After Rebirth, the Cold and Aloof Film Queen Always Wants to Cuddle with Me - Chapter 21
Chapter 21
“Hm?” She looked over, puzzled.
“That Shen Xingxing… she’s quite the rising star right now, and it seems she’s got some kind of connection with one of the producers,” Liu Qingqing said tactfully.
“Oh… I see. Don’t worry about it, just ignore her,” she said while patting her friend’s arm to comfort her. “We’re just sitting here quietly, not bothering anyone. No need to worry about such baseless stuff.”
“But… she’s walked past us five times, cursed you indirectly three times, rolled her eyes at you once, and ‘accidentally’ spilled water on you once,” Liu Qingqing said with concern, counting on her fingers with a serious expression.
“…That many times?” Lin Ruijiao hadn’t paid any of it much mind. She couldn’t be bothered with such petty troublemakers. In her past life, she had never even heard of this person. Even in the drama Phoenix, she didn’t recall ever seeing her. Most likely, she was kicked out of the production. Someone like that isn’t worth the trouble—let her jump around a bit and she’ll disappear on her own.
But what Lin Ruijiao didn’t expect was that the one who ended up kicking Shen Xingxing out… was Ye Ruihuan.
Later that night, for some reason, Ye Ruihuan returned to the set and even called her over. Lin Ruijiao had no choice but to follow Assistant Li to the presidential suite on the top floor. Ye Ruihuan certainly had refined taste—always staying in a presidential suite.
When they got there, Assistant Li disappeared somewhere, leaving just the two of them in the large room.
“Come sit, Jiaojiao,” she said, glancing at her briefly while holding a tablet.
Every time Lin Ruijiao heard that nickname, she felt a shiver of discomfort. They weren’t that close, were they?
“How have things been on set lately?” Ye Ruihuan asked casually, not even looking her way.
“Pretty good. I’ve learned a lot.” Lin Ruijiao smiled as she replied, though her eyes were hollow and her lips curved up only out of habit.
“Mm, I figured it would be fine. That Shen Xingxing is already gone, so things should be better now.” Her tone was light, like she was commenting on something trivial. “People from Huari Entertainment—do they think they can bully whoever they want?” Her raised tone was devoid of warmth but carried a clear forcefulness and resolve.
“Mm, thank you, Ruihuan.” Lin Ruijiao offered a smiling thanks.
Ye Ruihuan finally looked up from her tablet and stared straight at Lin Ruijiao.
The intense gaze made Lin Ruijiao’s scalp tingle, and her expression stiffened.
After a while, Ye Ruihuan replied, “No need to thank me,” flashing a bright, charming smile at Lin Ruijiao’s forced one.
The usual arrogance about her seemed to vanish, leaving only a cool distance. Her polished appearance made her seem unapproachable. But to Lin Ruijiao, she was just that annoying boss who liked to stand up for her underlings. But even so, it wasn’t enough to sway her.
Ye Ruihuan continued tapping away at her tablet, not saying another word. Lin Ruijiao just sat silently beside her, like a piece of furniture.
Blinking in boredom, Lin Ruijiao felt like an idiot just sitting there.
She wasn’t sure what Ye Ruihuan was working on, but the woman let out a quiet sigh, then glanced up at her with a bit of weariness on her face. Then, without warning, she leaned on Lin Ruijiao’s shoulder.
“Sit up straight. You’re too short,” Ye Ruihuan complained like it was an order.
“…” Lin Ruijiao straightened her back helplessly. She wanted to push her off so badly, but doing that now would seem too rude.
She told herself this was just a little repayment for getting rid of Shen Xingxing. Her thoughts were flying in all directions as she tried to justify it.
She couldn’t tell if she was imagining things, but Ye Ruihuan seemed… different lately. Softer, maybe. Not as temperamental. A version she had never seen before.
Of course, that made sense. She was just a stand-in for Dong Yulan, the senior actress Ye Ruihuan idolized. Of course Ye Ruihuan would act differently in front of someone who reminded her of the person she liked. In her presence, the cold arrogance faded, leaving only a gentle, distant softness.
As Lin Ruijiao’s thoughts wandered, Ye Ruihuan suddenly stretched and said, “Finally done.”
“You want something to drink?” she asked.
“?” Lin Ruijiao didn’t react immediately. What now?
“Anything’s fine,” she replied, blinking her big round eyes innocently.
“Whiskey?” Ye Ruihuan grabbed a chilled bottle and poured two glasses with practiced ease, handing one over.
“Cheers,” she said with a cheerful smile, clinking glasses.
“Cheers,” Lin Ruijiao replied quietly and took a sip.
Ye Ruihuan downed hers in one gulp, looking incredibly pleased, like she’d just completed something important. Even her hair seemed to be dancing with joy.
Lin Ruijiao could only go along, feeling somewhat dazed.
“Do you… really love acting that much?” Ye Ruihuan asked, lips moving slowly. She had wanted to ask something else but ended up with this instead.
“Mm-hmm.” Lin Ruijiao nodded in response, her bright eyes staring at her, full of innocent curiosity, though her heart was filled with questions.
With no makeup on, her pure features looked gentle and radiant. Her dewy eyes shimmered like a warm spring, her full lips glistening slightly from the alcohol. She looked soft, tender.
Ye Ruihuan met her gaze, her throat tightening involuntarily. She turned away, poured herself another drink, and leaned on the edge of the couch.
Lin Ruijiao looked at her in confusion. What was going on with her tonight? She’d only had one drink—she couldn’t be drunk already, right?
“You once said I was your idol. Was that true?” Ye Ruihuan suddenly asked, her slim figure turned away, looking distant and intellectual.
“…Yes,” Lin Ruijiao answered thoughtfully.
Ye Ruihuan took a sip, then turned back with a smile. Her eyes were dreamy and glittering under the light, filled with warmth and charm.
She stepped toward Lin Ruijiao, standing in the light like a goddess, her smile gentle and surreal.
Lin Ruijiao stared back blankly, her usual smile still on her face, though her eyes held a flicker of doubt. Was Ye Ruihuan… okay?
“You want more?” Ye Ruihuan swirled her glass, cheeks flushed.
“No, thank you.” Lin Ruijiao felt a blush creeping up her cheeks too. She really couldn’t handle any more alcohol.
Ye Ruihuan poured herself another, then sat down beside her without saying a word.
Lin Ruijiao watched her—those parted red lips, the dreamy eyes, that elusive smile—and silently sounded the alarm in her head. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol, and just breathing it in made her dizzy. She pinched her inner thigh to stay calm.
Then Ye Ruihuan rested her head on her shoulder again. Lin Ruijiao sighed and accepted her fate as a human pillow. The scent of her perfume mixed with alcohol, making it impossible to think straight. Her thoughts gradually grew fuzzy.
She didn’t know how much time passed. The fog in her mind thickened until her eyelids grew heavy and refused to open. Drowsiness washed over her like a tide. In her final coherent thought, she told herself she’d never drink again. She closed her eyes and surrendered to sleep.
It was already past midnight. Sister Lin had been gone for over two hours, and Jingjing was starting to get anxious. She hadn’t replied to her messages for over half an hour. Left with no choice, she texted Assistant Li—who replied that Lin Ruijiao had fallen asleep and not to worry.
Back in the presidential suite, the room was quiet. You could hear the sound of each other breathing. When Ye Ruihuan looked up again, Lin Ruijiao had already fallen asleep.
Looking at her peaceful expression, a soft smile appeared on Ye Ruihuan’s face. Her features relaxed, becoming gentle. This little bunny really couldn’t hold her liquor…
Ye Ruihuan gently took the wine glass from her hand and let her curl up on the couch. They were now very close, noses nearly touching. Staring at Lin Ruijiao’s adorable face, she swallowed hard. The image of her in a dream—so tender and alluring—flooded her mind. She couldn’t resist.
Her gaze trailed downward—from the delicate nose to the damp pink lips. Ye Ruihuan leaned in and planted a soft kiss on them. Just a taste.
She slowly pulled back. The girl before her lay motionless, obedient and adorable. The softness of her lips still lingered in Ye Ruihuan’s mind. She couldn’t help herself—she leaned in for another kiss. So sweet.
Just like in her dreams.
…
The next morning, Lin Ruijiao woke up at her usual time and found herself staring at Ye Ruihuan lying beside her. That flawless face and flowing hair scattered across the pillow…
Was she dreaming? She blinked hard.
Nope. Ye Ruihuan was really lying there. She quickly checked her clothes—still intact. Even the robe was untouched. She slowly recalled the events of last night. From now on, she swore, she’d never accept a drink from Ye Ruihuan again. So embarrassing.
Just as she quietly lifted the covers to get out of bed, a sleepy voice called from behind her.
“Where are you going?” Ye Ruihuan, her head still buried in the pillow, peeked at her with sleepy eyes.
“I’m going back,” Lin Ruijiao answered quickly with a smile.
“No rush. Let’s settle this little account first,” Ye Ruihuan said, the corners of her lips curving up, eyes gleaming with mischief.
“What account?” Lin Ruijiao asked in surprise, eyes wide. Surely… she didn’t do anything last night, right? As far as she could remember, nothing happened.