After Rebirth, the Cold and Aloof Film Queen Always Wants to Cuddle with Me - Chapter 48
Chapter 48
Downstairs, Ye Ruihuan had already received a radio message and was waiting for the production team’s arrival.
“Jiaojiao, you came down?” she greeted softly, a faint smile on her lips.
“Mm, I saw them,” Lin Ruijiao replied truthfully, sitting on the sofa and avoiding eye contact as she looked down at her phone.
Ye Ruihuan remained quiet, lost in thought, her earlier smile gone.
Soon, the production crew arrived and the cameras focused closely on the two of them. Online viewers erupted:
“No way—they actually stayed on the island all day?!”
“That must be fake; how could they share a room for that long?”
“Yeah, our Ye Jie isn’t that kind of person.”
“Exactly—someone like Ye Ruihuan would never stay on a rundown island!”
“The view’s beautiful though—Jiaojiao must’ve been upstairs all day.”
“Our Jiaojiao is nothing like Ye Ruihuan—too well behaved.”
“They seem fine—nothing happened.”
“What’s really going on? Did something happen or not?”
Rumors ran wild. Marketing channels speculated about their feud and hinted at drama, while many viewers left after seeing nothing unfold on-screen.
As the boat docked, the other guests greeted them cheerfully, yet watched them carefully, sensing tension. While some wondered if the crew had separated them off-camera, others simply watched, intrigued.
Since Ruihuan was due to leave the show that day, dinner was prepared early. After eating, Ye Ruihuan quietly returned to her room to pack. Lin Ruijiao followed to use the bathroom. As Ye Ruihuan continued packing, Lin Ruijiao spoke—though the mic was off, the camera captured her face changing with shock.
“What did she say?? Lin Ruijiao, what did you do?!”
“Oh my god, they cut the livestream?!”
“Why stop so suddenly—something big must have happened.”
Lin Ruijiao spoke softly to Ye Ruihuan beside the camera:
“Ruihuan, I’m thinking of cancelling our contract…” Her tone was calm and emotionless.
The words hit Ye Ruihuan like a blow—even the cameras stopped. The production crew discreetly shut off the livestream and stepped out.
“What?! The livestream cut early? Must be big!”
“What did Lin Ruijiao say? That White Lotus—finally her true colors!”
“No way—they’re blaming our Ye Jie?!”
Ye Ruihuan turned, stunned:
“What did you say?” Her breathing froze. The door was closed—only the two remained.
“I said I’m thinking of terminating the contract with Huarui Entertainment…” Lin Ruijiao met her gaze, composed.
“Why?” Ye Ruihuan almost whispered, voice shaking. Clothes she had folded fell—she knelt to pick them up.
“If it’s about this afternoon’s things, you shouldn’t worry. I’ll be fine.” She pleaded, desperate.
“No… it’s not that,” Lin Ruijiao avoided her eyes.
“What is it then? Company offered good terms—what isn’t acceptable?” asked Ye Ruihuan, pressing on.
“It’s my career direction…” Lin Ruijiao forced a vague excuse—she couldn’t say it was because of Ye Ruihuan.
Ye Ruihuan froze. Eventually, she recovered and cooled her voice:
“…Okay. Huarui Entertainment will customize your career path. If you have requests, just ask. Please think it over…” She retrieved her clothes, her silhouette low and pleading.
“…Mm.” Lin Ruijiao responded softly, her eyes distant and hollow.
Ye Ruihuan went silent, gathering her things. Her usual cold mask returned—colder than before. Disappointment and heartbreak showed in her eyes, and people watching from the hall dared not speak. The gentle Ye Jie had changed, and as she walked away, everyone exhaled in relief.
“Ruihuan, what happened to Ye Jie?” Shen Xuanxuan asked quietly.
“Not sure…” Lin Ruijiao shrugged and walked away.
Ye Ruihuan had only one more episode left before the show ended. Though other pairs were liked by fans, rumors around Ye Ruihuan and Lin Ruijiao dominated social media. Lin Ruijiao’s popularity soared—and not positively. Her parents even messaged her about it, and she struggled to explain.
Meanwhile, at Yuwan Villa, Ye Ruihuan brooded. She called leaves manager:
“Ye Zhi, what’s up with the contract with Lin Ruijiao?”
“Big sis, I’ve answered that a lot—everything’s fine. Pay, conditions—they’re good. What’s the concern?” said Ye Zhi, tired of the drama.
“Nothing.” Ye Ruihuan hung up and stared at Jiaojiao’s contract. Everything seemed fine—so why did Jiaojiao want out?
She recalled their first meeting: warm, direct, enthusiastic. But after signing the contract, Lin Ruijiao had changed—aloof, distant. Had those emotions been real, or was it all an act?
A cold dread gripped her. Could Jiaojiao be distancing herself from her? That weight pressed on her chest. She clenched her jade pendant and felt desperate.
Assistant Li stepped back, tense: Ye Jie looked unhappy. What had Lin Ruijiao said? A new project was waiting that Ye Jie wouldn’t refuse, but now wasn’t the time to talk. She stepped forward… then paused, deciding it may be best not to push things now.