After Rebirth, the Cold and Aloof Film Queen Always Wants to Cuddle with Me - Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Assistant Li nodded and moved closer, her muted voice reaching Lin Ruijiao. She froze—why was Assistant Li with Ye Ruihuan? Oh no, Ye Ruihuan must have found out everything.
“What’s going on?” Ye Ruihuan asked casually while sifting through gowns.
“She called about work arrangements,” Assistant Li responded matter-of-factly.
“Tell her to speak with Ye Zhi,” Ye Ruihuan replied nonchalantly.
“Alright.” Assistant Li immediately messaged back: “Miss Lin, Ye Jie asked you to contact Sister Ye Zhi. I’ll send you her contact.”
“Okay, thanks,” Lin Ruijiao replied, heart pounding. At least she had a legitimate reason now to meet Ye Zhi.
She wasn’t well acquainted with Ye Zhi—Ye Ruihuan’s half-sister, known to be fiercely competent and in charge of 90% of Huarui Entertainment’s business. She might be the breakthrough she needed.
Lin Ruijiao added Ye Zhi’s contact. Soon, the friend request was accepted, and before she could craft a message, her phone rang.
“Is this Lin Ruijiao? I’m Ye Zhi.” A clear calm voice greeted on the other end.
“Yes, yes, hello Ye Zhi,” she responded hastily.
“Do you need something? Just say it.”
“Ye Zhi—Ruihuan told me to contact you about my work schedule,” she answered bluntly.
There was a brief pause before Ye Zhi said, “Alright. Come to the company tomorrow.”
“Okay, thank you Ye Zhi.”
“Okay, bye.” Ye Zhi hung up decisively. What’s Ruihuan up to, causing trouble every day? she sighed.
Lin Ruijiao smiled—Ye Zhi was straightforward; tomorrow’s meeting would likely go smoothly. She went over past events in her mind but found no useful clues, so she planned to improvise.
Meanwhile, Ye Ruihuan was still trying on gowns. After dozens of options and feeling unsatisfied, she nearly resorted to custom design. Ultimately, she selected a decent dress. Late into the night, she carefully gave instructions to Assistant Li—she was going to meet Dong Yulan soon and needed to make an impact.
With a faint smile, she finally slept, but her dreams returned.
….
In her dream, the house was the Yuwan villa. Lin Ruijiao greeted her with joy: “Ruihuan, you’re home!” Her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky.
“You were waiting for me?” Ye Ruihuan asked, puzzled—Lin Ruijiao never behaved like this.
“Of course! I’ve been waiting for you,” Lin Ruijiao murmured sweetly, linking arms and guiding her inside.
Home? The villa was in Guiting, not her home. Yet, Ye Ruihuan followed.
“Why are you so distant today?” Lin Ruijiao cooed softly.
Ye Ruihuan didn’t respond—this was normal for her?
“I missed you.” Lin Ruijiao leaned closer, eyes bright and lashes fluttering with innocence and sweetness.
Something made Ye Ruihuan confess: “I missed you too.”
“See? I knew it.” Lin Ruijiao blushed—shy or happy, she seemed both.
…Scene shifts. Lin Ruijiao appeared in sheer white satin pajamas, hugging her curves. Ye Ruihuan quickly averted her eyes—she was wearing a robe too.
Lin Ruijiao lay back on the bed, one hand supporting her head, her body curved seductively, her smooth white skin gleaming in the dim light.
Ye Ruihuan’s throat tightened. What was this little bunny doing? What was she doing?
“Come here, Ruihuan,” Lin Ruijiao called quietly, her voice seductive and alluring.
Ye Ruihuan moved toward her, touching Lin Ruijiao’s smooth skin. Her heartbeat raced and she lost control. Instinctively, she leaned in and kissed her—again and again.
Lin Ruijiao’s slender arm curled around her neck, returning the embrace—they melted together in passion…
…Ye Ruihuan woke with a jolt. The lingering sensation from the dream still pulsed in her heart. She was breathless and heart pounding. That was no ordinary nightmare—it was something else. Even the previous dreams had only been a single kiss, clear and hauntful, as if reminding her how far she’d crossed the line. Could her subconscious truly love Lin Ruijiao? No way…I can’t like her like that. For the first time, Ye Ruihuan questioned her own heart.
Now, even thinking of Lin Ruijiao made her mind replay that intimate dream—leaving her lips dry and heart pounding. Better to see her less often… or I might do something I won’t be able to stop.
…Next morning. Lin Ruijiao woke early, dressed in a simple dress perfect for meeting Ye Zhi. She applied makeup and informed Manager Wang. The two of them went together—Wang acting as her manager for the first time in a while.
Arriving at Huarui Entertainment’s grand building, Wang hesitated—so impressive. Lin Ruijiao felt memories from her past life flicker—her previous visits had always been conflicts with Ye Ruihuan, never pleasant.
They entered and were guided by reception to Ye Zhi’s office on the 11th floor. Lin Ruijiao followed confidently, while Wang quietly looked around.
She’d visited the 12th floor before (Ye Ruihuan’s office), but this was her first time seeing Ye Zhi’s.
“Come in.” A calm, serious voice called.
They entered, and the door closed behind them.
“Hello, Ye Zhi,” they both greeted.
“Lin Ruijiao?” Ye Zhi stood, walking to her black leather sofa and pouring tea.
“I hear you like acting?” Ye Zhi asked, smiling just enough—but her eyes were flat.
“Yes.” Lin Ruijiao smiled confidently.
“I should make one thing clear—I’m not Ye Ruihuan. I won’t support you for no reason,” Ye Zhi said casually as she sniffed her tea.
That tea was fragrant and elegant—distinct from Ruihuan’s.
“I know that. But supporting me is the right choice,” Lin Ruijiao replied calmly, radiating self-assurance and ambition.
“Is it? Just because you’ve been an extra for years?” Ye Zhi teased, her eyes cold.
“You won’t regret investing in me,” Lin Ruijiao answered firmly.
Ye Zhi thought for a moment, then said: “Fine, let’s see your performance in Half Moon first.” Since Ye Ruihuan hadn’t arranged anything, Ye Zhi compromised.
“Okay, but I…” Lin Ruijiao started, but was cut off.
“No rush. Have your manager stay for training at the company, and help you negotiate commercial projects,” Ye Zhi explained. “We have dorms; your manager can live here. We’ll assign you an assistant soon.”
“Thank you, Ye Zhi.” Lin Ruijiao bowed slightly.
“Thank me later. If you don’t make noise with Half Moon, it’s all talk.” Ye Zhi said softly, businesslike smile fading.
“It’s fine—thank you, Ye Zhi.” Lin Ruijiao responded unwaveringly, her ambitious eyes shining bright.
“My secretary will bring you to complete the paperwork.” Ye Zhi gestured to Manager Wang.
“Thank you.” They stood.
Soon, the secretary arrived.
Left alone in the office, Ye Zhi took another sip of tea as Lin Ruijiao did the same. The difference between this tea and Ruihuan’s was obvious—delicate and classy.
“Ruihuan—you haven’t fallen for Ye Ruihuan, have you?” Ye Zhi asked, now playful and intrigued.
Lin Ruijiao choked on her tea. “What? No!” she answered immediately.
“Good. Don’t end up like that fool.” Ye Zhi’s eyes glinted. Some feelings defy explanation. She trusted her instincts—this Lin Ruijiao might be an exception to Ye Ruihuan’s usual indulgences.
“I hope my work won’t be overshadowed by her.” Lin Ruijiao admitted after a moment.
Ye Zhi raised an eyebrow—she hadn’t expected that. “That’s not my decision. Ye Ruihuan controls most of my work.” Seeing Lin Ruijiao’s determined spirit, she said, “I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you, Ye Zhi.” Lin Ruijiao smiled.
“That’s everything. Tea’s done. Feel free to go.” Ye Zhi stood with finality.
“Thank you again.” Lin Ruijiao bowed and left.
Word of her meeting with Ye Zhi spread quickly—she was now the company’s signed newcomer, beloved by Ye Ruihuan. The entertainment world buzzed about Ye Ruihuan personally championing her—rumors flew.
Exiting Ye Zhi’s office, dozens of eyes followed her, whispers circling. Lin Ruijiao, pleased, paid no mind.
Entering the elevator, two well-dressed women appeared who looked oddly familiar. One, in a pink suit, sneered.
“So this is the new girl Ye’s pushing?” she mocked.
“She’s nothing special. Don’t know what Ye Ruihuan sees in her,” the second woman added.
Lin Ruijiao stared back, confused. They were talking about her. That face… it was so familiar—like Dong Yulan.
Her heart plunged. So Ye Ruihuan had multiple stand-ins? How many surprises did she still not know about? Lin Ruijiao felt sick to her stomach.
“Is that so? I am just an extra, not close to Ye Ruihuan. Please step aside,” Lin Ruijiao replied coolly, walking out when the doors opened—and leaving the two staring after her.
…Meanwhile, at the gala. Ye Ruihuan had chosen jewelry and had her team finalize makeup. But as gala time approached, she felt oddly calm. Lin Ruijiao’s face and the dreamy intimate scenes swirled in her mind—she frowned.
“Something off?” Assistant Li asked, sensing her unease.
“No.” Ye Ruihuan thought: Do I like Lin Ruijiao? That ordinary stand‑in? That clueless little bunny? Her mind flickered through Lin Ruijiao’s various gestures. This is unreal. I can’t think about this. I need to prepare to see Yulan tonight. She sipped ice water to refresh herself.
At night, Ye Zhi and her shared a ride to XX Garden.
“Wow, you look stunning,” Ye Zhi praised sincerely. Compared to her, Ye Ruihuan looked breathtaking.
She wore perfectly styled waves and a gradient blue‑purple mermaid gown from a high‑end brand—elegant and exquisite. Even Ye Zhi couldn’t take her eyes off her.
“Um, thank you.” Ye Ruihuan replied dryly.
“Don’t talk too much later,” Ye Zhi advised.
“…Annoying.” Ye Ruihuan checked her reflection.
The gala was invitation-only, filled with elites. After handing over the invite, the two slipped in through a side entrance.
Inside, golden decor and top-tier brands filled the ballroom—even the vases were antiques.
Ye Ruihuan barely noticed. The only reason she’d come was to see Dong Yulan.
Upon entering, all eyes turned to her. Some familiar, some strangers, and several gentlemen looking to impress the “difficult” Ye Ruihuan.
But she ignored them and scanned the crowd. Finally, she spotted Dong Yulan in a corner—wearing a white long gown with lace trims, serene and beautiful among the crowd around Xia Dongyang and friends.
Ye Ruihuan walked toward her, her expression softening.
Dong Yulan saw her and smiled warmly. “Ruihuan, it’s been a while—you’re even more beautiful now.”
“Yulan, long time no see. You too.” Ye Ruihuan responded, her face tender and eyes shimmering.
Xia Dongyang looked protective beside Yulan, eyes wary of Ye Ruihuan.
The couple’s affection shimmered. Ye Ruihuan felt her expression freeze—she couldn’t control it. Standing apart from their joy, she felt a sudden urge to run.
“Ruihuan, I heard you’ve been nurturing a new talent?” Dong Yulan teased with curiosity.
“Ah?” Ye Ruihuan was caught off guard.
“It’s okay, it’s just the company’s new sign-on. Of course you’d nurture her,” Ye Zhi interjected from the side.
“True.” Yulan smiled with gentle teasing. “Ruihuan, if you have someone special, don’t hide her—introduce us at the party!”
“Mm-hmm.” Ye Ruihuan nodded, but her gaze drifted. Everything was pressing forward, but internally she felt trapped in her own limitations. Waves of bitterness rose in her belly.
This gala was dull. She shouldn’t have come. Even meeting the person she wanted to see brought no joy. Instead, Lin Ruijiao’s face had flashed in her mind, and suddenly she was scanning for Ye Zhi in the crowd—there she was, sipping quietly at the bar.
“Ye Zhi, I’m going back. You stay here,” Ye Ruihuan said softly. She noticed Ye Junhua sitting next to her—which made her curious. How close were those two?
Leaving the gala, Ye Ruihuan wondered what Lin Ruijiao was doing—was she waiting for her? Her thoughts drifted back to that intoxicating dream…