Chapter 56

Zhao Ciying's words sounded more like a notification she was forcing on her. Xu Chun smiled politely. “I doubt there's much about me that would interest you.”

She steered Zhao Ciying's attention back toward Yu Sui'an. “The secrets Suisui carries are far more worth digging into.”

“Isn't there?” Zhao Ciying shifted into an even more languid posture. In the dim light, her deep-set face resembled a venomous snake's, her cold gaze pinned tightly on her prey. “The fact that you harbor no designs on me is interesting enough in itself.”

“Isn't it?” Out there, plenty of people fawned over her and flattered her, all of them trying to squeeze as much benefit from her as possible. Yet those same people were also terrified of her because of the rumors. Before that, Yu Sui'an had been the first person who wasn't afraid of her, who didn't want to devour her whole like everyone else. She only wanted to better herself, make it big in the entertainment industry, and win Xu Chun back. That was exactly why Zhao Ciying had deigned to lend a helping hand. Of course, she expected returns, but Yu Sui'an had performed well, so she didn't mind maintaining such a mutually beneficial relationship.

Xu Chun, however, was different from Yu Sui'an. On the surface, she seemed interested, yet her words vehemently denied it. And upon closer study, Zhao Ciying found that Xu Chun truly had only a tiny bit of curiosity about her, nothing more. Different from everyone else out there, and different from Yu Sui'an.

What Xu Chun gave Zhao Ciying was the sense that she was more curious about her appearance itself, as if she thought Zhao Ciying shouldn't be here, at this time, in her line of sight. Now that was interesting. Zhao Ciying couldn't help but grow interested in turn. So what did Xu Chun think—where should she be right now, what should she be doing? Or what should her life have been like?

Such a strong urge to probe made Zhao Ciying instinctively want to grasp the other woman firmly in her hand and not let go until she got a precise answer. Apart from that one matter years ago, it had been a very, very long time since Zhao Ciying had met a person or event that stirred her emotions like this. She narrowed her ink-black eyes, making no attempt to hide her determination to have her way.

Hearing this, Xu Chun only grew more confused: ?

Was ninety-nine percent of this woman pure contrariness? Why did she get more determined the more someone resisted her? Were other people not even allowed to be uninterested in her?

More and more gazes were gathering around them. Xu Chun swallowed and had no choice but to amend her words. “Actually, I do have some interest in you, President Zhao.” She smiled faintly, about to spout nonsense to dispel Zhao Ciying's inexplicable interest, when Zhao Ciying straightened up and sat properly. “Oh? That's good to hear.”

The smile on the woman's bright, bold face was mature and alluring. “How about we go to a hotel after the event?”

Xu Chun's eyes widened. ?! Moving that fast?

Of course she couldn't discuss such a suggestive topic with her in front of so many people. She declined on the spot. “I'm afraid that won't work. I'm joining the set tomorrow, so I need to go back early tonight and rest well...”

“No rush.” Zhao Ciying smiled faintly. “Whenever you have time, we can have a detailed chat then.”

She clearly wasn't going to give up until she got what she wanted.

Xu Chun stiffened her smile and didn't agree outright, merely saying she'd likely be quite busy for a long time to come. Zhao Ciying listened without much reaction, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Who knew what she was plotting in that head of hers?

Xu Chun seized the chance to slip away, terrified of getting entangled and unable to leave.

Yu Sui'an watched in silence as the two stood close, heads together, and clenched her palms tightly. She didn't blink, her gaze fixed straight on Xu Chun's every move—until suddenly, another sharp gaze fell upon her, chilling her spine. She whipped her head around reflexively and met Qin Yao's deep, unfathomable eyes. It felt as if those eyes had sliced into her, and she quickly looked away. Yu Sui'an slowly lowered her head, her loose hair hiding every emotion in her eyes and face.

Xu Chun seized the chance to stick close to He Qingli. Whether it was Zhao Ciying or Yu Sui'an, seeing that she wasn't alone would likely make them wary and stop acting so brazenly. But He Qingli was baffled by her closeness. “Sister Xu, what are you doing?”

She stared at Xu Chun's arm, which had naturally linked through hers, and said without thinking, “Idol, please have some self-respect.” Without hesitation, she pulled her hand away and stepped back. “I'm about to have a family of my own.”

“No matter how much you like me, no matter how thoroughly I've bewitched you, there's no future for us,” He Qingli declared righteously.

Xu Chun: ? What kind of scene are you playing now? We haven't even joined the set, and you're already performing?

When Xu Chun stayed silent for a moment, He Qingli couldn't help but fold her arms and lean a little closer. “Sister.” She looked Xu Chun up and down, then asked hesitantly, “You don't... actually have feelings for me, do you?”

“How did you know?” Xu Chun smiled faintly. “How did you know I'm especially tempted to backhand you straight over to Yu Sui'an right now?”

He Qingli's face fell at once. “...After all we've been through together, and you're this heartless? You'd really push me to someone else?”

After Xu Chun nodded without hesitation, He Qingli turned to leave without a second thought. “Bye...”

But before she could take two steps, Xu Chun pulled her back—because Yu Sui'an was walking in their direction. Seeing Yu Sui'an, He Qingli was even more nervous than Xu Chun, her heart practically in her throat, eyes fixed on the other woman's slowly approaching figure.

Xu Chun's arm was being pinched so hard it hurt. She couldn't help but turn her head and say, “If you're nervous, pinch yourself—why are you pinching me?”

He Qingli snapped back to her senses, realized what she'd accidentally done to her idol, and quickly pulled her nails away. “Sorry, sorry.” She hurried to check the nail marks on Xu Chun, but a killing stare from Yu Sui'an nailed her in place, and she didn't dare get close to Xu Chun again.

Though Yu Sui'an wanted to be near Xu Chun, remembering Xu Chun's disgusted attitude just now, she could only suppress her desires and impulses and restrain herself as she walked past. But before she could get by, she saw He Qingli fussing over Xu Chun in an intimate pose, and her mood instantly soured.

Was Big Sister someone just anyone could touch? She hadn't even gotten close to Big Sister—what gave anyone else the right? Thinking He Qingli had no power or influence and would be easy to handle, Yu Sui'an didn't hesitate; her unfriendly gaze shifted immediately to the other woman, as if she wanted to bore holes through her.

Sensing Yu Sui'an's undisguised malice and threat, He Qingli trembled, then immediately looked at Xu Chun with sympathy. “Sister, you've... had it rough.”

“I should have gone easier on you just now, instead of messing around.”

Her words gave Xu Chun the sudden, bittersweet feeling of a widow whose husband had died, whose family fortune had been seized by vicious relatives, and who was left to struggle alone with her child.

Her only close female fan was so understanding. Xu Chun was touched and wanted to take her hand. “Qingli, you really are my good sis—” Before she could finish, He Qingli, under Yu Sui’an’s look that said she was ready to pounce and tear her to shreds, quickly put distance between them.

Xu Chun: ... She turned to look at Yu Sui'an and frowned almost imperceptibly.

The malice in Yu Sui'an's eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by a pitiful, aggrieved look. She stood there watching Xu Chun for a good while, until she saw that Xu Chun remained unmoved. Then, heartbroken and dejected, she hung her head and slowly shuffled away.

He Qingli watched in awe. Yu Sui'an's change of expression just now had been masterful, at least ten times better than an intangible cultural heritage master. She couldn't help but exclaim, “In this world, I bet only you, Sister, can make her this obedient.”

“Don't—” Xu Chun said at once. “I'm not that capable. Believe me, if she ever flies into a rage from embarrassment, I'll be the one who dies worst.”

And so the two spent the time discussing ‘one hundred ways to die in modern society that look like accidents but are actually murders,’ not stopping until the event ended.

Since Xu Chun had pulled He Qingli into the cast on short notice, He Qingli spoke with her agent and then went home to pack without delay. Xu Chun, meanwhile, waited in the lounge to meet Qin Yao and Jiang Banxia and say goodbye.

After all, the next drama would take at least half a year to shoot, and according to the plan she'd likely be traveling all over the country. With the heavy physical demands and tight schedule, Xu Chun might not see them for at least half a year. Since she'd been lucky enough to run into them today, she might as well say goodbye before leaving.

She didn't have to wait long. Qin Yao and Jiang Banxia came over from the other side. After her assistant reminded her, Xu Chun immediately stood up and walked out of the lounge. “President Qin, Banxia.” She called out to stop them. “Let's walk together.”

Jiang Banxia was a little surprised at her change of heart today, but seeing Qin Yao say nothing, she kept silent too and didn't banter with Xu Chun. Xu Chun lifted her skirt and walked beside them. “I'm joining the set tomorrow. I don't know exactly where we'll be shooting, but I heard the director say most of it's in the mountains.”

“So if the signal's bad, there's a good chance I won't be able to reply right away.” As she spoke, she couldn't resist being cheeky again. “But if you can't reach me for several days, remember—you absolutely must fly over to save me.”

Qin Yao turned her eyes to her, focused and serious, and said, “Okay.” Her sudden solemnity left Xu Chun at a loss. Fortunately, the topic didn't last long. Her assistant reminded her, “Sister Xu, it's time to head back.”

Xu Chun had no choice but to say goodbye to them, then made her way to the entrance and got into the nanny van that had been waiting.

Xu Chun and her assistant spent several hours packing at home. Xu Wei wasn’t around today. Who knew if she was lurking in Yu Sui’an’s fan group with her little friends again? Since they’d be setting off early the next morning, the three assistants accompanying Xu Chun to the set all stayed in the guest rooms.

The next day at dawn, the group dragged a pile of luggage to the airport, met up with the rest of the crew, and set off together for the shooting location.

The first location was a border town in the south, green hills, clear waters, lovely scenery. The environment was better than Xu Chun and He Qingli had imagined. After they checked into the hotel and settled their luggage, staff immediately came to take them to hair and makeup; the overtime began right away.

At first, neither Xu Chun nor He Qingli could adapt. Filming had always been hard work, but at least they used to end the day clean and fresh. Ever since joining this crew, however, the two of them hadn't been clean from head to toe. They looked like beggars picking through garbage on the roadside. Where was the dignity of a female star?

If it rained, they were even more bedraggled, with their clothes and hair filthy, soaked, and clinging cold and wet to their skin. The clammy, sticky feeling was beyond uncomfortable.

On top of that, being new to the place, both of them suffered from the change in climate, and the food didn’t suit their appetites. In just half a month, they each lost over ten jin. Rapid weight loss and overwork took their toll. Xu Chun and He Qingli both fell ill on the same day with coughs, colds, and fevers, and the crew sent them straight to the hospital.

Xu Chun lay with an IV drip in her hand. The cold IV fluid entered her body, and she shivered all over, especially in her hands and feet. The hospital wasn't very big, the decor wasn't great, and it had clearly seen better years; everything made Xu Chun uncomfortable.

She lay on her side, her head pillowed on her bent arm. For some reason, at that moment she missed Qin Yao terribly. She missed her blazing body, her searing warmth, the faint, pleasant, reassuring scent at her hair and neck. When she was with Qin Yao, it felt like even if the sky fell, she wouldn't need to be afraid—because Qin Yao was there, everything would be smooth and worry-free.

When you're sick and miserable, your mind inevitably wanders, and the more it wanders, the more your defenses crumble.

Xu Chun's eyes stung. At this moment, she suddenly wished with all her heart that Qin Yao could be by her side.

She didn't know when she'd become so dependent on Qin Yao. Was it when Jiang Zhaolie publicly humiliated her, and Qin Yao personally stepped in to quietly protect her dignity? Or afterward, in every minute and second they spent together?

Or perhaps not long ago, when Qin Yao without hesitation stripped away her disguise, dragged out her truest self, and forced her to confront her own heart and the feelings between them.

Xu Chun's fever-muddled brain couldn't figure it out.

He Qingli had been sleeping deeply from the medication. She woke only once, thirsty, drank some hot water, exchanged a few words with Xu Chun, then went quiet again.

The assistants stayed by their side the whole time. Her agent also called to check in. “How are you? Feeling any better?”

“A little better.” Xu Chun didn't actually feel much of anything, but to keep her agent from worrying, she still nodded. “Just no appetite yet.”

“How can you not eat?” The agent frowned hard. “I'll hire you a nutritionist right away, to tailor your meals to your condition.”

Xu Chun was about to say there was no need, but then she thought of how much weight she and He Qingli had both lost, and finally nodded. “Okay.” Her hoarse voice was weak. “Thank you, Sister Yang.”

Sister Yang quickly hung up to contact a nutritionist for Xu Chun. Xu Chun held her phone, trying to distract herself with entertainment news so she wouldn't feel so miserable.

During the half month she'd been working hard on set, there had been plenty of good news online.

First, the day before she joined the cast, her styling and beauty had drawn wild praise from fans and netizens, dominating the trending searches for a while. Photos of her spread like wildfire across the internet, even sparking a wave of makeup tutorials from netizens and bloggers, pushing her popularity up another level. Then Director Guo's workplace variety show *We Who Look Up to the Big Shots at the Company* released its edited version, shattering his own dating-show records and becoming yet another online smash hit—while also propelling Xu Chun fully into the ranks of the entertainment industry's top-tier artists, bringing her both fame and fortune.

As of today, Xu Chun’s status was nothing like it had been last year. She was no longer someone Yu Sui’an could easily crush with a few Weibo posts. Even ten Yu Sui’ans combined couldn’t shake Xu Chun’s position and popularity.

In addition, that old melodramatic yuri drama she'd filmed with Yu Sui'an would soon air and was entering its early promotional phase. Xu Chun figured that by the time this shoot wrapped, she'd just about make it back in time for the official promotion period.

She casually reposted something from the official Weibo account, then idly browsed through all her social apps. Recently Yu Sui'an hadn't been up to much mischief. But just as Xu Chun, head spinning, was about to put down her phone, she suddenly saw a post saying Yu Sui'an had recently fallen out with her wealthy backer, which was why she'd gone quiet for half a month, her resources far worse than before.

Xu Chun felt a complicated mix of emotions and couldn't help thinking: the love of a capitalist rich woman really is ruthless.

When she's unhappy, when her pet disobeys, all feelings and affection are withdrawn without a moment's hesitation. She couldn't help wondering—would Qin Yao be the same? Was everything about her just a novelty?

Once her novelty wore off, she'd be discarded like Yu Sui'an, thrown away without a second thought.

Xu Chun thought about it very seriously. After all, there really wasn't anything about her worth Qin Yao coveting.

In that moment, she sank into negativity. Just then, her assistant tiptoed in. “Sister Xu Chun, someone's here to see you...”

Xu Chun didn't move at first. Three seconds passed before it registered; then she lifted her head at once, a faint light kindling in her eyes as she looked toward the door, unable to stop hoping—could it be Qin Yao?

Isn't that how it always goes in novels? When a girl gets sick, her partner somehow knows everything in advance, appearing quickly and unexpectedly before her, bringing her strength and support.

Her heart pounded with anxiety, beating a little faster. Soon, a tall figure stepped in against the light from the doorway.

A nice figure, but not Qin Yao.

Jiang Zhaolie looked at Xu Chun, who had instantly closed her eyes and was pretending to be asleep again, and her mouth twitched. ... Was it really necessary to be this unwelcoming? I came with good intentions, after all.

She handed the gift to the assistant beside her and strode toward the hospital bed. “How did you let yourself get like this?”

She looked down at Xu Chun’s pale face and frowned unconsciously. She still remembered seeing Xu Chun half a month ago. Back then, Xu Chun had been doing well at Qin Group, a little rounder than when they’d first met, but also gentler-looking. Now, after barely a dozen days apart, she looked like she’d been digging wild vegetables on a mountain for ten years.

Especially the skin visible outside her hospital gown, those dense little wounds that kept showing inadvertently. Probably because her skin was so fair, they looked especially alarming on her. She seemed to have suffered a great deal during this time.

Jiang Zhaolie's heart softened despite herself, and she no longer cared about the other's cold, indifferent attitude. She pulled a chair over and sat down. “Mom sent me to check on you.”

Sure enough, Xu Chun immediately opened her eyes and stared at her without blinking.

A sharp pain stabbed at Jiang Zhaolie's heart. So she really didn't care about her at all anymore. A bitter taste filled her mouth, but she hid it well. “Have you not been eating properly on set? How did you get this thin?”

She pressed on. “And these wounds on your body? Didn't the crew give you proper protection?” The more Jiang Zhaolie spoke, the angrier she got. “Where's your director now? I'll go find him immediately.”

“Don't.” Xu Chun objected instinctively. Seeing that Jiang Zhaolie wouldn't listen, she couldn't help but sharpen her tone. “You stop right there!”

Jiang Zhaolie did stop and turned to stare at her. Xu Chun didn't think anything of it. “Getting a few scrapes from filming action scenes is perfectly normal. Have you ever seen anyone film without getting hurt?”

“But—” Jiang Zhaolie wanted to argue, but Xu Chun cut her off with a single sentence. “My business doesn't need your meddling. Don't go causing me trouble.”

Jiang Zhaolie fell silent. Was she just a trouble to Xu Chun now?

She clenched her palms slightly, unable to describe the complicated feelings rising in her. It felt like it should be this way and also like it was indeed so. She'd had her guesses before, but only now, with all of them confirmed, did she realize she wasn't as invulnerable and indifferent as she'd imagined.

In fact, she cared terribly.

Xu Chun, however, didn't notice her terrible mood and pressed on. “So what else did Sister Qin say?”

Jiang Zhaolie felt a sudden, inexplicable fire rise from the bottom of her heart. Mom, Mom, Mom, all day long, it was nothing but Mom. Was Mom the only person she could see?

She gritted her back teeth. “Nothing else.”

“Actually, I didn't come today because Mom sent me.” She looked at Xu Chun expressionlessly. “I lied to you just now.”

Xu Chun: ? What kind of act was this?

The splitting headache swept over her again. Xu Chun felt utterly drained and simply lay down, no longer even in the mood to talk to Jiang Zhaolie. “In that case, I'll get some rest first.” She closed her eyes. “You should head back and get busy too.”

Jiang Zhaolie watched her tightly shut eyes, her expression dark. “Do you really not want to see me that much?”

On the next bed, He Qingli's blanket shifted, but no one paid attention.

Jiang Zhaolie leaned in, her fingers closing uncontrollably around Xu Chun's slender wrist. “You won't even spare me a single glance?” Her voice came out low. “Xu Chun, are you really this heartless toward me?”

The sound of her voice by her ear made Xu Chun's head pound. She couldn't help but snap her eyes open and fix Jiang Zhaolie's hysterical face with a cold smile. “What, are you trying to cuckold your own mother now?”

“My dear big son.”