After Rebirth, the Cold and Aloof Film Queen Always Wants to Cuddle with Me - Chapter 20
Chapter 20: (starts from POV inversion)
She quickly smiled and nodded at her.
Ye Ruihuan immediately shifted her gaze away, but her expression seemed to soften a little.
“Ruijiao, do you know that woman?” Liu Qingqing asked curiously.
“Mm-hmm, she’s my company’s boss, Ye Ruihuan.”
“Huh? She’s Ye Ruihuan? Wow, she’s amazing and so beautiful,” Liu Qingqing sincerely praised. “Didn’t expect her to look this good in person.”
“For you to get into Huarui Entertainment, you must be incredible too,” Liu Qingqing continued to flatter her.
“No no, you’re amazing for passing the audition,” Lin Ruijiao replied jokingly with a smile. But her eyes were thoughtful. She used to be just like Liu Qingqing, admiring the high-and-mighty Ye Ruihuan with all her heart.
The director’s shout of “Action” interrupted her thoughts, and the actors began performing according to the script. But less than a minute in, they were stopped. After more than ten takes, they finally got through one scene.
“Xiao Ye, what do you think?” the director asked with a light smile, looking at Ye Ruihuan beside him.
“It’s fine,” she replied casually, nodding, her expression calm and aloof.
Lin Ruijiao, who had been observing, grew more serious. So the rumors about Director Liu being strict were true.
“Ruijiao, this director is so strict…” Liu Qingqing said, worried.
“It’s okay, we just need to do our best. Besides, aren’t we here to learn?” she reassured her. The sunlight that filtered through shone on her dazzling smile, making it glitter.
Ye Ruihuan glanced over and pursed her lips. Why was she smiling so brightly? Why not smile like that at her? Emotions surged in her eyes.
“Isn’t that the promising newcomer from the audition? Let’s bring her over,” Director Liu said, following her gaze and spotting Lin Ruijiao.
“No need, Director Liu,” Ye Ruihuan declined directly.
Director Liu just smiled and said nothing more, focusing back on the monitor.
Lin Ruijiao looked back later, only to find Ye Ruihuan gone. Since there was no scene for her, she’d probably already left.
Not seeing Ye Ruihuan around, Lin Ruijiao felt much more relaxed. Suddenly, being in the production crew felt wonderful—as long as she wasn’t there, she could stay on set forever.
She spent the whole day on set, laughing and chatting with Liu Qingqing, occasionally discussing the script and actors’ performances. It was delightful.
As the crew wrapped up, Lin Ruijiao was about to return to the hotel when the director suddenly called her.
“Hey! That newbie! Lin Ruijiao!” Director Liu waved at her.
“Don’t rush off—everyone’s going out for dinner. Come along.” His tone left no room for refusal, and he turned to discuss set details with the producer.
Even though Lin Ruijiao wanted to decline, she didn’t get a chance, so she had to tag along.
She thought it would just be a simple meal, but to her surprise, Ye Ruihuan was there.
Lin Ruijiao froze, inwardly groaning. Didn’t she leave earlier? Why was she here again? Her eyes filled with complicated emotions, and she stood awkwardly.
“Come, Xiao Lin, have a seat,” Director Liu waved her over.
Also seated were the director, producer, investors, and some of the lead actors—none of whom had shown up on set that day. Apparently, they’d all arrived early but hadn’t revealed themselves.
Lin Ruijiao’s smile grew stiffer. By rank and status, she didn’t belong at this table. She figured she was only invited because of Ye Ruihuan. When could she finally get rid of her? What a nuisance.
“Everyone, let me introduce you—this is Xiao Lin, a real talent and Xiao Ye’s junior. Please take care of her,” Director Liu openly expressed his admiration.
“Thank you, Director Liu, you flatter me,” Lin Ruijiao said, immediately rising to her feet. “Hello, everyone, I’m Lin Ruijiao. Thank you for your kindness.” She bowed sincerely.
She sat down and nodded to Ye Ruihuan with a bright smile. In a setting like this, she wasn’t one to make connections, yet now she was pushed into the spotlight. It was annoying.
Lin Ruijiao mostly stayed quiet, just listening. Meanwhile, Ye Ruihuan kept her usual cool, saying little. Through the conversation, Lin Ruijiao learned that Feng was also funded by Huarui Entertainment—no wonder Ye Ruihuan got special treatment. Even she had benefited from it.
But she didn’t need this. A glint of determination flashed in Lin Ruijiao’s eyes—she had the ability to succeed on her own.
“This drama… Xiao Ye, Xiao Lin, you two have scenes together. It won’t be easy,” Director Liu suddenly shifted the topic.
“It’s fine, Director Liu. You know I’ve got the chops. I’ll keep an eye on Xiao Lin too,” Ye Ruihuan said confidently, though her smile seemed cold.
“Yes, Director Liu, I’m confident too,” Lin Ruijiao added with a smile.
“Good. Xiao Lin’s got a lot of potential. During her audition, all the judges were mesmerized,” the director continued praising.
Lin Ruijiao nodded politely but said no more. Empty praise without results meant little to her. Better to wait until she delivered a performance worth commending. All this talk was just pressure—mess up, and it would backfire.
Ye Ruihuan lowered her gaze, fully aware of the situation. Honestly, her sister Ye Zhi would’ve been better suited for this kind of dinner. She really wanted to leave.
After dinner, Ye Ruihuan’s mood darkened along with the sky. She subtly tugged on Lin Ruijiao’s sleeve and gave her a look.
Lin Ruijiao, confused, followed her. Once the crowd dispersed and no one was around, Ye Ruihuan grabbed her.
“Why did you come?” she asked sharply.
“Director Liu invited me,” Lin Ruijiao replied honestly, shaking off her hand.
Seeing her innocent expression, Ye Ruihuan didn’t push further. “Don’t just go wherever someone invites you,” she said with a frown.
The moonlight lit her up, making her eyes shine. Lin Ruijiao thought she caught a hint of worry in them.
“Okay, but what’s the big deal?” she asked naively.
“Those people at that table? Not many of them are good. They’d sell you and you wouldn’t even know it. Don’t casually accept invites to such events,” Ye Ruihuan warned seriously. She hated these fake social occasions.
“Okay, but what about you?” The moonlight seemed to soften Ye Ruihuan’s sharpness, and Lin Ruijiao couldn’t help asking.
“Me? Who dares mess with me?” Ye Ruihuan scoffed arrogantly.
Lin Ruijiao stayed silent, following behind her.
“Just focus on acting. Don’t be scared,” Ye Ruihuan stopped and looked at her, star-like reflections in her eyes.
It made her seem graceful and gentle. Lin Ruijiao nodded obediently, then smiled and said, “Thank you, Ruihuan.” The sincere warning deserved a heartfelt thank-you.
Her round eyes sparkled under the moonlight, so beautiful, even reflecting Ye Ruihuan’s face. Her smile was as pure as a flower, and Ye Ruihuan couldn’t help falling into it.
“Mm.” Walking ahead, Ye Ruihuan’s lips curled into a smile. In the dim night, no one noticed her blushing cheeks or red ears.
Under the moonlight, their shadows overlapped—both distant and close. Lin Ruijiao ran a bit to walk shoulder to shoulder with her.
When she returned, Jingjing was already in the room waiting to see if she needed anything. As a newcomer without actual scenes yet, Lin Ruijiao didn’t bring an assistant with her—it would’ve drawn too much attention. Given her current position, it was better to stay low-key.
Afterward, Lin Ruijiao continued her usual routine at the set with Liu Qingqing. Ye Ruihuan, however, hadn’t been seen for a while—good news for her. By now, everyone knew she was from Huarui Entertainment, and the director seemed to value her, so people were respectful. No one picked on her, and things were going smoothly.
Plus, being on set and watching so many veteran actors perform, she’d learned a lot. This was a rare chance to grow—it wasn’t every day you got to be part of such a big production with so many seasoned actors.
Even so, some clueless folks still tried to pick on her. At first, Lin Ruijiao ignored the petty stuff. But one person kept pushing, clearly targeting her.
“Ruijiao, maybe we should just stay out of trouble for now,” Liu Qingqing said, worried.