Accidentally Picked Up a Rich and Amnesiac Alpha (GL) - Chapter 40

Near noon, Yan Qingqi arrived with lunch but didn’t see Song Tingxue.

“Where is your Sister Song?” Yan Qingqi asked Xiaole.

Xiaole said, “Sister Song’s scene isn’t over yet. She told me to wait for you when the time came.”

Yan Qingqi waited for a quarter of an hour, still without seeing Song Tingxue emerge from the set. “Xiaole, can I go see Movie Queen Song filming?”

“Sure, I’ll take you.” Xiaole walked ahead. “Today is an emotional confrontation scene.”

“What kind of emotional scene?”

“The future Empress is applying medicine to the wounded future Emperor. This episode is going to be a huge hit.”

Yan Qingqi heard “applying medicine” and “huge hit.”

“Does the Emperor have to undress?”

“Mhm. He’s wounded on his waist, chest, and back. Of course, he has to expose his body. You must know that male actor, Sister Yan. It’s Xu Huanyan. He’s a massively popular celebrity. I just took a peek. He has a great physique, eight-pack abs.”

Yan Qingqi didn’t care about “Xu Huanyan,” but eight-pack abs! And Songsong was applying medicine to him! Where did this guy get such luck?!

“Let’s go quickly and take a look.” Yan Qingqi sped up as if she were flying.

When they arrived at the set, Yan Qingqi saw a mass of cameras, with over a dozen angles focused on the two people in the center.

A shirtless man was holding Songsong’s hand. “Rongrong.” Under the candlelight, the two exchanged longing glances, full of affection.

Yan Qingqi saw Songsong, dressed in snow-white clothes, her hand held, her face full of delicate shyness. Her mind went blank. Her blood rushed up, and she had to repeatedly tell herself, “This is acting, this is acting… Songsong is a great actress, she’s a Three Gold Movie Queen, this is just her superb acting.”

Song Tingxue noticed Yan Qingqi standing stiff and stunned in the crowd from the corner of her eye. She started to panic, but this was filming. She couldn’t stop until the director called ‘cut.’

Song Tingxue was a professional. Her eyes barely flickered, and she quickly settled back into the scene.

The scene was about to end. All the male actor had to do was ask, “I’ve already cut off Daqing’s head. Now your father should agree to our marriage, right?”

And she would deliver her line, “You’ve suffered such serious injuries. Rest well and don’t worry about it. All the soldiers saw you kill Daqing. My father can’t go back on his word.” Then the scene would be over.

Unexpectedly, the director suddenly yelled, “Cut!”

Both the lead actor and actress were surprised.

Song Tingxue looked at the director, Bai Ming, behind the monitor.

Xu Huanyan asked, “Director Bai, what’s wrong?”

Bai Ming walked over. “Huanyan, your acting is very good, but your expression is a little too much. At this point, you should show more nervousness and worry. You’re afraid her father won’t agree.”

Xu Huanyan looked confused. “I thought I was doing that.”

Bai Ming said, “Take a few more minutes to feel the emotion. With your physique exposed, I guarantee all the Omegas and Betas watching will scream. This fan-service scene will have their eyes wide open.”

Xu Huanyan immediately felt ten times more handsome. “Understood, Director Bai. I’ve got it.”

Bai Ming looked at Song Tingxue. “Tingxue, please bear with us again. Not everyone’s performance is as consistent as yours. Huanyan is also under pressure acting opposite you. Please cooperate one more time.”

Song Tingxue said, “It’s my duty to cooperate to make a good film.”

Bai Ming nodded. As he turned, he acted as if he had just noticed Yan Qingqi, a faint, cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. “Assistant Yan, you’ve come to bring Sister Song her meal again?”

Yan Qingqi said, “Yes, it’s mealtime, so I came to deliver the food. I hope I didn’t interrupt your filming, Director Bai?”

Bai Ming said, “Not at all, not at all. But I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to wait a moment. We need to shoot this scene again. Tingxue will be resting and eating a little later.”

Yan Qingqi said, “No problem. I’ll wait.”

Song Tingxue frowned slightly. She wanted to go speak to Yan Qingqi alone. However, Bai Ming quickly returned to his monitor and yelled, “Attention, all departments!”

Song Tingxue had to quickly compose herself and return to the scene. Over a dozen cameras focused on the two of them again. Fill lights were turned on, and the boom mic extended once more.

Xu Huanyan was shirtless on the bed again.

Yan Qingqi stood rooted to the spot, watching silently. Her gaze followed Songsong’s hand as she picked up the medicine bottle, used her fingertip to scoop out the ointment, and delicately rubbed the thin layer of ointment onto the hideous wounds.

Song Tingxue, in her white costume, was as cool as snow, pure as a fairy. Seeing her beloved wounded, although she had no lines, her deep worry, reddened eyes, and heartbroken gaze conveyed her profound love for her sweetheart to anyone watching.

Yan Qingqi watched, her mind buzzing. She even forgot to breathe, staring blankly at her Songsong, watching her Songsong show intense affection for another person.

When the scene finally ended, Yan Qingqi was utterly dazed, constantly repeating in her mind: “Songsong is acting, she’s filming, she’s filming, she’s working…”

Someone suddenly patted her on the shoulder. Yan Qingqi woke up as if from a dream.

She looked up and saw it was Director Bai.

Bai Ming saw her profound sense of loss, not missing a single detail. He sneered internally. You little assistant, look at how foolish you look! You’re really delusional, daring to have feelings for Movie Queen Song. How bold of you!

“Director Bai, are you done filming?”

“Yes, that scene is finished.”

“Then I need to prepare lunch for Sister Song.”

For some reason, Yan Qingqi felt that Bai Ming’s warmth and friendliness were faked. She felt that deep down, he was not only unfriendly but quite mercenary, and he harbored a strange, subtle hostility towards her.

Yan Qingqi grabbed the lunch and started to walk away, wanting to leave this person quickly.

“Don’t go yet. I have a question for you, Xiao Yan.” Bai Ming patted Yan Qingqi’s shoulder again. He wasn’t going to let this little assistant leave so easily.

Gong Yue saw this and stepped forward to stop Bai Ming, but Yan Qingqi subtly stopped her with a look.

Bai Ming said, “Xiao Yan, what did you think of the scene? For example, the chemistry between the characters? Don’t you think Movie Queen Song’s character was very gentle and deeply in love? Did they have great ‘CP energy’?”

Song Tingxue frowned. She didn’t know why Bai Ming was stopping Yan Qingqi to ask these questions. She wanted to go over, take Yan Qingqi’s hand, and retreat to the car. However, the prop master was meticulously washing the prop ointment off her hands. Seeing the Movie Queen’s frown, the prop master cleaned even more carefully.

Yan Qingqi said, “It was good. Very good. Both actors performed exceptionally well. The emotion was spot-on.”

“This is Xiao Yan’s first time watching Movie Queen Song film, right? I always like hearing the thoughts of laymen because they don’t understand filming, so they often see issues we miss.”

The staff on set agreed with Bai Ming. “Director Bai is right. Director Bai is always so humble. That’s the mark of a truly great director, open-minded.”

“Xiao Yan, say a bit more. Just say whatever comes to mind.”

Yan Qingqi said, “You really want me to speak my mind?”

“Of course. Don’t be afraid of being wrong. Speak boldly. Don’t worry.”

Since Bai Ming insisted, Yan Qingqi didn’t hold back. “The male actor’s wounds looked so terrifying. He must have been seriously injured, right?”

“Exactly. Miss Yan, you have good comprehension. He was severely injured.”

“Since he was severely injured, what kind of major therapeutic effect could the female lead’s little bit of ointment on her fingertip possibly have? At this point, life is at stake. A moment’s delay means a life lost. Shouldn’t the military doctor be cleaning the wound, stopping the bleeding, and bandaging him? The female lead should at most come to visit and express her worry and concern after the male lead has been properly bandaged. Look at excellent, well-produced dramas like [Specific Dramas]. They don’t have such a large, illogical plot hole.”

Bai Ming’s smile froze.

Yan Qingqi continued relentlessly. “The male lead’s eight-pack abs can still be displayed! An old military doctor’s calloused hands would only make our male lead’s eight-pack abs look even more tender and alluring! Add some battle-damage makeup, and wouldn’t the female audience be heartbroken and screaming?”

Bai Ming was completely speechless.

Yan Qingqi acted as if nothing had happened. “Director Bai, I’m just an ignorant outsider with shallow knowledge. Please don’t take my nonsense to heart. You are busy. I’ll be going now. Goodbye.”

When Song Tingxue rushed over, Yan Qingqi had already set up lunch in the car. Seeing Song Tingxue get in, Yan Qingqi quickly urged her to sit down.

“Songsong, are you hungry? The food is still warm. Hurry and eat a few bites.”

Yan Qingqi handed her the chopsticks, smiling broadly. “Luckily, I brought soup today. The soup is still hot.”

Song Tingxue didn’t take the chopsticks. Instead, she grabbed Yan Qingqi’s hand. “A-Yan, are you angry?”

Yan Qingqi’s smile remained. “I’m not angry.”

“I was just acting. I am an actress. The role requires it, the script demands it. I have to do it. At that moment, I wasn’t me, I was Jiang Yurong.” Song Tingxue held her hand tightly, looking straight at her. “A-Yan, do you understand?”

Yan Qingqi met her gaze. Those clear eyes were filled with worry, terrified that she had misunderstood, gotten jealous, or was upset.

“Songsong, I understand. I’m not overthinking it. I admit that at first, seeing it suddenly, I felt a little uncomfortable. You’re my wife, but you were being affectionate with someone else.”

“But I know Songsong is acting. She’s a Grand Slam Movie Queen, the best and finest actress. She’s acting in a romantic scene. Without emotion, where would the romance come from? How would it resonate with the audience?”

“I’m not angry anymore, truly. I can’t let my feelings interfere with your work, your character immersion, or your mood.”

Song Tingxue froze, the torrent of explanations she had prepared completely unnecessary in this moment.

Her A-Yan was better than she had imagined. She understood her better than anyone.

“A-Yan,” Song Tingxue’s eyes suddenly reddened. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to feel bad watching it. But I am an actress. These kinds of emotional scenes are unavoidable. But I don’t do explicit scenes. I never have.”

Yan Qingqi hugged her, pulling her tightly into her embrace. “I know, I know. Don’t worry. I won’t be unreasonably jealous. If I were the CEO of a major corporation, busy with work, flying all over the world, only staying home a few days a month, and having no time to spend with you, would you be angry? Would you blame me?”

Song Tingxue’s voice was tearful. “No, no, I wouldn’t.”

“Then there’s your answer. Because you would know that’s my job.” Yan Qingqi patted her back and hugged her tighter. “I know filming is your job, so please be assured, I won’t blame you, and I won’t be angry.”

Song Tingxue rested her face in Yan Qingqi’s chest, tears dripping down, quickly soaking a large area of Yan Qingqi’s shirt.

“Alright, Songsong, my dear wife, let’s eat. Or the food will really get cold.”

Song Tingxue hummed and sat up. Yan Qingqi pulled out a tissue and gently wiped away her tears.

“Wife, eat now. Have some hot soup first.”

“A-Yan, you’re so good. You’ve always been so good.” Song Tingxue looked straight at her, with her reddened eyes, and lunged forward, kissing Yan Qingqi.

“Mhm…” Yan Qingqi was startled. “Be careful someone sees us.”

“Don’t worry. No one can see inside from outside.”

Yan Qingqi was about to say more, but Song Tingxue cut her off. She didn’t let go until Yan Qingqi was completely breathless.

“Alright, the appetizer is over. Now it’s time for the meal.” Song Tingxue smiled, drinking her soup.

Yan Qingqi said, “Wait, I was just the appetizer? That’s too much!”

Song Tingxue lowered her head to drink her soup, her hair like ink, the tips of her ears visible and bright red.

“You’re the appetizer at noon, and the main course tonight. We have to eat slowly.”

Yan Qingqi suddenly burst into a grin. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you tonight, wife, to eat the main course together.”

That evening, when they returned after Song Tingxue finished work, the two went straight to the main event after dinner.

“Wife, you haven’t exercised or worked out today.”

Song Tingxue hugged Yan Qingqi, deepening her kiss, and urgently pulling off A-Yan’s clothes, pressing against her warm, smooth skin.

“This is exercise too.”

Yan Qingqi’s hands roamed freely. “Wife, your figure is getting better and better.”

“Mean,” Song Tingxue said shyly, biting Yan Qingqi’s shoulder playfully.

But gradually, she stopped biting. She actively cupped Yan Qingqi’s face, eagerly kissing her again, and began to savor her main course without restraint.

Yan Qingqi was in the kitchen preparing ingredients. Seeing that it was almost 10 p.m., she quickly washed her hands, went to the study, and turned on her computer.

Jing Michu had scheduled a meeting with her today to report on the company’s main recent work.

Jing Michu said, “The details have been sent to your email.”

Yan Qingqi said, “Okay, I’ll read it this afternoon when I get back from the set.”

Jing Michu maintained daily contact with her and knew that her Chairman cousin was no longer running her private kitchen but was instead delivering meals to Song Tingxue at the set every day.

“Cousin, I have to say you’re the most devoted wife. You take care of your sister-in-law meticulously. No wonder some people are completely preoccupied with you.”

Yan Qingqi heard the last sentence and shook her head. “Who is preoccupied with me? You just like talking nonsense and making things up.”

Jing Michu smiled, but didn’t say anything more. Looking at her cousin on the video call in H City, her face radiating a gentle smile, she remembered the contract signing with Sunshine Group two days ago.

At the signing ceremony, Miss Kong Yueshu, the second daughter of the Kong family at Sunshine Group, saw that Jing Michu was representing Zhaoyuan Group in the signing. She scanned the Zhaoyuan delegation, looking for someone.

Jing Michu said, “Miss Kong, you don’t need to look. My cousin isn’t here today.”

Kong Yueshu was the second daughter of the Kong family at Sunshine Group. Since the eldest son was known to be frivolous and idle, Elder Kong, disappointed, chose his second daughter as his successor. The second daughter was shrewd, capable, and decisive. Though an Omega, she was no less capable than an Alpha.

After the signing, Kong Yueshu approached Jing Michu privately. “Xiao Chu, how is Shuyan? Why didn’t she come today? I don’t mean anything by it. I just want to ask if she is alright.”

Kong Yueshu had heard some rumors that the Wen family heiress, Wen Shuyan, had gone missing. Following the disappearance of the second Wen daughter, Wen Shuman, three years ago, the eldest daughter was also missing.

Suddenly, everyone’s suspicion fell on Jing Michu, the current de facto head of Zhaoyuan.

Jing Michu said, “She’s great. My cousin is doing well. She’s on vacation.”

Wen Shuyan had personally overseen this project from the start and had handled all the communication with Kong Yueshu. Wen Shuyan had also attended the first two negotiation meetings.

Kong Yueshu hadn’t seen Wen Shuyan in a long time. Calls went unanswered, and messages unreturned. She had been hopeful that she would see Wen Shuyan at the formal signing today, but Wen Shuyan truly hadn’t shown up.

Kong Yueshu was disappointed and deeply unsettled. Were the rumors of Wen Shuyan’s disappearance true?

“Is Shuyan really alright?”

“She’s fine, really. She’s doing great. Did you hear some rumors? They’re just rumors. You know my cousin’s personality. She doesn’t like high-profile occasions. Since this project was almost finalized, she let me handle the signing.”

“Really? Shuyan is truly okay?”

“She’s truly fine, Sister Yue. Don’t worry about it.”

Kong Yueshu tried hard to maintain her composure, but the deep worry in her eyes did not look feigned. Jing Michu saw this and sighed inwardly. Miss Kong, you are so deeply preoccupied with my cousin, but my cousin already has someone she loves. They are already married.

Jing Michu looked up at her cousin on the video call in H City, her face beaming with a gentle smile.

Cousin is very happy right now, living a very fulfilling life with Movie Queen Song. I should let her continue to be happy. There’s no need to disturb her.

“What about you and Xiao An? Have you set a date? Have you formally visited her parents?”

Jing Michu’s face brightened. She and An An were doing wonderfully.

Every day, no matter how late, An An would chirp like a little bird waiting for her to return. “You’re back?”

Today, she woke up early for a meeting with their overseas branch. When she got up, An An was still huddled in the blankets like a little piglet, sleeping soundly and hugging her.

“My plan is to formally propose when her father celebrates his birthday in a few days.”

“That’s wonderful.” Yan Qingqi was very happy to see her and Qiao An finally getting married. “If you need anything from me, just let me know.”

“Of course. You’re part of my family support team. I won’t be formal with you.”

At the set, Bai Ming’s face was grim. Yan Qingqi’s “outsider” comments from yesterday had already spread through the crew. Even Director Xiao had heard them. “Don’t you agree? That little assistant actually has a point. I should invite her to come again. Maybe she can offer a different perspective.”

Director Xiao was an internationally renowned director who had directed countless blockbusters. His influence in the film industry was far beyond that of the rookie director Bai Ming.

Director Xiao’s comment was an undeniable validation of Yan Qingqi.

Bai Ming scowled, seriously staring at the monitor. Today was another romantic scene between Song Tingxue and Xu Huanyan. The scene was about the female lead’s father being forced to agree to their marriage. The male lead, newly recovered from his injuries, lifts the female lead and spins her around. The two laugh happily into each other’s eyes.

He had expected Song Tingxue’s performance to be affected after yesterday’s events, but she performed flawlessly. The character’s maidenly shyness, happiness, and joy at marrying her beloved were vividly portrayed.

Bai Ming sighed inwardly, A Grand Slam Movie Queen is a Grand Slam Movie Queen. She’s always so professional on camera. Then he suddenly thought, Perhaps that little assistant is just a delusional toad wanting to eat swan meat. Song Tingxue probably has no feelings for her at all.

Thinking this, Bai Ming’s spirits lifted.

When the scene ended, Bai Ming approached Song Tingxue to talk. Everyone else tactfully moved away. They weren’t blind. Most people had noticed that Director Bai was interested in Movie Queen Song, even though she didn’t seem to return his enthusiasm.

“Tingxue, your performance in this scene was exceptional. Truly worthy of a Three Gold Movie Queen.”

Song Tingxue said plainly, “Director Bai, you don’t need to flatter me. Everyone is simply doing their best.”

“What did you think? Xiao Yan visited the set yesterday, and I asked for her opinion. I hope she wasn’t pressured?”

“Not at all. She’s completely an amateur. She hasn’t acted and knows nothing about filmmaking. She probably said some unprofessional things. Please don’t take them to heart, Director Bai.”

Bai Ming’s expression darkened when he heard her defending the little assistant. He sensed a hint of protectiveness toward the assistant.

“Tingxue, we are old friends. We’ve known each other since film school and worked together. I know your character: you’re simple-minded, guileless, and just want to focus on acting. But some people are different. Do you know, when that little assistant of yours was watching you act with the male lead yesterday, her eyes were fixed on you, and her face looked upset? You should understand what that reaction means. You may only see her as an assistant and a friend, but perhaps she doesn’t see it that way. Many people don’t know their place and are delusional. She should consider her station. She’s just a small assistant earning a few thousand a month. What can she offer you? Connections? Investments? You should draw a clear line with her soon…”

Song Tingxue’s brows furrowed more and more tightly, and her face grew colder. Before he could finish, Song Tingxue interrupted him.

“How do you know I only see her as a friend? How do you know I don’t harbor my own delusional desires for her?”

Bai Ming was shocked into silence. After a long pause, he stammered, “Tingxue, do you know what you’re saying? Delusional desires for her? She’s just a little assistant.”

Bai Ming’s face was filled with mockery and contempt. “You are the esteemed Movie Queen Song, a goddess on screen! Are you actually planning to support her instead?”

“The division of labor is simply different. It’s not about who supports whom.” Song Tingxue’s face was pale with fury. She could no longer tolerate Bai Ming’s arrogance. “Bai Ming, you also came from the mountains. Do you remember what you said at film school, on the set of Mountain Moonlight?”

Bai Ming froze. “What did I say?”

“You said you hated those rich classmates who looked down on you, mocked you, and treated you coldly just because they had money and background. You said you couldn’t compare to their origins, but you were ten times more talented than them. But look at yourself now.”

Song Tingxue looked at him, her eyes full of disappointment. “What makes you different from them? You have money, status, and fame, but your spirit has become impoverished. Ask yourself honestly, can you still produce a fresh and brilliant work like Mountain Moonlight?”

Bai Ming was profoundly stung. His face turned pale, and he was momentarily speechless.

“Director Bai, if there’s nothing else, it’s the lunch break now. I’m leaving.”

The two parted ways unhappily. Song Tingxue walked away without looking back.

She could endure slight and insult herself, but she would absolutely not allow anyone to insult Miss Yan.

Song Tingxue had only walked a few steps when she ran into Xiaole and Yan Qingqi walking toward her. Yan Qingqi waved the lunch container, her smile clean and bright, like a refreshing, gentle breeze that slowly blew into Song Tingxue’s heart.

The anger in Song Tingxue’s chest dissipated. Her expression, which had been as cold as snow, completely changed. Her lips curved into an involuntary smile. She walked quickly toward her. “You’re here.”

“Mhm. I cooked your favorite chicken with chestnuts today. It smells amazing.”

“Really? Then I’ll have a few extra pieces.”

Bai Ming watched them walk away, laughing and chatting, his face dark. His teeth ground together. The resentment and hatred in his heart erupted like a volcano.

“Song Tingxue, you spoke to me that way for a small assistant!”

Author’s Note:

Song Tingxue: No one is allowed to insult my Miss Yan!!