After Swapping Bodies with the Movie Queen, She Ended Up with Me (GL) - Chapter 37

At the dining table, whether intentionally or not, Xu Qing kept whispering to Jiang Jiang while serving her steamed buns and reminding her to be careful with the hot oatmeal porridge.

Rong Qing sat nearby, straightening her back and straining her ears to catch their hushed conversation.

“This batch isn’t too sweet, just right—much better than the last one you made.”

“Really? Last time you said it was too sweet, so I used less sugar this time. It only takes five minutes to cook. Want me to make it for you more often?”

“Mm, but no need to make so much. The two of us can’t finish it all.”

“Don’t we have that small milk pot at home? Why not use that?”

“Alright. I want to try that yellow steamed bun—thanks.”

“Careful, it’s hot. Eat slowly.”

Xu Qing and Jiang Jiang’s conversation was perfectly ordinary—in fact, it was nearly identical to their usual daily exchanges. Yet, for some reason, Rong Qing found today’s dialogue particularly… intimate?

Well, perhaps that wasn’t the right word. After all, among everyone at the table, they were the only real couple.

Shen Nian, munching on a steamed bun and sipping oatmeal porridge, suddenly asked Jiang Jiang curiously, “Jiang Jiang, what happened to your lip?”

Jiang Jiang looked up in confusion, her gaze flickering slightly as she replied, “I accidentally bit it while eating.”

“Really? Did you all try the fruit Sister Mu sent yesterday? I still have some left—forgot to put it in the fridge. Not sure if it’s still good.” Shen Nian chatted idly.

Xu Qing frowned. “She sent fruit? Why didn’t we get any?” She turned to Rong Qing and Mu Lingwan and added, “You two better not be playing favorites.”

Rong Qing didn’t dare meet her eyes, and Mu Lingwan, looking slightly embarrassed, murmured, “We did prepare some for you. It’s in the fridge—you can grab it later.”

Xu Qing opened her mouth to ask why it wasn’t delivered to her room, then seemed to remember something and shut it again.

Ming Qiao, oblivious to the subtle tension among the four, chimed in, “One day shouldn’t be a problem. But if you don’t want to eat it, don’t waste it—fruit’s expensive these days.”

Shen Nian nodded with a smile. “I won’t waste it. I was just asking. The strawberries yesterday were so sweet—I’ll buy some more soon.”

As the group continued chatting about trivial matters, Xu Qing soon forgot about the fruit incident and resumed her casual conversation with Jiang Jiang. Though their words were no different from before, Rong Qing—armed with last night’s revelation—couldn’t help but notice the warmth in their exchanged glances.

Is this what lovebirds look like?

Rong Qing nibbled on her steamed bun, lost in thought.

The filming of Heartbeat in Progress had been ongoing for quite a while. Originally scheduled for two weeks, delays had extended it by over a week. While the others were fine, Ming Qiao had another drama to join, so Director Wan decided they had enough footage and planned to wrap up after a few more episodes.

After nearly a month together, Rong Qing still found everyone quite amiable. Though there had been some rough patches at the start, everything had eventually smoothed out.

Since that incident, Shen Nian had maintained a certain distance from Rong Qing. Though his gaze still held affection, he no longer threw himself into her arms declaring his love. As for Ming Qiao, she had barely interacted with Rong Qing since the show began, so their relationship remained unchanged.

The final episode was filmed at a temple, where the group was tasked with cleaning the courtyard and washing the stone tablets before gathering to offer incense to the Bodhisattva.

“I want to pray for my career,” Xu Qing said, holding her incense sticks as she discussed with Mu Lingwan and Rong Qing. “My concert is in preparation, and I hope it goes smoothly. Also, my new single is about to be released—I hope everyone likes it.”

Mu Lingwan replied expressionlessly, “Why are you telling us? Go offer your incense.”

Xu Qing scoffed, “You’re so unlovable, just like your partner. Though your partner has become much cuter now.” Rong Qing stood awkwardly beside them, forcing a smile.

Xu Qing and Jiang Jiang went first, kneeling devoutly before the Bodhisattva and bowing their heads. From behind, the scene almost resembled a wedding ceremony, leaving Rong Qing momentarily stunned. Mu Lingwan, standing beside her, stole a glance at her.

Dressed simply for the temple visit, Rong Qing wore a white hoodie and jeans paired with plain white sneakers, accentuating her slender figure and long legs. As she looked down at Xu Qing and Jiang Jiang, her eyelashes caught the dappled sunlight, casting a soft glow.

A breeze rustled through the ancient trees behind them, sending yellowed autumn leaves swirling into the air.

Mu Lingwan’s heart stirred restlessly. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Rong Qing before the thousand-year-old temple, she felt the weight of centuries embedded in every tile and beam. The distant chime of a bell from the mountaintop transported her back in time, while the presence of modern equipment and people around her created a disorienting contrast.

When it was their turn to offer incense, the two knelt before the serene, smiling Bodhisattva—though Mu Lingwan didn’t recognize which deity it was, the solemn yet gentle expression felt approachable.

“May the Bodhisattva bless us… to switch back…” Rong Qing murmured softly, making Mu Lingwan’s heart clench. If they switched back, would they just go their separate ways? Yet they were bound to part eventually—they couldn’t stay tied together forever.

Frowning, Mu Lingwan struggled to think of a wish. At her status, she lacked nothing. Seeing Rong Qing about to bow and rise, she finally closed her eyes.

“May all her wishes come true.”

After the incense offering, Director Wan decided to wrap up filming there. The six stood in a row facing the camera as he delivered the final remarks.

With everything completed, Heartbeat Moment Season 3 officially wrapped.

On the ride back, Director Wan addressed the group in the van: “Congratulations on wrapping up, everyone. We still have some time this afternoon—I’d like to film some exclusive, non-live content for the finale. How about shooting an interactive video at the beach, followed by a wrap party tonight?”

“Great.” Shen Nian was the first to agree. She never wanted the show to end so soon, and hearing about a possible finale bonus segment, she asked excitedly, “Are we shooting swimwear scenes?”

“We can do swimwear,” Director Wan said with a smile. “Just some short, fun clips—everyone can improvise. You can discuss ideas back at the villa. The finale bonus is a little treat, a chance to show off your figures. Wear whatever you want, as long as it’s broadcast-appropriate.”

His words made Shen Nian’s eyes light up. She had risen to fame thanks to her stunning looks and enviable figure, and both Mu Lingwan and Ming Qiao were also celebrities known for their flawless physiques. If everyone wore swimsuits, wouldn’t she be in heaven?

Her gaze drifted over to Rong Qing before she asked the group with a sly grin, “Are you all wearing swimsuits? I want to—I even brought one with me this time but never got to use it. Now’s the perfect chance to show it off.”

Xu Qing, intrigued, turned to Jiang Jiang. “Should we wear them too?”

Jiang Jiang hesitated. “But I didn’t pack a swimsuit for you.”

“We can just buy one,” Xu Qing said before glancing at Rong Qing. “Do you two have swimsuits? Want to go shopping together?”

“Is there enough time?” Mu Lingwan frowned, checking the time. Since it was the finale, they had wrapped early—it was only noon, but filming the bonus clips would likely go late into the night, meaning they’d have to stay over again.

“Plenty of time,” Director Wan assured them. “We’ll split into two groups—the guests can rest at the villa while we set up the outdoor shoot. Once everything’s ready, we’ll call you over.”

With that, Director Wan gathered some crew and equipment and left to scout locations, while the guests stayed behind to relax. Soon, assistants returned with swimsuits. Rong Qing received a bold red bandeau-style swimsuit, which she paired with a large sarong tied around her waist, accentuating her long, fair legs.

“Don’t forget sunscreen,” Mu Lingwan said, squeezing a thick dollop of white lotion into her palm before slathering it onto Rong Qing’s waist and legs, making her shiver from the cold.

“It’s freezing…” Rong Qing murmured as Mu Lingwan’s hands smoothed the sunscreen over her waist. Embarrassed, she added, “I can do it myself.”

Mu Lingwan scoffed. “You can’t reach your back. Besides, is there any part of your body I’m not familiar with? Any part I haven’t touched? Why act shy now?”

Rong Qing flushed. “S-Stop saying weird things…”

Mu Lingwan lifted an eyebrow. “Was I wrong?”

She wasn’t wrong—but the way she said it sounded anything but normal.

“Fine, come sit here.” Mu Lingwan patted the spot beside her, sunscreen in hand. “Your legs need coverage too. Do you know how much a whitening injection costs per session?”

“I-I can do my legs myself.”

Standing outside the door, Shen Nian listened to their conversation, her heart souring. She had originally come to show Mu Lingwan her new swimsuit but ended up overhearing their intimate exchange.

She lingered for a long moment before deciding to leave—it felt wrong to stand there like a third wheel while the couple flirted. But as she turned to go, she spotted Ming Qiao leaning against the railing across the way, silently watching her before wordlessly heading inside.

What was that about?

Shen Nian frowned in confusion, but figured since it was the last day of filming anyway, they could just break up in a few months citing “irreconcilable differences” after the show ended. For now, she’d humor this eccentric celebrity.

Soon the production team received instructions to prepare for the beach outing. Everyone squeezed into vehicles wearing colorful swimwear, each looking stunning. Even the usually plain Jiang Jiang wore a beach dress, while Mu Lingwan’s large straw hat kept bumping into people during the ride.

The bonus footage was simple to shoot – each cast member gave closing remarks to camera, then paired up to comment on each other’s performance this season. Finally, all six stood against the coastline holding up a “Heartbeat Moment” sign, happily distributing flowers and red envelopes.

The wrap party that evening was even livelier. The cast shared a table with the production team, celebrating the crew’s month-long efforts. Though post-production editing remained, the shoot itself had concluded perfectly, filling the villa with exceptional cheer.

A meter-long cake dominated the dining table alongside a champagne tower, creating tremendous excitement.

Rong Qing, attending her first wrap party, found everything fascinating, her eyes sparkling all evening.

After dinner, someone suggested fireworks outside. As everyone rushed to watch, Rong Qing was about to join when someone stopped her.

“Mu Lingwan.” Ming Qiao approached Rong Qing, placed a hand on her shoulder and said softly, “Got a moment? I’d like to talk.”