After Transmigrating as the Villain Alpha, I Marked the Reborn Supporting Female Omega (GL) - Chapter 16

The number of contestants who truly passed the preliminary selection for Tomorrow’s Lily was small. Qin Cen encountered her former company colleague, Xiao Chuchu, at the audition venue.

Xiao Chuchu spoke with cold sarcasm: “Qin Cen, did you hook up with a sugar mommy? You actually passed the preliminary selection for Tomorrow’s Lily after leaving the company. What qualifications do you have?”

Qin Cen’s eyes were cold as she looked at Xiao Chuchu: “My qualifications are not for you to decide. But I can guarantee that you won’t be selected.”

In her previous life, although Xiao Chuchu passed the preliminary selection, she was eliminated in the second round, which gave Qin Cen the confidence to speak so decisively.

Xiao Chuchu was almost shaking with anger at Qin Cen’s confident tone, but given the crowd and the live cameras at the audition venue, she could only grit her teeth and endure for the time being: “Don’t worry, the female lead role is definitely mine. As for you, please don’t get selected. I wouldn’t want to work with you.”

Xiao Chuchu’s backer had already arranged everything for her. How could the female lead role fall into anyone else’s hands?

Qin Cen couldn’t be bothered to give her another glance. Their styles were different, so they weren’t competing against each other. However, when the audition concluded, Xiao Chuchu was defeated, with Lin Mian, who was competing in the same group, passing the second round, pushing her out.

Qin Cen overheard Xiao Chuchu on the phone in the restroom, threatening Lin Mian to withdraw voluntarily.

In her previous life, she had no direct conflict with Lin Mian, but she ended up killing Lin Mian along with Jiang Hejing, a consequence of Jiang Hejing’s actions. Qin Cen felt guilty; it was never her intention.

Jiang Hejing was a despicable person. She had to save Lin Mian before she fell deep into Jiang Hejing’s trap.

The audition venue was quickly emptying out. Qin Cen searched everywhere for Lin Mian. When she turned a corner by a secluded storage room, she heard a faint sound from inside, resembling a cry for help.

Qin Cen stopped, pressing her ear to the door. She heard Lin Mian’s trembling, fearful voice: “What are you doing! Let me out!”

Lin Mian struggled to escape, but Xiao Chuchu grabbed her arm and pinned her against the wall: “Miss Lin, it’s very easy to make me let you out. As long as you voluntarily give up your qualification for Tomorrow’s Lily, I promise I won’t hurt you.”

Only one person in the same group was eligible for the second round. If Lin Mian gave up, Xiao Chuchu would have a chance.

Bruises appeared on Lin Mian’s frail arms where Xiao Chuchu’s fingers dug in. Her lips were colourless: “Impossible! I will never give up!”

Xiao Chuchu’s grip tightened abruptly, almost breaking Lin Mian’s wrist. Lin Mian was in so much pain that she wanted to scream, but Xiao Chuchu tightly covered her mouth.

“It doesn’t matter. I have plenty of patience. Let’s see who can hold out longer.” Xiao Chuchu’s eyes were vicious, and she covered Lin Mian’s nose as well.

A tear slipped from Lin Mian’s eye as she struggled. Her already pale face immediately turned red, and the veins in her neck bulged. Just as she was on the verge of suffocation, Xiao Chuchu released her. Lin Mian barely had time to gasp for breath before Xiao Chuchu covered her mouth and nose again.

After several repetitions, Lin Mian was close to a complete breakdown.

Xiao Chuchu looked at her face and smiled: “You’re surprisingly strong-willed.” Saying this, Xiao Chuchu released her Alpha pheromones, breaking Lin Mian’s final line of defense as an Omega.

Xiao Chuchu’s hot-pot-flavored pheromones were intensely sharp and unbearable. Lin Mian’s body went weak, and she couldn’t breathe.

Qin Cen didn’t alert her presence. She immediately sought help from the staff. By the time they arrived at the storage room, Xiao Chuchu heard the commotion and cursed: “Lin Mian, you better be smart, or I won’t make things easy for you.”

Qin Cen found a baseball bat and crouched with the staff outside the storage room window. When Xiao Chuchu jumped out of the window, Qin Cen forcefully swung the baseball bat, hitting Xiao Chuchu’s left leg hard.

Xiao Chuchu was caught off guard, falling to her knees on the rough floor, scraping her skin until it bled.

Xiao Chuchu turned back with hatred in her eyes to glare at Qin Cen. The staff tried to apprehend her, but a black car pulled up nearby. Someone got out and drove the injured Xiao Chuchu away. The staff couldn’t catch up.

Qin Cen threw down the baseball bat: “She got away. It seems Xiao Chuchu has someone else behind her.”

A pungent Alpha pheromone scent lingered in the air, unbearably acrid. It was too late for Qin Cen to hold her breath. She was already being suppressed by Xiao Chuchu’s pheromones, making her body burn.

Qin Cen couldn’t tolerate Alpha pheromones other than Liang Manqing’s.

Qin Cen was helped up by the staff. Returning to the storage room, they found Lin Mian painfully curled up on the floor.

Xia Jun, the chief examiner for the final wrap-up, rushed over when she heard the staff report that two Omegas were forced into heat and immediately escorted them out of the scene.

After Qin Cen finished speaking, Lin Mian’s shoulders trembled slightly with lingering fear: “I won’t give up my qualification for Tomorrow’s Lily.” This was an opportunity she had fought hard for.

“It’s my fault for not protecting you well.” Xia Jun reached out and touched Lin Mian’s cheek: “Are you injured anywhere else?”

Lin Mian flinched and pulled away from Xia Jun’s hand. Xia Jun’s suspended hand paused before she withdrew it.

Liang Manqing said: “Xiao Chuchu dared to cause trouble at the audition venue. Her backer is clearly formidable.”

Xia Jun also suspected: “Who dares to be so bold? Resorting to any means just to be selected.”

Liang Manqing had a guess in her mind, but she wasn’t certain. At that moment, Xia Jun asked Liang Manqing: “Should we cooperate to find out who is behind Xiao Chuchu and eliminate the root of the problem? I’m worried about Lin Mian’s safety from now on.”

Before Liang Manqing could speak, Qin Cen volunteered first: “Count me in, Teacher Xia.”

Liang Manqing glanced at Qin Cen, her expression showing a hint of a different emotion. Why was Qin Cen so actively trying to help Lin Mian?

Xia Jun smiled: “Thank you.” She then looked at Liang Manqing. Liang Manqing also nodded and agreed.

Lin Mian’s eyes were red with gratitude: “Thank you, both of you.”

The four exchanged contact information and left the audition venue. When Liang Manqing and Qin Cen came out, Shi Jia was anxiously pacing: “Where were you two? Why did it take so long to come out?”

Liang Manqing explained what had happened to Shi Jia. Shi Jia clenched the steering wheel in anger: “How can there be someone like Xiao Chuchu? It’s because people like her exist that the entertainment industry is getting increasingly chaotic.”

Shi Jia then asked with concern: “Qin Cen, are you hurt? The final casting for Tomorrow’s Lily is in one week. You can’t get hurt at this critical juncture.”

Liang Manqing noticed Qin Cen continuously flexing her wrist: “Qin Cen, what’s wrong with your hand?”

Qin Cen touched her wrist: “I think I swung the baseball bat too hard. My wrist hurts a bit.”

Shi Jia gasped and changed direction: “To the hospital for a check-up!”

Liang Manqing lightly frowned. Her long, fair hand gently pressed Qin Cen’s moving wrist and said: “Don’t move your injured wrist. Let’s get an X-ray at the hospital first to see if there’s a fracture.”

The results came out. The doctor looked at the report and said: “A minor sprain. Reduce joint movement for the next few days and apply a plaster to improve circulation and reduce swelling. It will heal quickly.”

Liang Manqing finally let out a sigh of relief. When they returned to the Liang residence, Liang Xue’s tutoring time had just ended.

Lin Cheng was about to leave. Liang Xue went to see her off and said: “Liang Manqing, Aunt Tao went home today. If you and Teacher Qin are hungry, order takeout.”

Liang Manqing handed the medicated plaster to Qin Cen: “You can come to me if you need help. The doctor said you need to reduce activity in your right hand for the next few days.”

Qin Cen: “It’s just a minor sprain. It won’t affect my normal life.”

Liang Manqing slightly raised an eyebrow. Qin Cen took the medicated plaster and went upstairs. She showered and lay down to sleep. Just as she settled in, her empty stomach rumbled.

She was hungry.

Qin Cen went out, intending to find something to eat. A smell drifted up from the kitchen downstairs.

Qin Cen felt even hungrier. She poked her head over the railing and saw Liang Manqing coming out of the kitchen. Liang Manqing saw her and asked: “Are you hungry? It’ll be ready soon.”

…

Liang Manqing rummaged through the kitchen and only found one head of broccoli and two steaks. No wonder Liang Xue told them to order takeout; there were no ingredients left at home.

Liang Manqing didn’t want takeout. She put on an apron and started a pan to fry the steak.

Liang Manqing wore a white shirt tucked into black casual pants. Her waist was very slender. Her slightly wavy long hair hung down her back, falling onto her shoulders when she bent her head, which was a bit bothersome.

Her wrist was bare. She had forgotten her hair tie. Liang Manqing was about to put down the spatula when a fair hand offered her a hair tie.

Liang Manqing turned her head, paused, and curved her lips: “Thank you, but it’s not very convenient for me right now.”

Qin Cen understood. She stood behind Liang Manqing, slowly gathering the long hair that had fallen around Liang Manqing’s ears. Her fingers accidentally touched the skin near her ear, and Qin Cen’s fingertips curled momentarily. Seeing no reaction from Liang Manqing, she continued.

Liang Manqing’s hair was very shiny. Getting close, she could smell a faint fragrance.

Qin Cen’s mind wandered. She was curious about what kind of shampoo Liang Manqing used.

Tying a low ponytail seemed to take all of Qin Cen’s strength. She lowered her hands and nervously pinched them.

Liang Manqing plated the steaks: “It’s ready to eat.”

The plating of the Western-style steaks had the feel of a five-star restaurant and looked very appetizing.

The two sat opposite each other at the dining table to cut the steak.

Qin Cen felt something was wrong as soon as she picked up the knife and fork—her hand couldn’t exert any strength.

Qin Cen licked her lips, looked at Liang Manqing, and said: “Cut it for me.”

Liang Manqing cut a small piece of steak and put it in her mouth. Hearing the request, she chuckled: “Qin Cen, you’re being very informal with me now.”

Qin Cen gently bit her lip: “You were the one who said I could ask you for help if I needed anything.”

Liang Manqing took Qin Cen’s steak, slowly cutting it into small pieces while saying leisurely: “Who was it that said it wouldn’t affect normal life?”

“I…” Qin Cen’s fair face flushed: “You deliberately fried steak to annoy me.”

Liang Manqing put down her knife and fork, helplessly: “What are you thinking? There was only steak left in the fridge.”

The entire steak was cut into small pieces and placed in front of her. Qin Cen didn’t argue with her. She tasted a small piece of the steak. The texture was tender, and the flavour lingered in her mouth.

Liang Manqing watched her red lips and asked: “Is it good?”

“It’s alright.” Qin Cen ate one bite after another with reserved pleasure until she finished it all, still wanting more.

Liang Manqing pushed her own steak toward Qin Cen: “I still have mine.”

Qin Cen debated for a few seconds whether to eat it or not, and chose to eat it. She hadn’t realized Liang Manqing was such a good cook.

Qin Cen licked her lips in satisfaction, her small, pink tongue momentarily flashing out.

Across the dining table, Liang Manqing reached out with a tissue to wipe away the food residue at the corner of Qin Cen’s lips, her tone slightly teasing: “It seems Miss Qin is very satisfied with my cooking.”

Qin Cen subconsciously caught Liang Manqing’s hand. Both paused the moment their hands touched. Qin Cen then grabbed the tissue and lowered her eyes: “I’ll do it myself.”

Liang Manqing withdrew her hand and casually asked: “The final round of the International Jewelry Design Competition is tomorrow night. Do you want to come?”

Qin Cen remembered that in her previous life, Qin Nuo won the final championship after stealing someone else’s competition entry. In this life, she wanted to see what kind of scheme Qin Nuo would employ.

Hearing this, Qin Cen looked up with anticipation: “Can I really go?”

Liang Manqing: “Each participating designer can invite one family member or friend to accompany them.”

Qin Cen blinked: “Family member or friend?”

Liang Manqing looked into her eyes and asked seriously: “Are we not that kind of relationship?”

Qin Cen tugged at the corner of her mouth: “At most, we’re just ordinary friends.”

“Oh…” Liang Manqing deliberately drew out the sound in disappointment: “Then only Liang Xue qualifies.”

Qin Cen quickly tried to remedy the situation: “Liang Xue has school. She probably won’t have time.”

Liang Manqing shrugged: “What a shame.”

“Actually, I could go with you,” Qin Cen added, pretending to be casual: “Otherwise, you’d be quite lonely going to the competition alone.”

Liang Manqing curved her lips. She clearly wanted to go, yet she still had to pretend to be reluctantly accompanying her. It was quite adorable.

Qin Cen felt nervous when Liang Manqing didn’t say anything.

After a few seconds, Liang Manqing teased her playfully: “But I can only bring a family member or friend. How about tonight…”

Qin Cen: “What?”

The distance suddenly closed. Liang Manqing stood up, leaned over the table, supporting herself with both hands, and whispered slowly beside Qin Cen’s ear: “How about we upgrade our relationship tonight?”

Qin Cen forgot to breathe until a soft chuckle escaped Liang Manqing’s throat. Only then did she realize she had been played.

Liang Manqing instinctively pinched Qin Cen’s earlobe, unable to stop the smile in her eyes: “Did you actually believe it?”

The area around the earlobe was Qin Cen’s most sensitive spot. Liang Manqing’s touch brought a wave of tingling. Qin Cen hurriedly slapped her hand away, stood up, and retreated a few steps, covering her flushed ears as she escaped: “I’m going to rest now.”

The skin around the ear was part of the scent gland area. Liang Manqing realized this, rubbing her fingertips. No wonder Qin Cen’s face was so red. She couldn’t touch her there casually next time.

Qin Cen retreated to her room, leaning against the door to catch her breath. Since being forced into heat today, her body was more sensitive than usual. Liang Manqing’s touch on her ear created an especially intense feeling of emptiness in her heart.

It was so intense that she desired Liang Manqing’s pheromonal soothing, and even more.

Qin Cen buried herself under the covers, forbidding herself to have such terrifying thoughts. But it was useless. It wasn’t until the middle of the night, when she got up to take a cold shower, that she could barely suppress the restlessness in her heart.

…

On the way to the final competition venue, Xia Jun sent a message in the four-person group chat: 【I’ve found out who is behind Xiao Chuchu: it’s Jiang Hejing.】

Only someone belonging to Jiang Hejing would dare to be so brazen in C City. Liang Manqing had guessed as much: 【Teacher Xia, what are you planning to do?】

Before Xia Jun could reply, Lin Mian @ Xia Jun: 【I forbid you from touching him! Or I won’t speak to you anymore.】

She almost forgot that the group included Lin Mian, an uncritical admirer of Jiang Hejing. This matter seemed complicated.

Xia Jun: 【But Jiang Hejing allowed Xiao Chuchu to hurt you. Are you still going to defend him?】

Lin Mian: 【Ah Jing wouldn’t hurt me. I believe in him.】

Lin Mian’s defense was bordering on fanaticism. Liang Manqing frowned. What spell had Jiang Hejing cast on Lin Mian? What was their story?

Qin Cen frowned as well. In her previous life, Lin Mian defended Jiang Hejing at every turn, and Jiang Hejing never once truly looked at Lin Mian until Lin Mian finally woke up, but it was too late.

In her previous life, Qin Cen hated everyone around Jiang Hejing, and her rationality was extinguished. Reborn, Qin Cen was clearer-headed. She didn’t want Lin Mian to be blinded by the villain again, because Jiang Hejing simply didn’t deserve her.

Although she didn’t know what had happened between Lin Mian and Jiang Hejing before, Qin Cen knew that Lin Mian currently viewed Jiang Hejing through rose-tinted glasses. Any more persuasion would be futile and might even cause Lin Mian to become contrary.

Xia Jun compromised: 【I won’t touch Jiang Hejing for now, but I definitely won’t let Xiao Chuchu off.】

Liang Manqing quickly created a new three-person group chat: 【Don’t tell Lin Mian. We can discuss matters concerning Jiang Hejing here from now on.】

Arriving at the final venue, Liang Manqing and Qin Cen ran into Xia Jun as they got out of the car.

Xia Jun, as the TL designer, was invited to serve as a judge for the final. Liang Manqing wasn’t surprised, but Xia Jun looked at Liang Manqing and asked: “Are you a participating designer?”

Liang Manqing smiled and nodded.

Xia Jun became more curious about Liang Manqing: “I’ll be rooting for you. I’ll go inside to prepare. See you later.”

The final venue was extremely luxurious, with lights twinkling everywhere. It felt more like a gala dinner than a final competition.

Qin Cen’s red, empire-waist gown accentuated her figure. Her slender neck was captivating, and she quickly became the focus of the evening. As long as she didn’t mention it, no one would know she was a low-quality Omega with a pheromone condition.

Many people in the venue frequently cast their eyes towards Qin Cen. Liang Manqing saw this and immediately shielded Qin Cen, wrapping one arm around her waist: “I suddenly regret bringing you out.”

Qin Cen looked up: “What’s wrong?”

The faint scent of tequila pheromones radiating from the Alpha felt incredibly secure.

At this moment, Qin Cen was not resistant to Liang Manqing’s closeness; instead, she enjoyed the feeling of being protected.

Liang Manqing whispered softly: “I don’t like the way those people are looking at you.”

Liang Manqing’s tone was lazy and suggestive. Qin Cen’s heart thumped. She randomly grabbed a glass of drink and quickly gulped it down, trying to suppress the momentary panic.

“Qin Cen…” Liang Manqing grabbed her wrist, unable to stop her in time: “That’s alcohol.”

“Huh?” Qin Cen realized it only after swallowing. She choked. The strong flavour seemed even more potent than champagne.

Liang Manqing gently patted Qin Cen’s back and handed her a glass of water: “Drink some water.”

Qin Cen drank the water and touched her cheek with her fair hand: “I’m hot.”

The Omega flushed visibly. Liang Manqing supported Qin Cen’s waist: “Are you unable to drink alcohol?”

Just as she finished speaking, Qin Cen leaned into her, resting her chin on Liang Manqing’s neck, pouting defiantly: “Who says I can’t drink!”

Liang Manqing thought: I’m done for.

The Omega was drunk after just one cup.