After Filming A Lesbian Movie With The Straight Girl I Like - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: “Oh, There’s a Bathtub.”

 

“Jie, that new post from Ling-jie, it’s nothing to do with anyone else. It’s about the two of you.”

 

On the way to Xu Ling’s place, Lin Xinnuo came across a related piece of news and reported it immediately.

 

Qin Cong’an raised an eyebrow. “Us? Go on.”

 

“Someone commented after seeing your double cover shoot in that magazine. They said you don’t usually attract mosquitoes, so you must’ve gotten bitten because you were sticking close to Ling-jie. And then… Ling-jie liked that comment.” Lin Xinnuo couldn’t help but admire how sharp CP (couple pairing) fans were. “But then she immediately unliked it—probably an accident. But the original commenter already screenshotted and reposted it.”

 

Qin Cong’an looked puzzled for a moment.

 

“Could’ve been an accident, yeah. But a lot of people think it wasn’t. Some are saying she’s trying to hype up your CP. Then again, a lot of people are also saying that whether it was intentional or not, the two of you were definitely that close on set.”

 

As she spoke, Lin Xinnuo nervously glanced at An-jie. As someone who had witnessed everything firsthand, she knew the CP fans weren’t exactly wrong—but she wasn’t sure about their current relationship.

 

Qin Cong’an didn’t know if Xu Ling had really slipped and tapped “like” by accident, but one thing was for sure—she had watched the show immediately and scrolled through the comment section.

 

But she should’ve known it was full of CP fans. If she didn’t want to be associated with Qin Cong’an, those comments should’ve been something she avoided completely.

 

Qin Cong’an didn’t read comments anymore. She didn’t want to see all those giddy declarations about how deeply they were in love—especially the ones saying Xu Ling was so obviously in love with her. It hurt when she checked the facts and ended up thoroughly disappointed.

 

Watching An-jie’s expression darken, Lin Xinnuo started to regret coming. She was also invited to the gathering later, but now she just wanted to escape—it felt so awkward already.

 

Qin Cong’an was dressed in a retro-style, deep-gray, sleeveless, high-neck knit top. The neckline covered her well, but her bare arms—accentuated by the vertical ribbing—really showed off her figure.

 

When Xu Ling opened the door and saw Qin Cong’an standing there, arms folded, the curves of her biceps drawing the eye, she quickly looked away and mentally scolded herself. What’s wrong with you? Still… she looked like a cold little kitty today—so cute.

 

“Come in, come in,” Xu Ling said, looking down as she neatly laid out identical slippers in different colors at the entrance, letting each guest choose their own.

 

Qin Cong’an picked a pair of light blue ones and stepped inside.

 

Following behind, Lin Xinnuo handed over the gift she brought. “Thanks for inviting us, Ling-jie. This is a bottle of red wine personally picked by An-jie.”

 

“Thanks.” Xu Ling accepted the bottle and glanced at Qin Cong’an, who wasn’t even looking her way—as if she hadn’t heard the mention.

 

Qin Cong’an stopped in the middle of the living room. She had arrived early, before the others. When she saw Xu Ling had put the wine away, she said, “Give me a tour.”

 

“Sure.” Xu Ling was about to invite Lin Xinnuo too, but saw her dramatically smack her forehead in a comic-style gesture.

 

“Oh no! I left my phone in the car. I’ll go grab it!” Lin Xinnuo said as she backed toward the door. Before she even finished speaking, the door was already closed—she clearly wasn’t waiting for a response.

 

Now, it was just the two of them.

 

Xu Ling cleared her throat. “How about I wait until everyone’s here and give the full tour then?”

 

“I came early on purpose,” Qin Cong’an said, looking directly at her.

 

“Huh?” Xu Ling blinked. “Why?”

 

“I wanted the private tour.”

 

Xu Ling rubbed her brow, confused but nodded. “Okay. Let’s start with the kitchen, come pick something to drink.”

 

In the kitchen, she opened the fridge. Qin Cong’an followed behind like a curious child, poking around at her sheet masks and other stuff in the fridge.

 

Suddenly, Xu Ling realized how close they were—practically trapped together by the double-door fridge. Cold air seeped out, and their skin felt cool.

 

That tantalizing arm—so close, so smooth—made her fingers itch with the desire to touch.

 

“This mask is good. Want to try one now?” Xu Ling offered, holding up a sheet. “You’re not wearing makeup, and it’s got tons of serum. Enough to lather your whole body.”

 

I could help you apply it. But she swallowed that line.

 

“No.” Qin Cong’an reached past her and grabbed a sugar-free jasmine tea. “I’ll drink this.”

 

“Oh.” Xu Ling closed the fridge awkwardly. She hadn’t been alone with her in ages, and it was clearly short-circuiting her brain.

 

“You’re not going to ask me why I picked this drink?” Qin Cong’an said, taking a sip and shaking the bottle a little.

 

Xu Ling stepped out of the kitchen. “You wanted to drink it. What other reason could there be?”

 

“Because of your perfume,” Qin Cong’an said from behind her. Xu Ling froze mid-step.

 

She could’ve stopped—but she didn’t. Qin Cong’an walked right into her.

 

Xu Ling flinched, doubly shocked—not just by the perfume comment (her perfume did have a jasmine scent), but also by the physical bump. Her knees nearly buckled.

 

Qin Cong’an lightly tapped the back of Xu Ling’s neck with the cold bottle, making her shiver. “Why’d you freeze?”

 

“No reason, haha.” Xu Ling covered her neck and kept walking, not daring to turn around—like she’d get devoured by a monster if she did.

 

Xu Ling didn’t know where to take Qin Cong’an next. She didn’t want to go to her bedroom—afraid she’d lose control and toss her straight onto the bed. So she detoured to the guest bathroom first.

 

But there wasn’t much to see—two seconds and done.

 

Then they visited the guest room. Also plain and mostly empty.

 

That left only the master bedroom. Xu Ling hadn’t stayed there long, but it still felt… risky.

 

The moment they walked in, Qin Cong’an inhaled deeply. “Mmm, familiar scent.”

 

…You sound like a creep, you know? Xu Ling’s scalp tingled. She quickly composed herself. “Why not invite people to your place?”

 

“I don’t like having people over.” Qin Cong’an said slowly. “Only my lover is allowed.”

 

“What about people you’ve just slept with?”

 

“What do you think?”

 

Xu Ling pretended she hadn’t said anything and opened the bathroom door to show her the space—already preparing to shut it again.

 

Qin Cong’an stopped her. “Oh, there’s a bathtub.”

 

“…Yeah, a bathtub. Bathtubs are kind and helpful—they clean the dirt off your body.”

 

Qin Cong’an ignored her and said, “It’s a jacuzzi. Looks nice.”

 

“It’s very nice. Finished looking?” Xu Ling’s hand stayed on the door, ready to close it.

 

But Qin Cong’an had already slipped inside. She looked around and pointed at a cabinet. “Can I open it?”

 

“…Suit yourself.”

 

Qin Cong’an opened the cabinet and peeked inside. “Not even a single condom.”

 

“…”

 

“Maybe it’s in the bedside drawer?” Qin Cong’an exited the bathroom and moved toward the bed. “You said I could look around.”

 

Xu Ling stayed silent—silent permission.

 

Qin Cong’an opened the nightstand. Mostly empty, except for a few fashion magazines.

 

“You just moved in?”

 

“Yeah.” Finally, something Xu Ling could answer. “I always lived with my parents. When you said you wanted to host a gathering, the company got me this place.”

 

“But you’ve stayed here a few nights, haven’t you?” Qin Cong’an glanced at the pillow.

 

Xu Ling pounced. “Don’t you dare sniff my pillow!”

 

“You think I’m insane?” Qin Cong’an looked at her, lying sideways on the bed with an expression of horror. She wanted to pounce but held herself back, and instead checked the other nightstand.

 

“Still no condoms. No toys, either,” she remarked.

 

Xu Ling sat at the edge of the bed, back facing her. What the hell is this? Is this a normal house tour?

 

Qin Cong’an came over and sat beside her, watching her closely.

 

“What are you doing?” Xu Ling muttered. “Is this fun to you?”

 

“What am I doing? Given our relationship, can’t I be concerned about your s3x life?”

 

Xu Ling didn’t answer, staring down at Qin Cong’an’s light blue slippers.

 

“Alright, sorry.” Qin Cong’an leaned in slightly, her voice soft. “Sorry, I won’t snoop anymore.”

 

“You already snooped it all!!” Xu Ling exploded.

 

Qin Cong’an got up again and moved to the vanity. She swore she wasn’t going to touch anything, but she spotted a very familiar-looking ring in the jewelry box—and picked it up. She’d seen the same one in a photo from Tokyo, on Li Yan’s finger.

 

She turned around, leaning against the vanity, and asked Xu Ling, “What’s this?”

 

Xu Ling glanced at it. “A ring.”

 

“It’s a couple ring, isn’t it?” Qin Cong’an rubbed the inside, checking for engraving. “Where’s the other one?”

 

Xu Ling felt utterly drained. She barely had the energy to stand. She walked over, looked closely—it was the one Li Yan had given her when asking for a favor.

 

She took the ring, put it back in the box, and muttered, “What’s it got to do with you?”

 

No sooner had she said that than she felt something at her waist—Qin Cong’an had pushed her, spun her around, and lifted her onto the vanity counter.

 

Xu Ling was startled, but instinctively placed her arms on Qin Cong’an’s shoulders. She swallowed hard. “What are you doing?”

 

“Xu Ling.” Qin Cong’an looked up at her, sharp gaze cutting deep. Xu Ling turned her face away. Qin Cong’an grabbed her chin, forcing her to look. “Are you in a relationship?”

 

“…”

 

“Answer me.”

 

Xu Ling was silent for a moment before finally saying, “No.”

 

Qin Cong’an placed her hand on Xu Ling’s thigh, fingers gripping slightly as she gave a gentle squeeze. “Then were you seeing your ex?”

 

“No.” Xu Ling shifted uncomfortably. The grip on her leg loosened, and instead Qin Cong’an began softly stroking the spot, as if apologizing for hurting her.

 

Qin Cong’an let go and picked up the ring again, turning it slowly. “Then, can I have this?”

 

“No.” Xu Ling planned to return it to Li Yan. She picked out another ring from the jewelry box — simple, elegant, and fitting for Qin Cong’an. “You can have this one.”

 

Qin Cong’an said nothing. She stayed still for a while before reaching out her left hand.

 

Was she asking Xu Ling to put it on for her?

 

Xu Ling’s hand trembled as she leaned forward, checked the size, and slipped it onto Qin Cong’an’s middle finger. It fit perfectly.

 

“Left middle finger — what does that mean?” Qin Cong’an asked.

 

“It doesn’t mean anything. Just looks good,” Xu Ling said softly. “Your hands are very beautiful.”

 

“Mm, I know you like them.” Qin Cong’an pulled Xu Ling’s hand over and pressed it against her palm, comparing sizes. “Yours are a bit bigger.”

 

Xu Ling felt breathless as she stared at their touching hands — Qin Cong’an now wearing a ring she’d given her. In a low voice, she asked, “Is this what they call a bestie cuddle?”

 

“Hmm?” Qin Cong’an gave a soft chuckle through her nose, then suddenly spread their joined fingers and gave them a small shake. “Depends how you interpret it.”

 

“…Qin Cong’an, I accidentally liked a comment just now.” Xu Ling didn’t pull her hand away, but she didn’t interlock fingers either. “Someone analyzing how you got bitten by mosquitoes on set because we were standing close.”

 

“Oh? Accidentally?”

 

“Yeah, it was an accident.” Xu Ling pulled out her phone. “Let’s take a selfie — we’ll post it with the group pics later, use it to respond. Just say bestie bonding.”

 

“Alright.” Qin Cong’an agreed easily, glancing over at the bedroom. “But taking it in the bedroom doesn’t seem very appropriate, right?”

 

Xu Ling murmured a quick “Mm” and was promptly pulled out by Qin Cong’an to the living room sofa. If someone didn’t know better, they’d think it was Qin Cong’an’s home from how familiar she was with the place.

 

“How should we pose?” Qin Cong’an asked.

 

“Just shoulders together is fine.” Xu Ling said, watching as Qin Cong’an swept her hair to one side and leaned closer. Xu Ling raised her phone with a stiff arm, shoulders unconsciously tensed.

 

Qin Cong’an leaned even closer, nearly resting her head on Xu Ling’s shoulder. Once the picture was taken, she lifted their still-joined hands into the frame.

 

The still shot only showed them shoulder-to-shoulder, but in reality, their hands were held too.

 

“…” Xu Ling silently looked at Qin Cong’an.

 

Qin Cong’an shrugged. “Just a little prank between good friends.”

 

“One more photo.”

 

“Sure.”

 

Just as Xu Ling was about to take another, the doorbell rang. She quickly released Qin Cong’an’s hand and ran to open the door.

 

It was Lin Xinnuo, Yi Huai, and Gu Qi. Lin Xinnuo hadn’t wanted to arrive so early, but since the others were already here, she had no choice. Hopefully, she wasn’t interrupting anything.

 

Gu Qi got excited the moment she saw Xu Ling, bouncing up and down at the entryway with her arm looped around Xu Ling’s.

 

The contrast was too stark — now this was a real bestie. Whatever that was before felt… off. Xu Ling’s heart was still racing. She hurried to offer slippers. “Pick your color and remember it so you don’t mix them up.”

 

“Okay!” Gu Qi walked in and paused slightly when she saw Qin Cong’an. Even though Lin had warned her in advance, Qin Cong’an’s strong presence — almost like the homeowner — still threw her off. She finally approached and greeted politely, “Hi, An-jie.”

 

“Long time no see.” Qin Cong’an smiled politely.

 

“Qi, help me grab drinks.” Xu Ling called her into the kitchen.

 

From inside, excited voices rang out: “This is the yogurt Jiang Jiang endorses! I bought two boxes too!” “Yeah, but it doesn’t taste that great…” “Hahaha!”

 

Later, the group began touring the apartment, chatting loudly and excitedly.

 

Yi Huai sat near the couch and asked, “Is Quan-jie not coming?”

 

“She’s busy, can’t make it.”

 

“Got it. By the way, there’s been a lot of talk online about you two as a CP (couple pairing). Must be exhausting.”

 

“It’s fine. Just part of promoting the show,” Qin Cong’an replied calmly. “You’re working hard too. And Xu Ling has been cooperative.”

 

“No, no, not at all.” Yi Huai felt a headache coming. She added apologetically, “Xu Ling accidentally liked a CP fan comment earlier. She said it was a mistake, and I believe her. Hope you don’t mind.”

 

“It’s fine. She told me already. We just took a selfie to address it.”

 

“Great! I’ll remind her to switch to her alt account next time.”

 

Qin Cong’an smiled. “Really, it’s no big deal.”

 

Yi Huai could tell Qin Cong’an wasn’t mad, which was surprising. Usually, when a costar likes a CP comment without notice, people get very upset. “Xiao Qin, you seem more into this ship than usual.”

 

“Do I?”

 

“Yeah. You’re more involved than before.”

 

Qin Cong’an nodded. “I suppose so. I get along better with Xu Ling than previous costars, so it feels more natural.”

 

Natural? Yi Huai wasn’t so sure. She said “involved,” not “natural.” In fact, it felt anything but natural.

 

Meanwhile, Lin Xinnuo had joined the others touring the rooms. Bursts of laughter could be heard from the bedroom.

 

Qin Cong’an glanced in that direction, took a sip of jasmine tea, and tried to calm her rising annoyance. Xu Ling didn’t laugh like that with her. Why did it bother her so much to see Xu Ling enjoying herself with others? Don’t be so petty.

 

Soon after, Chang Ning, Liang He, and Wen Qianning arrived.

 

“Director Chang, aren’t you in the middle of a shoot?” Qin Cong’an asked.

 

“Gotta breathe sometimes. Left it to the B team, no problem.” Chang Ning mainly came to see for herself if the CP she set up had really come true — she wasn’t missing this dinner for anything.

 

Everyone brought gifts. Wen Qianning brought bread and cake, knowing Xu Ling’s tastes — also to return Qin Cong’an’s gift. “I went early this morning. The baker is lazy and makes limited stock. If you go late, it’s sold out.”

 

“Wow! Thanks!” Xu Ling was thrilled, but saved it in the fridge for after dinner.

 

Wen Qianning spotted the two bottles of wine in the kitchen and her eyes lit up. “We drinking this tonight?”

 

“Oh no no no, I’ve got others ready.” Xu Ling quickly hid the bottles Qin Cong’an had given her and brought out different ones.

 

Wen Qianning was just as happy — as a true wine lover, any drink would do. Only now did Xu Ling realize that Wen sneaked downstairs to drink behind her manager’s back.

 

The meal was catered by Yi Huai — Chinese, Western, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian — something for everyone.

 

Before eating, they remembered why they gathered and took lots of pictures and a few videos.

 

Xu Ling and Qin Cong’an sat side by side — closer than usual — though Xu Ling was just as close to Gu Qi on the other side. From a distance, it looked like a close-knit drama crew reunion.

 

The dinner turned more relaxed as the drinks flowed. Everyone let down their guard and talked freely.

 

Liang He slapped the table. “Seriously, those CP fan edits where they dissect every frame — every look, every move, even swallowing — after watching a few, I started believing you two had something going on!”

 

“Ha-ha-ha.” Xu Ling laughed nervously. “They’re hilarious!”

 

Gu Qi suddenly looked serious. “So… you two don’t have anything going on?”

 

Xu Ling stiffened and turned to look at her. “…Of course not.”

 

“Hahaha! I knew it!” Gu Qi’s suspicious expression vanished instantly. “If something were really going on, we’d know before any fans.”

 

Chang Ning added, “But you two really do match well. I cast you in roles with a special bond because your vibes work together. It’s only natural fans picked up on that.”

 

Liang He burst out laughing. “Chang, don’t tell me you’re a CP fan too?”

 

“I could be,” she replied, glancing at the two. “But only if it’s real. If not, I wouldn’t ship it.”

 

Secretly shipping.

 

Xu Ling lowered her head and gnawed at a pork bone, completely abandoning her image. Director Chang really lived up to her genius label — she saw right through them after just one appearance together on camera. She could sense Xu Ling’s longing.

 

Qin Cong’an seemed thoughtful. So that was why Chang cast Xu Ling — even though she wasn’t really an actress. But it was true. Now that she thought about it, she couldn’t imagine playing Jian Yu with anyone else. Other actresses might have better technique, but they lacked something. Xu Ling, even without much experience, fit.

 

Liang He asked, “Your first romance film — didn’t the leads end up together in real life? How are they now?”

 

That film was half for fun, before Chang Ning officially entered the industry. The leads were friends, never planned to act again — but they did fall for each other.

 

Chang Ning replied, “Still going strong.”

 

“Wow, over ten years now.” Liang He teased, glancing at Xu Ling and Qin Cong’an.

 

“But I’ve shot a bunch of love stories, and only that couple made it.” Chang added, trying to gauge their reaction. Xu Ling was still focused on her bone. Qin Cong’an gave no real reaction. Sometimes, no reaction says a lot.

 

The topic fizzled out and moved on.

 

They talked shop while eating, and afterward took more photos and videos — not just for promo, but genuinely wanting to capture the reunion after a year apart.

 

Aside from Yi Huai who was driving, and Lin Xinnuo who was technically working, everyone else drank a bit — especially Wen Qianning, who had the most.

 

Everyone soon understood why her manager banned her from drinking: when she gets drunk, she kisses everyone. And she’s surprisingly strong.

 

Gu Qi had already been kissed into dazed silence. Wen was clearly targeting her next victim.

 

Panicked, Xu Ling tried to dodge, but either she tripped or got grabbed — next thing she knew, she was sitting on Qin Cong’an’s lap, her face buried in Qin’s neck.

 

Wen Qianning drunkenly staggered toward them — but when she saw Qin Cong’an, her eyes instantly cleared.

 

Apparently, even drunk people know who not to mess with.