After Filming A Lesbian Movie With The Straight Girl I Like - Chapter49

Chapter 49: She’s So Despicable

 

Qin Cong’an never thought she had any weaknesses. She had encountered many accidents, many setbacks, but from a very young age, she understood that these were merely external experiences—hardships everyone had to go through in life. None of it could ever become her weakness.

 

But after falling for Xu Ling, she found one.

 

She wanted Xu Ling to be happy. She didn’t want to see Xu Ling upset. Even just reading one negative comment about her online would make Qin Cong’an’s heart tighten.

 

At the same time, she discovered many flaws within herself—she was petty, jealous, and despite countless times of vowing to stop caring, she just couldn’t help it.

 

Even though she liked Xu Ling and wanted to make her smile, seeing her laugh in a place she couldn’t reach made her unbearably upset. She wanted to see her cry. She wanted to see her break down.

 

She was here to help relieve Xu Ling’s seasickness, yet she ended up pressing on her so hard that Xu Ling’s brows furrowed in pain. Qin Cong’an had no idea what she was even doing anymore.

 

Qin Cong’an let go. “That should be enough. Let me know if you still feel unwell.”

 

Xu Ling turned to look at her arm and asked, “Are you tired from massaging? Do you want me to massage your arm for a bit?”

 

“No need.”

 

Xu Ling gave a soft “oh,” stared at her arm line and swallowed hard. She shouldn’t have asked—should’ve just gone for it. After patiently counting to ten, she said, “Ugh, I’m getting dizzy again.”

 

Qin Cong’an glanced at her, about to grab her hand, but Xu Ling moved it away and said, “Not there. It works better on the neck.”

 

Xu Ling was feeling blissfully comfortable from the massage. She was still dizzy—but it was the kind of dizzy like stepping on cotton candy. Looking weak and delicate, she leaned into Qin Cong’an as the small boat rocked.

 

What exactly was Qin Cong’an’s weakness? Xu Ling couldn’t imagine. Qin Cong’an wasn’t even ticklish… Hmm, but biting her at the side of her waist would make her twist into a ball. Does that count as a weakness?

 

“We’ve arrived!”

 

Arrived? Xu Ling was in disbelief. The boat had just started moving, hadn’t it? Just moments ago she felt like every second dragged on, but ever since Qin Cong’an came over, time had flown by.

 

The moment she got off the boat, her steps were genuinely unsteady—but falling into Qin Cong’an’s arms was definitely a bit dramatic.

 

Her arm was pulled—Xu Ling looked up. Sister Huai had come to help her.

 

Yi Huai had tried to pull herself together—though she still felt awful. But work was work, and she had to look after the artist who seemed even more seasick than her and could barely walk.

 

But in the next second, Xu Ling was supporting Sister Huai instead. Her face was pale—she looked even worse off.

 

Qin Cong’an glanced at them, then left with Lin Xinnuo in the first car.

 

Xu Ling got into one of the cars behind and was taken to the island’s only hotel.

 

The magazine had booked the entire place for the next two days. Though the hotel wasn’t large, it was stylish and full of island character—more like a grand estate villa than a hotel. There was even a large outdoor swimming pool.

 

It was sunset. Looking out from the room’s balcony, the dazzling rays of light were so beautiful they didn’t seem real. Any photo taken would look like a phone wallpaper.

 

Xu Ling remembered Qin Cong’an’s phone wallpaper—it was waves. She must really like the ocean.

 

Ah! No wonder she chose those light blue slippers—it’s because of the sea.

 

Mystery solved, Xu Ling felt mentally and physically refreshed. She leaned against the balcony railing, admiring the view. Coming here to shoot for the magazine was absolutely the right decision. Qin Cong’an liked the sea, so her photo shoot mood would be great. Xu Ling liked Qin Cong’an, so hers would be too.

 

After dinner, they had a meeting outlining the next day’s schedule. The magazine team told everyone to rest early.

 

As soon as Xu Ling entered the hotel, she had her eye on that pool. Swimming was her forte—this was a great chance to impress Qin Cong’an. She wasn’t some fake idol—she had skills.

 

Qin Cong’an had filmed underwater scenes before, so she probably knew how to swim. Xu Ling decided to invite her using the excuse of “light exercise to look better tomorrow.” That wouldn’t be too suspicious. Qin Cong’an once asked to shower together—swimming was basically the PG-rated version. Plus, it made up for that deleted spa scene.

 

After digesting a bit, Xu Ling knocked on Qin Cong’an’s door.

 

The corridor had a totally different layout—different doors, different numbers—everything felt unfamiliar. But Xu Ling instantly felt transported back to more than a year ago.

 

The first time she knocked on Qin Cong’an’s door, she’d been nervous but determined.

 

“Who is it?”

 

The voice came from inside. Xu Ling puffed out her cheeks. Who else could it be? Couldn’t she recognize her knock? Forgotten already?

 

“It’s me,” Xu Ling replied. Then she realized—it was exactly like that first time.

 

Qin Cong’an opened the door, saw the odd look on Xu Ling’s face, and leaned against the frame. “What is it?”

 

“Did you bring a swimsuit?”

 

“What is it?”

 

Xu Ling deflated. What could it be? It’s not like she was here to pick mushrooms.

 

“Nothing much… just… if you brought a swimsuit, we could go swimming together. If not, it’s fine. I mean, you can’t wear mine—it wouldn’t fit.”

 

“Oh? You know my size that well?”

 

“…” What kind of question was that? Of course she knew.

 

“I brought one,” Qin Cong’an said. “But why should we swim together?”

 

“Well, we’re shooting tomorrow. Working out a bit would help. Swimming helps reduce puffiness—makes the jawline look sharper.” Xu Ling offered her well-prepared excuse, speaking casually and confidently.

 

“Such professionalism,” Qin Cong’an said, then closed the door. Half a second later, it reopened. “Forgot to say—okay.”

 

Xu Ling had been standing there, stunned, wondering if she should knock again. Hearing that, she quickly nodded. “Then I’ll meet you downstairs in ten minutes.”

 

Once the door closed again, Xu Ling ran back to her room, stomped her feet in excitement, then opened her suitcase to pick a swimsuit.

 

Of course she brought many. She’d spent ages picking these. Now she had to pick just one? Tough call. Bikini or one-piece?

 

In the end, she decided to be conservative. It was an outdoor pool—there might be other people around, like the magazine staff.

 

Qin Cong’an showed up in a long-sleeved one-piece—black, of course.

 

Xu Ling hadn’t seen such a modest swimsuit in years. But Qin Cong’an had a great figure—wrapped up like that only highlighted her tight waist and curves.

 

Xu Ling’s own grass-green swimsuit seemed downright sexy in comparison—backless, with a triangular cut that made her long legs look even longer.

 

By then, Xu Ling had already warmed up and was soaking in the water. Seeing Qin Cong’an so covered up, she didn’t dare stare—just awkwardly paced in the water, waiting for her.

 

“Xu Ling.” Qin Cong’an sat at the pool’s edge, dipping her feet in.

 

Xu Ling swam over from the deep end, resting at the edge and looking up. “What’s up?”

 

She had broad shoulders and a small face. Coming out of the water, her skin looked soft and clean. Like a puppy—hair wet, eyes glistening, making you want to pet her. Qin Cong’an touched the water, looked at her, and said, “I don’t know how to swim.”

 

“What?” Xu Ling was shocked. “But you’ve filmed rescue scenes in water!”

 

“Yeah, but there weren’t any swimming shots. I just went into the water, pulled someone along a rope to shore. There was a life ring, too.”

 

“Are you afraid of water?”

 

“No.”

 

“Good.” Xu Ling let out a breath—only to get splashed in the face by Qin Cong’an. She instinctively closed her eyes, then glared. “What was that for?”

 

“Playing.” If I didn’t splash you, I might’ve kissed you. The way you care—even if you’re faking it—makes me melt inside. Qin Cong’an felt like the water was tickling her feet.

 

Xu Ling wiped her face, annoyed. “You’re in the mood to play? Guess I found your weakness—Qin Cong’an doesn’t know how to swim!”

 

“That’s not a weakness.”

 

“Stubborn.”

 

“It’s not—I just never learned.” Qin Cong’an leaned in a bit, her voice softer than ever. “Teacher Xu, can you teach me?”

 

“…” That “Teacher Xu” didn’t sound anything like the way she said it in public. Xu Ling’s legs started kicking out of excitement like a wagging tail. “Sure, since you called me teacher.”

 

After saying that, she pushed off and climbed out of the pool, shaking her hair dramatically—feeling like she was showing off.

 

Once she stood, it was Qin Cong’an’s turn to look up, a slight smile on her lips, making Xu Ling self-conscious.

 

“Get up! What are you staring at?”

 

“Don’t be so fierce, Teacher Xu.” Qin Cong’an got up, and Xu Ling immediately grabbed her arm—afraid she’d slip into the pool.

 

Xu Ling quickly let go and cleared her throat. “Let’s warm up. Follow me.”

 

“Mm.” Qin Cong’an followed her instructions, doing jumping jacks, high knees, dynamic stretches—surprised at how professional “Teacher Xu” seemed.

 

After the warmup, Xu Ling went to the front desk for a kickboard. Once in the shallow water, she helped Qin Cong’an get used to the feel of it. “What stroke do you want to learn? How about starting with freestyle?”

 

“You really plan to teach me?”

 

Xu Ling realized she’d slipped into teacher mode—just from being called “teacher” twice. She splashed the water. “So what, you’re not planning to learn?”

 

“I do. I’ve always wanted to. But I told you, I don’t like people touching me, so I never did.” Qin Cong’an turned to look at her. Before Xu Ling could respond, she added, “But one day won’t be enough. What then?”

 

At that moment, Xu Ling’s hand was resting on Qin Cong’an’s waist—and she didn’t pull away. She even wanted a follow-up?

 

“Well,” Qin Cong’an said, seeing Xu Ling silent, “we’re both pretty busy.”

 

“No we’re not. Not so busy we can’t spare a little time.” Xu Ling snapped back to her senses and immediately agreed. “We’ll compare schedules later. Find a day to practice again.”

 

Qin Cong’an nodded and said okay.

 

So, not knowing how to swim—is that a weakness? Clearly, it’s actually a blessing.

 

But because Xu Ling was willing to teach her, because her palm was resting on her waist at that very moment, it felt like fireworks exploded in her heart. Yes, this really was her weakness.

 

“Are you lying to me?”

 

“What?” Qin Cong’an was pulled from her thoughts by the sudden question.

 

“You do know how to swim, don’t you?” Xu Ling felt she lacked the usual uneasiness of a beginner in the water. “Do you really not know?”

 

“…You want to toss me into the deep end and see how many minutes it takes me to die?”

 

Xu Ling choked: “No need to go that far.”

 

She began teaching Qin Cong’an how to kick properly. Seeing her struggle to point her toes and keep rhythm, she confirmed she really didn’t know how to swim. But Qin Cong’an learned quickly—she had an athletic foundation, so it wasn’t hard.

 

After a while, Qin Cong’an sat at the edge of the pool, resting and drinking water, watching Xu Ling swim.

 

Even though she couldn’t swim herself, Qin Cong’an could still tell her butterfly stroke was beautiful. Like a mermaid—elegant, even the splashes she made looked graceful.

 

After a few laps, Xu Ling swam back toward Qin Cong’an, splashing excitedly, thinking: Did you see that? Out loud she said, “I haven’t swum seriously in ages—I almost forgot how.”

 

“Your expression doesn’t say that.”

 

“…Really?” Xu Ling tried to act composed. “Well, it did go pretty smoothly, so I’m quite pleased.”

 

Qin Cong’an saw that her whole face was basically shouting ‘Aren’t I amazing? Hurry, praise me!’ She raised a hand and patted her head: “You’re really impressive—so beautiful.”

 

Xu Ling froze at that, the exaggerated expression stuck on her face. She dipped her head and, after Qin Cong’an withdrew her hand, started fixing her hair.

 

“So, why are you so good at swimming?”

 

“I practiced a lot when I was a kid,” Xu Ling said, her tone easing from the awkwardness of being patted. “I swallowed a ton of water in the beginning—coach said I was the worst in class. I took it really seriously. Even at home, I’d mimic strokes on my bed. Later on, I was always top of the class in swim tests.”

 

Qin Cong’an listened intently, watching her proudly raise her head and smile. She really wanted to pat her again, but held back. Still, her expression softened unconsciously. “No wonder you look so professional.”

 

Xu Ling warmed up to the topic, slapping the water as she spoke: “Hey, did you know I was actually selected for pro training? But my parents didn’t let me go—said athletics were too grueling. And honestly, I wasn’t all that eager either. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t go. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met you…”

 

Wait, what the heck am I saying?!

 

She suddenly dove underwater again, swimming off as if she had endless energy. Surrounded by water, she couldn’t hear the outside world anymore—yet her inner voice grew louder.

 

Is this what Qin Cong’an meant by being honest with each other? Thank goodness they didn’t take a bath together—she’d probably spill everything.

 

Qin Cong’an sat by the pool, watching Xu Ling glide through the water. Her back was truly beautiful, and the swimsuit made her shine like a vibrant spring breeze.

 

Xu Ling’s words just now, mixed with the sound of the water, played again in Qin Cong’an’s ears.

 

She regretted meeting her. She wanted to grab her and demand “Why?” But she also truly couldn’t imagine what her life would’ve been like without her.

 

When Xu Ling swam back, Qin Cong’an pointed up at the sky.

 

“Wow!” Xu Ling gasped in surprise. “How are there so many stars?!”

 

Qin Cong’an had also been marveling at them quietly earlier. But now, looking at Xu Ling’s flushed, glowing face, she couldn’t help but think: How can someone be this cute?

 

Xu Ling rarely saw so many stars. Whether in Beicheng or London, stargazing wasn’t really possible. Seeing this many all at once—it was impossible to look away.

 

Excited, she grabbed Qin Cong’an’s hand: “I’m going to teach you backstroke, so we can swim and watch the stars at the same time.”

 

Can we? How much weight does that promise hold?

 

But Qin Cong’an nodded and said, “Sure.”

 

Soaked too long in the water, and needing to wake early to shoot the sunrise, the two finally returned to their room to shower.

 

Xu Ling was always in a great mood after swimming. Today she felt almost too happy—she nearly slipped in the bathroom from all the excitement.

 

After her shower, drying her hair on the balcony, she suddenly realized—she forgot to take any pictures.

 

It would’ve been amazing to capture tonight’s moment, with the stars and just the two of us. They’d be shooting into the night tomorrow, likely capturing the starry sky… but work wasn’t the same as a private memory.

 

Still, maybe it was better not to take pictures. No need to think about whether or not to share them. This way, it would remain a purely theirs memory.

 

Xu Ling was smiling so hard her face started to hurt. Even her teeth felt dry from the sea breeze. She rubbed her cheeks, wondering: Where exactly is our boundary? What even are we right now?

 

But that was the kind of question you could never ask. Ask it, and everything might fall apart.

 

---

 

The island’s dawn was breathtaking.

 

A sliver of light on the horizon turned the sky lavender for a moment. The photographer captured it perfectly: the two of them holding hands in silhouette, backlit by the rising sun.

 

Xu Ling’s posture, of course, was flawless—perfectly poised between tension and grace. Her pose looked like art. Qin Cong’an, naturally relaxed, was perfect for the scene. She looked like someone who would sit atop a mountain, quietly watching the sunrise.

 

For a magazine shoot, body language is key. A lot of the perceived relationship between people comes from how they interact physically.

 

While reviewing the shots, the photographer noted not only Xu Ling’s professionalism but also a subtle sense that Qin Cong’an depended on Xu Ling a little.

 

That emotional nuance was unexpected—but worked surprisingly well.

 

As the sun climbed higher, they continued shooting in different spots—from the beach to the mountains, from the woods back to the ocean—just as planned.

 

Both sides had previously agreed that they didn’t mind physical contact.

 

But Qin Cong’an had added: “Just not too much.”

 

The coordinator had offered several sample poses, which Qin Cong’an accepted. Some of those would’ve crossed the line for many celebrities—but Qin had said yes. So what did “too much” really mean to her?

 

Either way, they did several intertwined poses—eerily similar to the ones Qin had previously disapproved of, when Xu Ling posed with two other models.

 

“Great! Great!” the photographer exclaimed, shooting excitedly. “Try looking into each other’s eyes! Yes—just a little offset—wow, that’s gorgeous!”

 

On the flight here, when Qin Cong’an had flipped through the sample layouts, she’d been wondering: What was Xu Ling thinking when she posed for those shots?

 

Now she had a pretty good idea: Just doing her job.

 

Xu Ling could follow the photographer’s every instruction, hitting the exact emotion or expression they asked for. She was incredibly professional.

 

Although Xu Ling was always focused and charming during filming, seeing her shine in her element like this—it was something else entirely. A tingling feeling spread from their interlocked fingers, seeping through her whole body.

 

---

 

Under the blazing noon sun, they took a break—but behind-the-scenes footage kept rolling. They ate seafood on the beach.

 

Both of them were shelling food, sharing bites with the crew and each other. Qin Cong’an wouldn’t eat anything touched by others—except for what Xu Ling handed her.

 

Xu Ling was too busy devouring her food to notice, just thinking how hungry she was. Eat more, eat more.

 

They returned to the hotel to rest in the afternoon. With the sun too strong between 3 and 4 PM, the indoor shoot began.

 

There was also a cat that joined the shoot—a sleek black cat with not a speck of white, ironically named “Cream.” It was the hotel’s cat—cool-looking, but very tame and friendly.

 

It seemed to like both women and even climbed on them during the shoot, flaunting its proud posture.

 

It didn’t feel like a work assignment at all—more like a couple on a cat-date.

 

But Xu Ling couldn’t help thinking the cat looked like Mo Yun.

 

Since the shoot was more casual, they were allowed to chat freely while the photographer captured candid moments.

 

Xu Ling, stroking the cat’s back, raised its tail high and said: “This cat looks just like your main profile pic. What’s it called again?”

 

“Mo Yun.” Qin Cong’an smiled instantly at the name.

 

Xu Ling looked at her: “How’s Mo Yun doing?”

 

“Great! I’ll show you a video later.” Qin Cong’an’s tone softened, but then she suddenly remembered: “Oh no, I can’t. My phone isn’t working.”

 

Thank God, Xu Ling thought. She really didn’t want to see the cat they’d raised together.

 

“Cream is so cute! Little Cream—you’re the cutest kitty in the world.” Xu Ling gushed over the cat like crazy. If she didn’t have makeup on, she’d have rubbed her whole face into its fur.

 

Qin Cong’an couldn’t bring herself to say, in front of Cream: Actually, you’re the second cutest. So she silently insisted: Mo Yun is still the cutest in the world.

 

Xu Ling asked: “Why aren’t you praising Cream too?”

 

“Of course Cream is cute,” Qin Cong’an replied obediently. Then asked, “Don’t you praise it enough? Why are you so insistent I say it too?”

 

“…How do I even explain this?” Xu Ling rubbed the cat’s ears. “If I’m the only one praising it, Cream will only like me and ignore you. That wouldn’t be fair.”

 

“Oh. That’s kind of…adorably silly.”

 

Xu Ling couldn’t help it—she bit her lip, a move she really shouldn’t have made.

 

No, she thought, I’m not cute. I’m shameless.