Transmigrated as the Contracted Alpha Who Marked the Film Queen (GL) - Chapter 7

The next morning, Lu Xian woke up early. Just as she finished preparing breakfast, the doorbell rang twice.

When Lu Xian opened the door wearing an apron, Lu Li double-checked the house number in surprise.

Lu Xian said, “Sister Lu Li, you’re at the right place.”

Whenever there was work, Lu Li would almost always come to pick up Ling Tingyu. This was the first time Lu Xian had opened the door for her usually, she’d still be lazing in bed, waiting to be fed.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen made Lu Li, who habitually brought two meals, stare in disbelief. “You’re making breakfast?”

Lu Xian nodded. But what shocked Lu Li even more was when a girl dressed in soft pink emerged from the guest room, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she walked.

Lu Li froze for a few seconds before glaring at Lu Xian with undisguised disgust. “You dare bring another woman home? Does Tingyu know?”

Before Lu Xian could explain, Wen Tian hurriedly gestured with her hands: [Sister, it’s a misunderstanding! I’m Lu Xian’s younger sister, not some other woman.]

Lu Li didn’t understand sign language, only seeing the pink-clad girl growing increasingly flustered, her cheeks flushing red.

Realizing Lu Li couldn’t comprehend her, Wen Tian glanced sideways at Lu Xian for help.

Lu Xian quickly clarified, “Sister Lu Li, you’ve misunderstood. She’s my sister.”

Wen Tian nodded vigorously in agreement.

Lu Li gave Wen Tian a sidelong glance. She didn’t recall Lu Xian having any sisters, but the girl seemed young and harmless, without any ill intentions.

Wen Tian smiled at Lu Li and reached out to take the meal box from her hands.

Lu Li pulled back. “No need. I’ll handle it myself.”

Wen Tian withdrew her hand awkwardly. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Lu Li disliked Lu Xian and by extension, harbored hostility toward her as well.

Mechanically, Lu Li said to Lu Xian, “I didn’t know your sister was here. I only brought two breakfasts.”

Though Lu Li wasn’t fond of Lu Xian, she still brought meals for her out of consideration for Ling Tingyu.

Lu Xian replied, “Sister Lu Li, I’ve troubled you all this time. There’s no need to bring me food anymore, I’ve been practicing my cooking lately and have improved quite a bit.”

She ladled out a bowl of pumpkin porridge from the kitchen. “Sister Lu Li, try some.”

The rich scent of pumpkin and millet porridge had filled the room since Lu Li entered. She glanced down at the golden-hued porridge but restrained herself. “No, thanks. I prefer coffee in the mornings.”

Lu Li had no intention of accepting Lu Xian’s goodwill. Her resentment toward her wouldn’t fade anytime soon.

Lu Xian didn’t press further. Meanwhile, Wen Tian typed a message on her phone and slid it toward Lu Li. Sipping her coffee with an icy demeanor, Lu Li barely lifted her chin to glance at the screen.

Worried Lu Li might not see clearly across the table, Wen Tian leaned forward slightly: [Sister, drinking coffee in the morning isn’t good for your stomach. You should try the pumpkin porridge, it’s really delicious!]

The message carried the sweet, cautious tone unique to a young girl, complete with soft, pleading phrasing. Lu Li merely averted her gaze and gave a noncommittal hum.

Wen Tian puffed her cheeks slightly, sensing Lu Li’s disinterest, and sat back down to quietly sip her porridge.

Lu Xian returned to her room to change clothes. By the time she came out, Ling Tingyu had finished freshening up and was habitually unpacking the breakfast Lu Li had brought.

Wen Tian eagerly trotted to the kitchen and brought out a bowl of pumpkin-millet porridge, placing it before Ling Tingyu.

Ling Tingyu paused mid-motion and looked at Wen Tian.

Wen Tian gestured: [Sister Tingyu, have some porridge. Lu Xian woke up early to make it.]

Ling Tingyu found it hard to believe. Last night, Lu Xian had warmed milk for her, and today, not only had Lu Xian woken up early but also cooked porridge things Lu Xian had never done before. This sudden, uncharacteristic change in behavior left her wondering what Lu Xian was up to.

Was she trying to butter her up first to lower her guard before spreading false rumors?

Lost in thought, Ling Tingyu stared at the bowl of porridge.

Seeing Ling Tingyu silent for several seconds, Lu Li asked, “Tingyu, which one would you like to eat?”

“I don’t have much appetite in the morning. I don’t feel like eating.” Ling Tingyu wasn’t in the mood for food. “Lu Li, let’s go.”

“Alright.” Lu Li picked up her own breakfast and headed out, puzzled by the current state between Ling Tingyu and Lu Xian. Everything had been fine yesterday, yet today it felt like there was some tension between them.

Ling Tingyu said coldly, “We’re leaving.”

“Ling… Tingyu.” Before Lu Xian could finish speaking, the door had already closed.

Wen Tian poked Lu Xian’s arm gloomily: [What’s wrong with Tingyu-jie?]

“I don’t know.” Lu Xian thought back to her own actions but couldn’t recall anything that might have upset Ling Tingyu.

Wen Tian fidgeted nervously: [Is it because I’m staying here and bothering you two?]

“No, don’t overthink it.” Lu Xian knew Ling Tingyu wouldn’t be upset just because Wen Tian was staying with them.

[Then why didn’t you two sleep in the same room last night?]

Wen Tian slowly gestured, hesitant to ask but worried it was because of her that they weren’t sharing a room.

“Where does a kid like you get so many strange questions?” Lu Xian nudged Wen Tian toward the dining table. “Finish your meal and go back to your room to do your homework. There are ingredients in the fridge make your own lunch. Call me if you need anything.”

Alright…

Wen Tian silently ate her porridge, deciding to keep a low profile in the house until her parents returned from their business trip.

The morning subway was packed, and Lu Xian missed her stop in the crowd, forcing her to double back.

By the time Lu Xian arrived at the film studio, Chen Mo had already changed into his costume.

Spotting her, Chen Mo quickly shoved an extra costume at her. “What took you so long? Hurry up and change. Our scene is next have you memorized your lines?”

Lu Xian: “Don’t worry.”

Extras didn’t get dressing rooms; they just threw on their costumes and got in front of the camera.

The costume was a simple period outfit, slightly oversized and carrying an unpleasant odor, likely from being worn by many others.

Lu Xian didn’t have time to complain. As she finished dressing, she heard the director shout “Cut!” in the distance.

The director’s voice came through the walkie-talkie: “Tingyu, you’re not in top form today. Take a moment to adjust, then we’ll go again.”

Ling Tingyu was the female lead of this historical drama, a stunning yet formidable warrior skilled in both martial arts and strategy.

Lu Xian glanced over and heard Ling Tingyu apologize, “Sorry, Director. My apologies to everyone.”

Chen Mo crossed his arms, watching with amusement. “The award-winning actress is off her game today. Scenes she usually nails in one take are taking three tries. Looks like we’ll be waiting a while longer.”

Lu Xian lowered her gaze, recalling how Ling Tingyu hadn’t said a single word to her that morning. Something was definitely off.

Had something happened?

The director gave her a few minutes to rest, and Ling Tingyu nodded, taking a seat in the break area.

Nearby, Yu Xue’er smirked leisurely. “Who would’ve thought even the great Ling Tingyu would have multiple NGs?”

Six months ago, Yu Xue’er had also vied for the lead female role in this drama. Unexpectedly, the director deemed her unsuitable and suggested the supporting female role instead. Initially, Yu Xue’er didn’t want to play second fiddle to Ling Tingyu, but she couldn’t bear to pass up this major IP production. Swallowing the humiliation of being outranked by Ling Tingyu in the credits, she had held a grudge ever since.

During filming, Yu Xue’er had given Ling Tingyu no shortage of trouble.

As the shoot neared its end, Ling Tingyu simply stopped acknowledging her.

“Don’t want to talk to me?” Yu Xue’er smiled. “I heard you’re also joining Director Liang’s new project. We’ll have plenty of chances to chat later.”

Ling Tingyu’s brows furrowed slightly.

Yu Xue’er leaned in and teased softly, “Best Actress Ling, always ending up in the same crew as me… can’t bear to be apart?”

Ling Tingyu stepped back with a warning look. “Yu Xue’er, have some self-respect.”

Yu Xue’er shrugged.

Separated by a boundary line from the main cast, extras like Lu Xian could only watch from afar, unable to hear what Ling Tingyu was saying to the person beside her. But it didn’t seem like a pleasant conversation.

After the break, they filmed the final scene the female general’s triumphant parade on horseback.

Seeing the setup and the white horse tethered nearby, Lu Xian suddenly remembered the accident described in the novel about this concluding scene.

The book depicted Ling Tingyu’s character riding through the capital amidst cheering crowds and festive drums. Everything went smoothly until the perfect finale just as Ling Tingyu was about to dismount, the horse suddenly reared in fright, throwing her off. She suffered a leg fracture that left lasting damage, causing her career to stagnate.

The novel mentioned the horse hadn’t been startled without reason someone had deliberately pricked its nose with a needle.

As this plot point surfaced in Lu Xian’s memory, her heart leaped to her throat. She didn’t know who the saboteur was.

Surrounded by fellow extras preparing to play cheering citizens during the parade, Lu Xian realized the crowded chaos would provide perfect cover for foul play.

Her scanning gaze found nothing suspicious before the director called the extras to their positions.

The crowd actors lined up neatly along the long Ping’an Street.

Lu Xian grabbed Chen Mo’s arm. “Chen Mo, you take my three lines today.”

“Why? I haven’t prepared.”

“I know you’ve been practicing backstage. You’ll do fine.”

Chen Mo hesitated, both pleased and embarrassed by the opportunity.

Noticing the horse being brought in, Lu Xian added, “Don’t worry, anyone could deliver these lines.”

“Alright then.” Chen Mo rubbed his palms, quietly rehearsing the three phrases, cherishing this unexpected chance.

At the director’s “Action!”, the beautiful white horse entered slowly, Ling Tingyu resplendent in red battle attire atop it.

A breeze stirred as the horse advanced, making Ling Tingyu’s high ponytail sway rhythmically, her delicate features now radiating heroic charm.

The crowd cheered in unison: “Hail the general’s triumphant return!”

The acclamations rose in waves. Lu Xian looked up at Ling Tingyu.

Their gazes met across the short distance, Ling Tingyu above, Lu Xian below.

Ling Tingyu’s expression faltered momentarily, seemingly surprised by Lu Xian’s presence.

Lu Xian’s striking beauty made her stand out even in tattered clothes among the masses.

It was this flawless face that had once deceived Ling Tingyu. Quickly averting her eyes, Ling Tingyu rode onward.

As the long street scene concluded, celebratory fireworks marked the wrap of filming, drawing everyone’s attention.

Lu Xian had a bad premonition, her palms sweating nervously.

Pushing through the crowd, she approached Ling Tingyu, trying to help her dismount: “Ms. Ling, come down.”

Ling Tingyu lowered her gaze: “Why did you follow me here?”

The moment she spoke, the groom waiting nearby moved to assist Ling down but not before forcefully pressing his palm against the horse’s nose.

It was over. The groom was the one who startled the horse.

With a sharp whinny, the white horse reared violently, its front hooves lifting high as Ling Tingyu’s body jerked backward, her hands instinctively tightening on the reins.

In that split second, Lu Xian swiftly wrapped an arm around Ling Tingyu’s waist, pulling her off the horse while catching her with the other.

The Omega was light, landing securely in Lu Xian’s arms. Lu Xian exhaled in relief: “Are you okay?”

Ling Tingyu felt her slender back collide with the Alpha’s soft embrace, her already racing heart pounding even faster.

The agitated horse, now out of control, broke free from the reins and injured several people nearby.

Chaos erupted on set. The groom shot Lu Xian a glare before hastily chasing after the horse, pretending to calm it down.

Lu Xian carried Ling Tingyu away from the commotion before setting her down.

No one noticed them. Ling Tingyu, still shaken, had red-rimmed eyes and a pale face, barely able to stand.

Lu Xian steadied her by the wrist: “Are you hurt anywhere?”

Ling Tingyu leaned weakly into Lu Xian, her full weight surrendered as she moved her ankle and whimpered: “My ankle… it really hurts…!”