After Swapping Bodies with the Movie Queen, She Ended Up with Me (GL) - Chapter 60

Having finally switched back, Rong Qing curled up on the sofa and began a long phone call with Ye Junjun.

“I watched from the inner section yesterday, closest to Xu Qing. I even went backstage!”

“No, I didn’t get her autograph or take a photo together, but… I was still really happy. She talked to me a lot. Xu Qing looked absolutely stunning on stage, and her singing was incredible. The fans around me were screaming so loudly.”

“Yes, yes, sorry I forgot about you. I went with Ling Wan yesterday, but I’ll definitely remember to bring you next time.”

Rong Qing hugged a pillow to her chest, phone in hand, chatting and laughing with Ye Junjun. Most of the conversation revolved around how much fun she’d had at the concert the night before, how beautiful Xu Qing was, and how amazing her singing had been.

Meanwhile, Mu Lingwan sat clutching a thermos of loquat tea, throat lozenges in her mouth, her expression sour.

She hadn’t realized it until they switched back—Rong Qing had screamed “Xu Qing, I love you!” at the top of her lungs so much that her voice had gone hoarse. Now, Mu Lingwan’s throat ached so badly her face was dark with irritation. All she could do was suck on cooling lozenges and sip freshly brewed loquat tea.

To soothe her ruined voice.

Hearing Rong Qing gush to Ye Junjun about how amazing Xu Qing’s concert had been only made Mu Lingwan even angrier.

Why?

What was Xu Qing better at than her?

Just because she wasn’t a singer?

But Mu Lingwan could sing if she really tried!

She started calculating how long it would take for Rong Qing to fall for her if she began releasing albums today.

Five minutes was definitely out of the question.

But in five minutes, Mu Lingwan could curse Xu Qing at least a dozen times.

No sooner thought than done. She pulled out her phone, stepped outside, and sent a hoarse voice message to Xu Qing: “Mind your own business. Stop flirting with my wife.”

After sending it, Mu Lingwan coughed, took a couple of sips of loquat tea, and tried to soothe her throat.

Just as she was about to head back inside, Xu Qing called. Mu Lingwan glanced at the screen and hung up.

Xu Qing called again. Mu Lingwan hung up again.

After rejecting three calls, Xu Qing started bombarding her with messages—

Xu Qing: What do you mean by that? How am I flirting with your wife?!

Xu Qing: Jiang Jiang is lying right next to me and just heard your message. Are you trying to get me killed?!

Xu Qing: Pick up the damn phone!

Mu Lingwan scratched her head awkwardly and called Xu Qing back, rasping out an apology: “Sorry about that…”

Rong Qing, having finished her meandering chat with Ye Junjun, felt parched and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. Through the window, she spotted Mu Lingwan standing in the yard, seemingly on a call.

Rong Qing blinked.

Work-related matters, perhaps?

That made sense. Earlier, Rong Qing had checked Weibo and seen photos of the two of them kissing at the concert and in front of their home. Apparently, the paparazzi had followed them from the concert all the way back.

The pictures were blurry, but it was still clear that Rong Qing and Mu Lingwan had been passionately kissing in the car.

But so what?

They’re a couple. What’s wrong with kissing? Haven’t you ever kissed your wife?

Xu Qing is their friend. What’s the problem with them attending her concert?

“Isn’t this boring? Always filming young couples being affectionate without any regard for privacy. So annoying.”

Clearly, the audience felt the same way. Aside from a few who symbolically criticized Rong Qing, most comments were quite friendly. Some even reposted the content to the couple’s fan forum, wishing them eternal happiness.

Without much traction, it naturally didn’t make it to trending topics, only briefly hovering around the twenties before dropping off. Most people never even saw the post.

So, what exactly was Mu Lingwan dealing with?

Rong Qing blew on her hot water before taking a slow sip.

When Mu Lingwan entered the room, she was surprised to see Rong Qing coming out of the kitchen. After a brief pause, she asked, “Finished talking with Ye Junjun?”

“Yeah,” Rong Qing nodded, holding her mug. “She’s busy with her shop renovation, so we agreed to chat another time.”

Mu Lingwan nodded and walked over. “What do you want for lunch?”

“Anything’s fine,” Rong Qing replied.

“Let’s eat out then,” Mu Lingwan said with a light smile. “Didn’t you keep saying you wanted hot pot? Since we have time today, I’ll take you.”

Rong Qing looked at her in surprise. “You’re not dieting anymore?”

“Occasionally indulging won’t hurt,” Mu Lingwan replied.

She could always do a liquid fast the next day.

Seeing her insistence, Rong Qing happily agreed and quickly went upstairs to change before heading out with Mu Lingwan.

A short walk from their neighborhood was a commercial street. Parking would be a hassle, so they decided to walk.

Mu Lingwan was fully disguised, while Rong Qing only wore a mask and hat, excited for the hot pot. They booked a private room and finally removed their scarves and hats.

“Phew,” Rong Qing adjusted her hair. “Going out for a meal is such a hassle. Feels like we’re thieves.”

The two servers at the entrance had given them odd looks when they arrived. If not for their slender frames, they might have been mistaken for robbers.

Mu Lingwan still wore her mask, casually draping her coat over the chair. “Order what you like. I’ll just have a clear broth base.”

“Clear broth is so bland. How about tomato?” Rong Qing scanned the QR code to order.

“Sure,” Mu Lingwan agreed.

In the end, Rong Qing ordered a split pot—half tomato, half spicy beef oil, both looking fiery red.

Slurp.

It had been nearly half a year since Rong Qing last had hot pot. The rich aroma of the beef oil base made her mouth water. Just as she was about to add the meatballs and other slow-cooking ingredients, the server, who had been glancing at her repeatedly, finally mustered the courage to approach.

“Excuse me,” the server said.

Rong Qing looked up, puzzled.

The young server blushed upon meeting Rong Qing’s gaze and stammered, “Are you… Rong Qing?”

Rong Qing blinked, hesitating whether to admit it or brush it off as a resemblance.

“Well, I—”

Before she could finish, Mu Lingwan also removed her mask and calmly met the server’s eyes. With a gentle smile, she said, “We’re on a date. Could you keep it a secret for us?”

The little girl’s eyes lit up when she saw Mu Lingwan again, nearly jumping with excitement as she nodded repeatedly. “I’ll keep your secret! Then… could I take a photo with you? I really love all your dramas, Teacher Mu Lingwan—I watch every single one!”

Mu Lingwan smiled gracefully, standing up to take the girl’s phone and naturally posing for a selfie. Rong Qing watched blankly for a moment before the three of them finally took a group photo together, sending the delighted girl on her way.

“Are you sure she won’t tell her coworkers?” Rong Qing asked curiously as she sat back down.

“Not sure,” Mu Lingwan replied, returning to her seat and starting to cook ingredients in the now bubbling hot pot. “But we weren’t really trying to hide anything anyway. Aren’t we just on a date?”

Going out for hot pot on a date was perfectly normal, after all.

Rong Qing felt struck by the word “date,” looking up at Mu Lingwan with parted lips as if wanting to say something, then closing them again.

She watched the momentarily stilled broth—its boiling interrupted by the added ingredients—and felt it mirrored her own tormented heart.

The tiny spark that had just begun to kindle was already being extinguished by other thoughts.

Was Mu Lingwan so kind to her because she liked her?

Their current 24/7 closeness was entirely due to the body-swapping situation. Once that was resolved, would they still be together?

Ye Junjun’s words at the mall echoed clearly in Rong Qing’s mind—how breakups and makeups were commonplace in their industry, how even relationships were sometimes staged for audiences, with carefully crafted public personas.

Rong Qing knew her own limitations. For now, she’d just take each day as it came.

Better not overthink things.

With an internal sigh, Rong Qing stood up as the pot resumed its vigorous boil. “I’m going to make dipping sauces. Do you want some?”

Mu Lingwan nodded. “Lots of sesame oil, garlic, and cilantro. Nothing else.”

Rong Qing blinked, finding Mu Lingwan’s taste preferences rather odd—hating ginger tea but loving cilantro.

Though puzzled, she prepared a small dish accordingly and brought it back.

They’d barely started eating when Rong Qing’s phone rang. Seeing Zhou Ying’s name, she answered on speakerphone.

“Sister Zhou Ying?” Rong Qing asked between sips of water. “What’s up?”

“I’m at your place, but no one’s home?” Zhou Ying sounded perplexed. “Where are you two?”

“Eating hot pot,” Mu Lingwan replied.

“Hot pot?” Zhou Ying sounded shocked. “All that oil—whose idea was that?”

Rong Qing guiltily stayed silent. “It was my idea,” Mu Lingwan said.

Zhou Ying sighed. “Xiao Qing, I don’t mean to nag, but even without work you need to watch your figure. What if you get endorsement deals later? Going on camera all chubby?”

Rong Qing hadn’t expected to get blamed despite not confessing. “We got the split pot!” she hurriedly explained.

“Lingwan, stop covering for her,” Zhou Ying chided.

Rong Qing: “…”

Mu Lingwan: “…”

Apparently Zhou Ying had completely forgotten about their morning body switch and still couldn’t tell them apart.

“Where exactly are you two right now?” Zhou Ying’s voice came through the phone.

“It’s at the hot pot place on the commercial street by the entrance.” Mu Lingwan placed a piece of meat in Rong Qing’s bowl, gesturing with her eyes for her to eat before asking, “Are you coming? I’ll send you the location if you are.”

“I’ve already had lunch, but I can still try some hot pot.” Zhou Ying didn’t stand on ceremony. “Set an extra place for me, I’ll be right there.”

After hanging up, Mu Lingwan turned to Rong Qing and said, “I’ll ask the server for another set of utensils.”

Rong Qing nodded, stuffing the freshly cooked meat slice into her mouth while tapping on her phone to order two more plates of lamb rolls.

Zhou Ying followed the aroma as soon as she entered the restaurant. The hot pot place was bustling and warm, and stepping into the private room immediately enveloped her in coziness. Seeing the two of them enjoying hot pot at such a large table, Zhou Ying couldn’t help clicking her tongue. “You two really know how to live it up. Aren’t you afraid of being caught by paparazzi?”

“Too late for that—they already got us,” Mu Lingwan replied nonchalantly, dipping a piece of baby bok choy into her sesame oil sauce.

Zhou Ying made herself at home, taking off her coat and digging in with her chopsticks. Between bites, she said, “Oh, I saw that. It wasn’t a big deal, so I didn’t bother with PR. Let the fans have their fun.”

After a couple of mouthfuls, she found the tomato broth too sour and turned her attention to the spicy red oil pot, fishing out slices of meat.

“Mmm, this is really spicy—just the way I like it.” Chewing happily, Zhou Ying set down her chopsticks and turned to Mu Lingwan. “By the way, Xiao Qing, I have something for you.”

Mu Lingwan lifted her gaze as Zhou Ying slid a document toward her. With elegant composure, she set down her chopsticks and redirected Zhou Ying’s hand, pushing the file toward Rong Qing instead.

Zhou Ying blinked. “…Huh? You switched back?”

Rong Qing nodded, accepting the document and opening it. “What’s this?”

“A contract,” Zhou Ying said, quickly adjusting to the situation and focusing on Rong Qing. “Since your contract was transferred from AG to the company, I’m now managing both you and Mu Lingwan. This is an endorsement deal for cup noodles. They think you’re very relatable and a great fit—they want you as their spokesperson.”

Rong Qing looked up in surprise. “Me? Cup noodles? A spokesperson?”

Zhou Ying grinned at her. “What? Never done an ad before?”

“Well, I have,” Rong Qing said, staring at the draft contract with a dazed expression. “But back in the group, we always shot ads together. I’d usually only get about two seconds of screen time.”

That had been for a sanitary pad commercial. At the height of AG’s popularity, every subunit got endorsement deals—though not for major brands. The kind you can’t even find in supermarkets anymore.

Back then, Rong Qing had earned just a few thousand yuan from the shoot, and she never saw where the ad was aired. In fact, she never saw it again.

Aside from the ad she shot for Mu Lingwan, this was her first proper endorsement deal in years.

Rong Qing was overjoyed as she scanned the contract, and when she saw the brand, her excitement doubled—it was the same cup noodles she’d grown up eating, a truly national brand!

“I know this brand!” Rong Qing exclaimed, eagerly showing the contract to Mu Lingwan. “I love their braised beef flavor!”

Mu Lingwan glanced over and smiled as well: “That’s great, at least you really like it yourself.”

Rong Qing nodded repeatedly, flipping through the contract again to read it carefully.

While she was reviewing the contract, Zhou Ying took the opportunity to say: “The flavor you’ll be endorsing is a new crab roe cheese flavor that hasn’t even hit the market yet. Once you become the spokesperson, you can eat it for free—as much as you want.”

Rong Qing’s eyes lit up: “Can I try other flavors too?”

Zhou Ying: “Of course! Just make a call and we’ll deliver whatever flavor you like!”

Rong Qing thought being a brand ambassador was wonderful—if she ever fell on hard times, she could probably survive on instant noodles.

Zhou Ying stood up and said: “I’m going to mix some seasonings. Keep reviewing the contract for anything unclear—this is just a draft version. The final contract will be ready in a couple of days. If you have any questions, you can ask either Lingwan or me.”

With that, she left to prepare the seasonings. Rong Qing turned to Mu Lingwan and quietly asked: “What brands have you endorsed before?”

“Luxury cosmetics, as the Asia-Pacific spokesperson for Brand X, and some others I don’t quite remember. You’d have to ask Zhou Ying about those,” Mu Lingwan replied slowly.

Rong Qing opened her mouth, then closed it obediently.

She recognized the brands Mu Lingwan mentioned—all high-end luxury labels. Forget endorsements, even buying their products would make Rong Qing hesitate for ages, considering a single bottle of serum used to cost her entire month’s salary.

Looking down at the contract in her hands, Rong Qing decided hers wasn’t bad either.

Economical and practical.

What appeals to the masses is what’s best. Though it might not be as classy as high-end endorsements, what suits you is what’s best.

She really did love instant noodles.

She decided that after finishing the hot pot, she’d order some instant noodles to round out the meal!

When Zhou Ying returned, she explained the details of the endorsement to Rong Qing. The meal lasted nearly two and a half hours, with waitstaff coming in periodically to refill water without rushing them—though each time it was a different server.

Back home, Zhou Ying left the contract behind to discuss further details with the brand.

Watching Zhou Ying’s car drive away, Rong Qing happily clutched her contract and ran back to her room, eager to share the good news with her father!

During their video call, Rong Qing proudly showed off the contract and enthusiastically explained the endorsement details. Mu Lingwan overheard snippets by the door, recognizing Zhou Ying’s talking points, and didn’t interrupt their father-daughter reunion, going about her own business instead.

It wasn’t until evening that Rong Qing emerged from her room.

Mu Lingwan glanced up from the couch: “Finally finished talking?”

Rong Qing descended the stairs carefully, asking: “Was I too loud on the phone? I’ll keep it down next time…”

“It’s fine,” Mu Lingwan patted the seat beside her, inviting Rong Qing over.

When Rong Qing approached, Mu Lingwan pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly: “I’m happy that you’re so happy. You weren’t bothering me at all.”

Sitting in her arms, Rong Qing fidgeted slightly but was restrained by Mu Lingwan’s hand on her lower back.

“Don’t squirm. Let me hold you,” Mu Lingwan whispered in her ear.

Rong Qing’s face flushed instantly, remembering how they’d kissed their way from the car to the couch last night, then to the bathroom, before finally ending up in bed together.

Now sitting on this sofa again, Rong Qing couldn’t help worrying whether it had been properly cleaned.

Mu Lingwan held Rong Qing in her arms, closing her eyes gently as she asked, “Do you know what my first commercial was for?”

Curious, Rong Qing looked at her and asked, “Was it for cosmetics?”

Mu Lingwan shook her head.

“It was for a web game,” Mu Lingwan said. “One of those early lowbrow games with flashy ads—’Deal 9999 damage with one strike!’ I signed a two-year endorsement deal for that, but only earned fifty thousand yuan. Still, it was my first endorsement.”

Rong Qing had no recollection of this. “I never knew you did commercials like that.”

“Back then, I wasn’t famous at all, and my agent wasn’t Zhou Ying. I didn’t have a proper career plan, so I took whatever jobs came my way just to make ends meet.” Mu Lingwan sighed and continued, “That’s why I told Zhou Ying—you can’t follow the same path I did. You need to plan your image and direction from the very beginning, so you can improve step by step.”

Rong Qing stared at her in disbelief.

“What?” Mu Lingwan patted her lower back and leaned in with a soft laugh. “Don’t you believe I can guide you well?”

Rong Qing shook her head blankly, then hesitated before asking, “Lingwan, are you… planning to mentor me?”

Mu Lingwan met her gaze calmly. “Why? Don’t want me to?”

“No, that’s not it.” Rong Qing hesitated, still uneasy. “It’s my good fortune that you want to mentor me, but aren’t you afraid that once I become successful, I might… end up like Ming Qiao?”

Rong Qing could tell Mu Lingwan had been looking out for her. From the moment they met, Mu Lingwan had taken her onto the hottest variety shows, giving her unprecedented exposure. She had gone from an unknown idol to a minor celebrity who got recognized even while eating hotpot.

If Mu Lingwan wanted to promote her, Rong Qing could become a top-tier star in no time.

But Rong Qing was still worried.

Did Mu Lingwan really trust her that much?

Trust that she wouldn’t become another Ming Qiao?

“You’re not like her.”

Mu Lingwan gazed firmly at the woman in her arms and whispered, “I believe in you, and I believe in myself. Both Zhou Ying and I think you have great potential—it won’t be hard for you to become famous.”

“But…”

“Unless you don’t want to.”

Rong Qing fell silent. When she first started as an unknown idol, she had only been after the meager monthly salary. Later, as she began sending more money home, she dreamed of providing a better life for her aging father.

Besides, Rong Qing herself wanted to make something of her life. Who wouldn’t want to stand proudly in the spotlight, admired and loved by everyone?

She had been on the verge of giving up when Mu Lingwan pulled her back.

Now, Mu Lingwan wanted to mentor her.

Rong Qing didn’t really have a reason to refuse.

Maybe… she could give it one more try?

“Alright then,” Rong Qing nodded, looking straight at Mu Lingwan. “But I don’t know anything about this. I might trouble you both.”

Mu Lingwan smiled happily and leaned in to press a light kiss to Rong Qing’s lips.

“Good girl,” Mu Lingwan murmured, stroking Rong Qing’s waist as she chuckled softly.

A week later, Rong Qing personally signed the contract and met with the company and brand representatives.

The other party was a very efficient lady who greeted Rong Qing warmly upon seeing her. They took photos together and asked for an autograph, leaving Rong Qing feeling pleasantly surprised. Fortunately, Zhou Ying stayed by her side the whole time, so no issues arose.

After signing the contract, the person in charge held the documents and shook hands with Rong Qing again.

“We’re truly delighted to have Teacher Rong Qing collaborating with us. Would you be available for dinner tonight? We’d like to treat you to a meal.”

Rong Qing wore a proper smile and said to the person in charge, “I’m sorry, but I already have plans to celebrate with my girlfriend tonight. I’m afraid we’ll have to schedule for another time.”

Upon hearing this, the person in charge’s eyes lit up as they eagerly grasped Rong Qing’s hand and asked, “Is it Teacher Mu Lingwan?”

Rong Qing nodded.

“Your relationship is truly wonderful,” the person in charge said without pressing further, still smiling warmly. “Since Teacher Rong already has plans, we won’t disturb you. Once the specific filming schedule is confirmed, I’ll personally inform you.”

“Alright,” Rong Qing replied with a smile. “Thank you for your trouble.”

“Teacher Rong, you’re too polite.”

After seeing off the brand representative, Rong Qing finally felt physically and mentally exhausted. She glanced back at Zhou Ying, who was organizing the contracts, and quietly sidled over with her hands behind her back, asking, “Sister Zhou Ying, how did I do today?”

Zhou Ying looked up with a smile and praised, “Need you even ask? Teacher Rong performed exceptionally well today!”