her head, her forehead was stopped by two fingers.

 

“Miss Bai,” Chen Qingying’s words were warm, carrying wafts of fragrance, “Too close.”

 

Only then did Bai Nian realize she was almost pressed against the other person. If someone were to inadvertently walk in, they might misunderstand their relationship.

 

Looking up slightly, her head could almost bump into Chen Qingying’s chin. That faint, slightly bitter scent wafted over again, the rosemary long-lasting and refreshing, accompanied by the rise and fall of her chest with each breath.

 

“I’m sorry!” With a click, the belt buckle fell to the floor. Bai Nian retreated repeatedly, hiding behind the sofa, her face flushed.

 

“I didn’t mean to lean in, believe me.” She clutched the leather sofa tightly, her nails almost digging into it. The back of her hand was strained, veins bulging, especially noticeable on her fair skin.

 

Like a cooked shrimp, red from inside out.

 

Chen Qingying hadn’t expected her to react so strongly. She picked up the belt and calmly straightened it: “Never mind. The styling teacher will check it later and can help with it. Don’t blame yourself.”

 

“I know you don’t have improper thoughts about me.”

 

The last four words were said lightly, but they struck Bai Nian’s mind heavily. Chen Qingying was using her previous words to excuse her, or perhaps, to throw them back at her.

 

Whichever it was, it was so embarrassing.

 

She should have known not to say anything. Now the other person was fixated on it, bringing it up repeatedly.

 

Bai Nian was on the verge of tears, wishing she could curl up like a hedgehog. Chen Qingying saw this, stopped what she was doing, and chuckled softly.

 

The sound was particularly clear in the small resting room, making Bai Nian even more mortified.

 

The hem of a skirt came into view. Chen Qingying bent down, meeting her gaze: “It was just a joke, don’t mind it.”

 

How could Bai Nian not mind? She wished she could escape immediately. Especially knowing that Chen Qingying was staring at her without blinking, she felt completely uncomfortable.

 

“Are you really angry?” The Omega’s voice softened, a tone she didn’t usually use, sending a tingling sensation from her spine to her limbs.

 

The scent of her filled Bai Nian’s nostrils.

 

“No, I’m just pathetic,” Bai Nian said directly.

 

Alright, alright, she admitted that she had always been captivated by beautiful women since she was little, especially the pleasant scent of perfume on women, which she could savor for a long time.

 

Perhaps because she had never been very feminine herself, Bai Nian always admired charming women. On the street, she couldn’t help but take extra glances at women wearing perfume that lingered pleasantly without being overpowering, or those dressed provocatively.

 

She and Chen Qingying were simply two extremes.

 

She believed that even in that world, Chen Qingying would still be a goddess who captivated many men.

 

Seeing her so frank, a flicker of surprise crossed Chen Qingying’s eyes. She gently curved her eyes, like two small crescent moons: “I won’t say it again next time.”

 

She rarely made such a concession.

 

Seeing Bai Nian still immersed in the recent events, she comforted her again: “Alpha and Omega pheromones will naturally attract each other. There’s no need to feel ashamed about it.”

 

“Really?” Bai Nian took in this sentence and felt a little better.

 

She thought, how could things have been so off these past few days? Her gaze was practically glued to Chen Qingying, turns out it was the pheromones at play.

 

Mentioning this, the other party’s gaze lingered on her neck for a moment, overtly and directly, like some kind of hint, her expression unreadable.

 

“But you… are you in susceptible?”

 

Otherwise, it wouldn’t be like this, no matter what.

 

And Bai Nian was an Alpha for the first time.

 

Bai Nian froze, then immediately understood. She wasn’t ignorant of what Alpha’s susceptible and Omega’s estrus referred to; her face instantly flushed.

 

“I, I don’t know…” She could only understand the general concept from online popular science, but she hadn’t experienced the specifics.

 

Susceptible wasn’t something one could easily get through. Those with strong willpower could barely hold on, but those with weak willpower would be overwhelmed by even a slight release of Omega pheromones.

 

Bai Nian clearly belonged to the latter, and what’s more, the person in front of her was Chen Qingying, an excellent genetic existence that any Alpha would find hard to resist.

 

“It’s okay, I can endure it.” While thinking this, her words were another matter. Afraid of accidentally scaring Chen Qingying, she preemptively stated her stance.

 

“Are you really okay?” Chen Qingying leaned in, the scent of her pheromones growing stronger, crawling over Bai Nian’s entire body like ants.

 

Her hot breath, exhaled with her words, sprayed onto Bai Nian’s cheeks, leaving an itchy sensation wherever it touched. Bai Nian couldn’t reach out to scratch, so she just endured it.

 

“But you don’t look too good,” the Omega’s long, straight eyelashes were half-lowered, concealing the thoughts swirling in her eyes. “Do you need me to release some pheromones to help calm you down?”

 

Her words were so sincere that Bai Nian almost agreed.

 

Just a moment ago, she hadn’t felt such an intense sensation.

 

Her exquisite, cold features revealed a lazy charm, and her gentle, husky voice hummed like a cunning fox.

 

Bai Nian used to scoff at the “fragrant and soft” beauties in novels, but now she seemed to empathize. It turned out that truly charming people appealed to both men and women.

 

Her gaze shifted downwards, tracing Chen Qingying’s beautiful lip line, almost writing “I want to kiss you” on her face. The other’s hand brushed aside her long hair, resting on the pheromone inhibitor patch, as if with just a word from Bai Nian, she would immediately tear it off.

 

“I…” Bai Nian hadn’t finished speaking when Chen Qingying suddenly interrupted.

 

“Such a private matter, I imagine Miss Bai wouldn’t want to. My apologies, I was presumptuous.” The woman stood up, the buckle at her waist clinking against her jade pendant, making a crisp, clear sound.

 

The aura surrounding her disappeared. Bai Nian stared blankly at Chen Qingying, her heart feeling empty for a moment.

 

Lost in her own world, she naturally didn’t notice the mischievous glint that flashed in the other’s eyes.