After Rebirth, the Cold and Aloof Film Queen Always Wants to Cuddle with Me - Chapter 3

Chapter 3 

“Stop with the nonsense. Just go find it.” Ye Ruihuan got out of bed and walked into the bathroom.

By the time she came out, Ye Zhi was already in the living room eating breakfast by herself.

“Why do you always come here to freeload?” Ye Ruihuan said as she grabbed a dumpling.

“Don’t touch my dumplings! Aunt Zhang made those for me!” Ye Zhi finally lifted her head and shifted her gaze away from her tablet. “Well, well—dressed like a decent human today. Who are you going to meet?”

Ye Ruihuan’s long black hair hung naturally in front of her. She wore a pearl-embellished blouse on top—elegant and luxurious—and fitted skinny jeans on the bottom, making her look young and lively. If one ignored her overbearing aura, she was the very image of a proper, well-bred young lady. Such a beauty—what a waste, Ye Zhi couldn’t help but complain internally. A good face, ruined by that temperament.

“No one.” Ye Ruihuan grabbed another dumpling, ignoring Ye Zhi’s protest.

“Ha. Yesterday you were sitting here in pajamas,” Ye Zhi said flatly, swiping at her tablet. “So, off to see Lin Ruijiao, huh?”

“Have you found the resources yet?” Ye Ruihuan paused briefly before asking again.

“What resources? Those three, four, five, six actresses, models, and singers who vaguely resembled Dong Yulan? You don’t even bother with them anymore.”

“…Have they terminated their contracts yet?” Ye Ruihuan asked hesitantly. She really hadn’t paid them much attention in a while. Eye candy gets boring fast. None of them looked like Dong Yulan at all.

“Two have already quit. Two others are still waiting for you at the company. And the last two are leeching off the company. Hopefully, this new one quits on her own.”

Ye Zhi sighed deeply. If she liked Dong Yulan so much, why didn’t she just deal with that earlier? Now she’s made a mess.

“Not sure yet. Are there any good scripts recently?” Ye Ruihuan asked thoughtfully.

“There’s a drama called Moon’s Half. The lead role is taken by Zhou Yanyan from our company. Lin Ruijiao can, at most, play the third female lead.”

“That’s fine. A third lead is enough.”

“Remember what you just said—this is the last one! These girls are just for you to look at, like vases. Don’t get involved and stir up any trouble. I’m not cleaning up after you again.”

“Got it. I’m not that stupid.” Ye Ruihuan sipped her warm milk, looking completely at ease.

Ye Zhi raised an eyebrow. You never know—who’s the stupid one will show eventually.

“And stop calling me in the middle of the night! I’m already swamped with company matters!”

Ye Ruihuan didn’t respond. She simply finished eating, returned to her room, and got ready to head out.

….

When Ye Ruihuan arrived at the Yuwan Villa, her makeup was as flawless and subtle as the day before. But as she entered, the place was completely empty—nowhere in sight was the person she had hoped to see. She frowned slightly, wondering if last night had just been a dream. They had signed the contract right here. The girl even brought her luggage. So why was there no trace of her?

Feeling puzzled, she tossed her handbag onto the sofa and sat down, then immediately dialed Ye Zhi.

“Ye Zhi, where’s Lin Ruijiao?”

“Wasn’t she with you? Why are you asking me?” Ye Zhi sounded annoyed. Seriously, how many times a day is this nuisance going to call me?

“She’s not at the villa.”

“Then ask her manager. I’ll send you the number.” Ye Zhi hung up right after.

Ye Ruihuan called immediately.

“Lin Ruijiao’s manager?”

“Yes, yes, that’s me. My surname is Wang. And you are?”

“Ye Ruihuan. Where is she?”

“Hello, President Ye. Wasn’t Ruijiao at the Yuwan Villa last night?”

“She’s not here.” Ye Ruihuan’s voice turned colder.

“Maybe she went home. I’ll send you her contact info and home address. Is there something urgent, President Ye?”

“Tell Lin Ruijiao to come to the villa. You come too. Now.” With that, Ye Ruihuan hung up.

She frowned, visibly irritated. Wasn’t that girl just here last night?

She’d even blushed and confessed that she was a fan, practically begging for an autograph. When they signed the contract, she acted like she wanted to live here forever. So how did she disappear?

Ye Ruihuan sat on the couch, legs elegantly crossed. Her tall figure and commanding aura made her look like a queen ruling from her throne, imposing and unapproachable.

….

Meanwhile, Manager Wang had already tried calling Lin Ruijiao several times. She was still curled up in bed, sleeping soundly. The irritating ringtone wouldn’t stop, even though she had turned off her alarm.

Who the hell is calling? She yawned and finally picked up.

“Good god, where the hell are you? Ye Ruihuan from Huarui Entertainment’s been trying to reach you!”

“I’m home, Wang-jie. What does she want?” The moment she heard Ye Ruihuan, Lin Ruijiao snapped fully awake.

“How would I know? Get ready. We’re going to the Yuwan Villa together. I’m on my way to your place now.”

“Okay, Wang-jie.” Lin Ruijiao frowned. In her past life, after signing the contract, nothing happened for a long time. Ye Ruihuan never contacted her either.

What went wrong this time? Was it because I didn’t stay overnight at Yuwan? But that shouldn’t matter… Why does she want to see me?

She pulled a random outfit from her closet and changed. Before she could think further, Wang-jie arrived.

“Ruijiao, are you seriously going in that? We’re seeing President Ye—the President of Huarui Entertainment! Go change. And why haven’t you put on makeup yet? Bring your makeup bag and do it in the car. Come on!” Wang-jie urged as she looked her up and down.

“It’s fine. This outfit is simple and elegant,” Lin Ruijiao said calmly as she packed her bag.

“Didn’t you say before that meeting your idol called for something more formal?” Wang-jie asked in disbelief. “And that’s President Ye! Don’t you think this shows you don’t care?”

“Well, we’ve already met. After meeting her, I think I still prefer Dong Yulan. She’s my idol now.” Lin Ruijiao beamed. “This outfit is fine. Let’s go. We don’t want to keep her waiting.”

White T-shirt and straight-leg jeans—what’s not formal about that?

“Alright, but at least put on some makeup.” In the car, Wang-jie couldn’t hold back her questions. “Why didn’t you stay at the villa last night? You even brought your luggage.”

“It was too empty. I got scared being alone,” Lin Ruijiao replied, applying makeup as instructed. “Do you know why she wants to see me?”

“No idea. She didn’t sound happy on the phone. Maybe she didn’t find you at the villa and got upset. Be careful when you speak.” Wang-jie felt something was off. Lin Ruijiao was acting totally different. Before, she wouldn’t stop talking about Ye Ruihuan. Now, she didn’t seem interested at all.

“Got it, Wang-jie.” Of course she noticed the change. It was better to be upfront. Wang-jie had always been good to her, even in her past life—choosing her over Huarui Entertainment when things turned bad. Lin Ruijiao finished with a touch of lipstick. The light makeup was done.

….

While waiting, Ye Ruihuan somehow got herself a cup of black tea and drank it leisurely. This villa feels like it’s missing something. Ah, no housekeeper. She hadn’t stayed here in a while. Usually, she lived at the Guìtíng Residence nearby—close enough to visit her flower vases.

She called Ye Zhi again. “Ye Zhi, get a housekeeper for the Yuwan Villa.”

“Oh my god, can you ask your assistant? That’s what they’re paid for! Stop calling me!” Ye Zhi hung up and blocked her number. This idiot is exhausting.

Ye Ruihuan’s mood worsened. The villa was bright and grand, and she sat gracefully with her teacup—but around her swirled an invisible chill. Her gaze was sharp as a blade, and even the most stable legs might tremble before it.

A couple of crisp knocks came from the door.

“Come in,” she said after a pause.

“Good afternoon, President Ye.” Wang-jie greeted cheerfully.

Lin Ruijiao followed and greeted softly.

As she entered, she saw Ye Ruihuan sitting loftily. The sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling window formed a glowing halo around her, like a crown atop her head.

“Sit,” said Ye Ruihuan. She only lifted her chin slightly, but her gaze seemed to look down upon everything.

“Thank you, President Ye.” Wang-jie smiled brightly. “Is there something we can help you with?”

“Can’t I call you here without a reason?” Ye Ruihuan placed her teacup down with a crisp clink and looked straight at her.

Instantly, the warmth around them vanished. Wang-jie felt like she was standing in an icebox. That cold gaze from Ye Ruihuan pierced her heart. She didn’t even dare to move.

“O-of course you can…” she stammered, sneaking a glance at Ye Ruihuan’s expression. Seeing no change, she exhaled quietly.

Next to her, Lin Ruijiao sat with her head down in silence.

“Why didn’t you stay here last night?” Ye Ruihuan turned her gaze to her. Though her face was calm, her eyes betrayed her displeasure.

“President Ye, our Ruijiao—” Wang-jie began, only to be cut off.

“Let her answer.”

“President Ye, the villa’s too big. I got scared staying here alone.” Lin Ruijiao looked up innocently, voice soft and timid.

Her bright, dewy eyes were full of innocence—enough to stir pity. Seeing her like this, Ye Ruihuan’s mood eased quite a bit.

But then she noticed something odd.

President Ye?

Last night, Lin Ruijiao had shyly called her Ye-jiejie with a blush. This shift in how she addressed her…

Ye Ruihuan’s gaze darkened slightly.

Sensing the tension, Wang-jie quickly interjected, “President Ye, should Ruijiao move in tonight? We’ll make sure—”

Even though Wang-jie kept signaling her, Lin Ruijiao pretended not to notice. She calmly said, “Thank you for your kindness, President Ye, but I get scared staying alone here. I’d rather stay at home.” Her tone was calm—devoid of fear.

Wang-jie tugged at her sleeve.

Ye Ruihuan’s eyes narrowed. She’s definitely different. Last night she was a shy little sparrow, chirping and clinging to her side. Now she was a stranger—cold and indifferent.

Something felt off. Deeply off. It left Ye Ruihuan vaguely irritated. All her past “vase girls” had fawned over her. But this one…

She lowered her eyes, poured herself more tea, and ignored the two sitting across from her. They waited in stiff silence—like commoners awaiting a queen’s verdict.

“Fine. A housekeeper will arrive later. You’ll move in today. You too.” Ye Ruihuan sipped her tea, then glanced up casually.

“Thank you, President Ye,” Wang-jie said, nudging Lin Ruijiao.

“Thank you, President Ye,” Lin Ruijiao echoed, reluctantly giving in. Under this roof, she had to bow her head—Ye Ruihuan was still the boss.

“Then go pack your things,” Ye Ruihuan said with a tilt of her chin. Then, her eyes landed back on Lin Ruijiao. “You stay.”