A Max-Level Film Queen Takes on the Scumbag Alpha Script [Transmigration] - Chapter 19

Ai Ya was one of the very few “unassigned” individuals in the world—a genderless person without a subgender—and a legend in the field of pheromone medicine. While she possessed no pheromones of her own, her research into them, aided by advanced medical technology, was far deeper than that of the average person.

Years ago, Yan Shu had scouted her from medical school and hired her at a high salary to work at the research institute established by the Yan family. Simultaneously, she served as Yan Shu’s personal physician, treating her chronic condition. A mixed-race woman with exquisite, exotic features, Ai Ya loved nothing more than teasing beautiful people like Yan Shu.

But at this moment, she had completely abandoned her cool image. She was pitifully clinging to Yan Shu’s arm, practically weeping over her lost double salary.

“Darling! Your heart is made of stone! You can’t do this to me—”

Yan Shu ignored her, one arm being dragged by Ai Ya while the other continued to scroll through her phone, completely unmoved. Having known each other for years, Yan Shu was all too familiar with Ai Ya’s usual theatrics and refused to fall for them.

Seeing that Yan Shu wasn’t buying the tragic persona, Ai Ya’s eyes flickered, and she decided to change tactics to plead for mercy.

“Actually, I didn’t mean to come back late. I met an expert in Hawaii and spent time discussing academic issues with her…”

As expected, Yan Shu’s hand paused, and she raised an eyebrow at Ai Ya.

“About that salary…” Ai Ya smirked, looking for all the world like she wouldn’t tell Yan Shu what they discussed unless she got her bonus back.

Yan Shu looked at the smug Ai Ya for a moment. In truth, she hadn’t actually intended to dock her pay; she just wanted to tease her. But now that Ai Ya was using information as leverage, Yan Shu found it to be a fair trade. She nodded willingly. “Fine. It’s back.”

Relieved that her double salary was safe, Ai Ya climbed off the floor, grabbed a chair, and sat down beside Yan Shu. Her aura shifted instantly.

“I talked a lot with her and have a few new research directions, but they all need testing. I’ll talk to you once I have results.” Ai Ya had calmed down, becoming steady and focused—a completely different person from the one who was just begging for money.

This was exactly what Yan Shu appreciated about her. No matter how eccentric or playful she was in daily life, Ai Ya became intensely professional the moment they discussed her field.

She pulled a small notebook from her bag and began questioning Yan Shu about her recent condition, specifically re-examining the details of the “pheromone leak.” Then, she had Yan Shu tilt her head to observe the gland at the back of her neck.

Looking at her notes, Ai Ya found herself uncharacteristically short on ideas. She mused for a moment, then turned to Yan Shu. “Find some time to come to the institute. It’s almost time for your regular check-up anyway. And, if possible, I want you to bring Jiang Baihe along.”

Yan Shu was taken aback. “Why bring her?”

“The symptoms appeared out of nowhere. The variable factor is either in you or in her. I want to redo your compatibility tests.” Seeing Yan Shu’s silence, Ai Ya leaned in with a smirk. “What? Didn’t you suspect she has multiple personalities? We can give her a neurological check-up while we’re at it.”

Yan Shu looked down, her lashes trembling slightly. “I think… she’s fine.”

Jiang Baihe’s recent changes were indeed massive, overturning everything Yan Shu’s pre-marriage investigation had shown. She had even sent Jin Wen to look into it, and even those close to Jiang Baihe—Song Jia and Xiao Xu—felt her behavior was abnormal. Thus, Yan Shu had previously suspected Dissociative Identity Disorder.

But after these days of interaction, she found Jiang Baihe to be perfectly normal. Her life was stable, and she was positive and driven. If she truly had a medical condition, it wouldn’t be this seamless. Yan Shu was now leaning toward the explanation Jiang Baihe had given her: that entering a new stage of life had simply made her mature.

Ai Ya shrugged. “It’s just a suggestion. It’s up to you.”

Yan Shu sighed. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to bring Jiang Baihe, but the girl had just started filming, and her schedule was packed. Yan Shu didn’t want to disrupt her work for a theory that wasn’t even proven yet.

Learning of Yan Shu’s concern, Ai Ya laughed. “Darling, you two are legally married. Why the hesitation? And if you don’t have a reason to bring her… then don’t use a reason.”

Yan Shu glanced at her, wondering what advice was coming next.

Ai Ya mimed pushing up a pair of non-existent glasses and said solemnly, “There is nothing that can’t be solved by acting a little ‘coquettish’ (cute/vulnerable). If once doesn’t work, try a few more times—I don’t believe she’d dare refuse to come with you.”

It was another busy morning. Jiang Baihe, sitting on her stool waiting for lunch, suddenly sneezed. She felt a strange sensation, as if someone were plotting against her in secret. She shook her head with a laugh, tossing the thought aside as she took her lunchbox from Xiao Xu.

The bag felt different today. Jiang Baihe raised an eyebrow. “Huh? Why is it so heavy?”

“Don’t you know?” Director Song was sitting nearby, smiling. “The crew’s meals have been upgraded. From now on, every meal comes with a daily soup.”

“Really?!” Tang Yuan cried out from nearby, opening her bag to find a bowl of clear soup. “Yay!” Even if she couldn’t eat most things due to her diet, she could at least have a sip of soup!

Jiang Baihe was also pleasantly surprised, thinking the production team had finally found their conscience.

Beside her, Song Zhishu watched Jiang Baihe eat with mixed emotions. This drama required a massive amount of CGI; almost all the budget was prioritized for post-production. It was impossible to provide these kinds of perks.

This daily soup was a result of recent additional investment from Sihai Group.

Song Zhishu had originally thought Jiang Baihe was just a new starlet Sihai Entertainment wanted to promote. He hadn’t expected her backing to be the even wealthier Sihai Group. And he certainly didn’t expect Jiang Baihe and President Yan to have that kind of relationship…

Having been in the industry for years, Song Zhishu had seen his fair share of “sugar baby” arrangements. Some accepted the unspoken rules for resources, while others were forced. If it stayed hidden, it was fine, but exposure was a fatal blow to a career. He didn’t know which category Jiang Baihe fell into, but out of a desire to nurture a talented actress, he hoped she wouldn’t be ruined by such issues.

He didn’t know they were legally married and was genuinely worried about her future.

Jiang Baihe, sensing a strong gaze, looked around and realized Song Zhishu was staring at her. “Director Song, are you alright?”

Song Zhishu thought for a moment and asked, “Is the soup good?”

“It’s great!” Jiang Baihe beamed. “This crew is the best!”

“Mhm.” Song Zhishu smiled meaningfully, shook his head, and stood up to leave with his stool. “Make sure you thank Sihai Group.”

Jiang Baihe blinked, stunned. A conversation from a few days ago flashed in her mind.

—”Is the food on set hard to get used to?”

—”It’s actually not bad.”

Jiang Baihe stared at the bowl of soup in silence, her heart suddenly moved. So… Little President Yan arranged this specifically?

“Senior Sister? Senior Sister!”

“Huh?” Jiang Baihe snapped out of it at Tang Yuan’s call. “What’s up?”

“You were just sitting there dazing and smiling like a fool, it was creepy,” Tang Yuan said. “Did something happen?”

Jiang Baihe cleared her throat. “No, I just thought of something happy.”

“Oh~” Tang Yuan accepted the answer and continued, “I was talking to Brother Pei about the scene we got stuck on this morning.” She sighed, then stared at Jiang Baihe enviously. “Senior Sister, how did you practice your acting? Teach me.”

Jiang Baihe rubbed her nose. “It’s just… you know, practice.”

Pei Xingyi smiled and joined in. “Baihe, no need to be modest. Your acting style is very mature. It’s hard to believe this is your first time acting.”

Hearing even a Film King praise her, Tang Yuan nodded frantically like a chick pecking grain. “Right, right!”

Looking at their curious eyes, Jiang Baihe smiled and a mischievous thought crossed her mind. She lowered her voice and said with deliberate ambiguity:

“Want to save a few years of struggle? Come find me tonight after we wrap…”

Pei Xingyi’s smile froze. Tang Yuan was so startled she choked on her own spit, crossing her arms in a frantic ‘X’ and stuttering, “S-S-S-Senior Sister! We don’t do ‘shady’ business!!”

“…I was going to say, to refine our acting.”

Seeing their terrified expressions, Jiang Baihe couldn’t help but burst into laughter behind her hand. “You two are so cute.”

The pranked Tang Yuan & Pei Xingyi: “…”

Damn it! How can this person be so annoying!