After Swapping Bodies with the Movie Queen, She Ended Up with Me (GL) - Chapter 61

Zhou Ying had just finished praising Rong Qing when she saw Mu Lingwan, dressed entirely in black, walk in through the door.

Rong Qing turned around and spotted her too, asking in surprise, “Why are you here? I thought you were waiting in the lounge?”

Mu Lingwan took off her hat and smiled at them. “I came over after seeing those people leave. How did it go? Everything go smoothly?”

“Very smoothly,” Zhou Ying said, packing up her things before patting Rong Qing on the shoulder. “Xiao Qing was calm and composed today—she looked every bit the superstar. The client was extremely satisfied.”

Rong Qing flushed at the praise. “I just sat there nodding and smiling. I barely even spoke—how is that calm and composed?”

More like completely blank-headed.

Zhou Ying laughed. “Don’t be modest. You really are different from before. Both Lingwan and I can see how much you’ve improved.” She then turned to Mu Lingwan. “You two should go grab dinner later. I still need to go over the contract again, so I won’t intrude on your alone time.”

Rong Qing’s ears instantly turned red, while Mu Lingwan remained perfectly composed, nodding before glancing at Rong Qing. “Let’s go. The restaurant’s already reserved.”

Only then did Rong Qing turn back to grab her coat, following Mu Lingwan downstairs.

Once in the car, Rong Qing took off her hat and placed it in her lap, pulling out her phone to say to Mu Lingwan, “I need to text Junjun. She kept asking me this morning what time the contract signing was. I should reply.”

Mu Lingwan drove without comment.

Rong Qing chatted with Ye Junjun for a while. Junjun had learned days ago that Rong Qing was endorsing a cup noodle brand, though the product wouldn’t hit supermarket shelves for another two months.

Rong Qing typed: If you like, I can ask Zhou Ying to send you a whole box later. I tried it once—it’s really good, sweet and savory with a strong crab roe flavor.

Ye Junjun: Mailing it sounds like a hassle. Since I’m free lately, I’ll just swing by your place and haul it back myself once you’re done with work.

Rong Qing: Haha, sounds good!

Ye Junjun then asked: Now that the contract’s signed, are you heading home?

Rong Qing glanced at Mu Lingwan, who was focused on driving, before tapping out: No, we’re going to celebrate.

Ye Junjun: How many people? With the brand reps?

Rong Qing: No, just me and Mu Lingwan.

Ye Junjun sent a smirking emoji: Got it—it’s a date~

Rong Qing hurriedly replied: Don’t be ridiculous. It’s just dinner.

Ye Junjun: Sure, sure. I won’t bother you two lovebirds then. Have fun~

She even added a blowing kiss emoji, making Rong Qing’s face burn.

Quickly locking her phone, Rong Qing turned to stare out the window, hoping the cool scenery would calm her flushed cheeks before she tried making conversation with Mu Lingwan. But as she watched, the streets outside grew increasingly unfamiliar.

This wasn’t their usual route home.

Puzzled, Rong Qing turned back to Mu Lingwan—only to find her expression tense, brows furrowed, her grip on the steering wheel so tight the muscles in her arms stood out.

“What’s wrong?” Rong Qing asked worriedly. “Are you feeling unwell?”

Mu Lingwan glanced at her. “Done chatting?”

“Hmm.” Rong Qing glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings and asked, “Where is this? This isn’t the usual route we take to the restaurant.”

“We’ve got a problem,” Mu Lingwan said gravely. “A black car has been following us since the parking lot. It’s been tailing us for a while now.”

A car?

Rong Qing immediately turned around and scanned the traffic through the rear windshield. She spotted two or three black sedans but couldn’t tell which one Mu Lingwan was referring to.

“Stop looking,” Mu Lingwan reached over and patted her, saying, “Probably just some obsessive fans. Sit tight—I’m about to speed up.”

“Ah? Oh, okay!”

Rong Qing quickly settled back into her seat and grabbed the overhead handle. The moment she steadied herself, she felt the forceful acceleration press her firmly against the seatback.

Mu Lingwan clearly wasn’t dealing with this for the first time. She seized the last few seconds of a green light to dash through the intersection, only to find the trailing car also running the yellow light right behind them.

Now that black sedan was speeding up too. Rong Qing instantly realized the driver had dropped all pretense after being spotted by Mu Lingwan, driving straight toward them as if trying to pull alongside.

Mu Lingwan cursed under her breath and slammed the accelerator. Rong Qing shut her eyes in fright, feeling the car swerve violently from side to side—terrifying.

Rong Qing had only ever heard about obsessive fan groups from news and gossip—stories of fans chasing cars or knocking on celebrities’ doors day and night. But those were just things she’d read online. Experiencing it firsthand was entirely different.

The pursuer clung tightly to their tail. Mu Lingwan, not being a professional driver, naturally lacked polished skills—weaving across lanes and making reckless overtakes that left Rong Qing nearly carsick.

“P-please slow down,” Rong Qing struggled to open her eyes and pleaded with Mu Lingwan. “Safety first!”

Obsessive fans might want attention, but Mu Lingwan was practically asking for death!

Her words seemed to snap Mu Lingwan back to reality. Glancing at Rong Qing’s pale face in the passenger seat, she finally eased off the speed.

As their car slowed, the black sedan immediately pulled up alongside them. The pursuer rolled down their window, but instead of seeing who was inside, Rong Qing spotted an array of telephoto lenses pointed directly at their car, clicking away relentlessly—turning Mu Lingwan’s expression stormy.

Rong Qing’s eyes widened. She instinctively recoiled before remembering Mu Lingwan’s car had tinted windows—theoretically, those cameras shouldn’t capture anything inside.

Indeed, the stalkers weren’t getting any usable footage, yet they kept shoving their lenses aggressively against the window—an unnerving sight.

Frowning, Mu Lingwan yanked the steering wheel into a sharp U-turn. The other car quickly mirrored the maneuver and gave chase. The two vehicles weaved back and forth across the streets until Mu Lingwan suddenly veered into a roadside compound—the black car blindly following suit without looking.

Only after entering did they realize—they’d driven straight into a police station courtyard.

Officers at the gate, seeing two cars speeding in recklessly, immediately sealed the entrance. Over a dozen uniformed police officers swarmed out, surrounding both vehicles.

Not only were the people in the black car across the street stunned, but even Rong Qing in the passenger seat was dumbfounded.

She never expected Mu Lingwan to be so formidable—directly leading them to the police station.

Wasn’t this just delivering them straight to jail?

Mu Lingwan leaned back in her seat, turning to look at Rong Qing, who was too shocked to speak. With a helpless sigh, she said, “Looks like we won’t be making it to the restaurant today.”

Rong Qing: “…”

If they couldn’t go to the restaurant, the police station would have to do.

The officers were momentarily taken aback when they saw Mu Lingwan and Rong Qing. But the moment three men stepped out of the black car, they immediately understood the situation and took them in for questioning.

Mu Lingwan and Rong Qing sat at a small conference table while a female officer took their statements. After confirming the details, the two signed the documents.

“Don’t worry,” the officer said passionately. “Their actions constitute a threat to public safety. Chasing a car like that is extremely dangerous, and they’ll face severe penalties.” Then, pulling out a notebook, she added, “Could I trouble you two for an autograph? I’m a huge fan of your dramas.”

Though Rong Qing hadn’t starred in any dramas, she signed anyway.

Afterward, the officer brought them water and let them rest in the room.

Before long, Zhou Ying, who had just left them, rushed back in, standing at the doorway with a sigh. “Thank goodness you’re both okay,” she said. “I nearly had a heart attack when I got the call.”

“It’s nothing serious,” Mu Lingwan replied, arms crossed as she lounged in her chair. “Haven’t we handled things like this before?”

“That was then, and this is now—you weren’t together back then,” Zhou Ying countered, stepping further into the room. “I just saw those three men. They were built like bears. If they’d actually caught up to you, who knows what could’ve happened?”

The more she thought about it, the more terrified she became. It wasn’t unheard of for female celebrities to be kidnapped—beautiful, wealthy women like them would be prime targets in the wrong hands.

“We can’t keep that car. It’s probably been marked,” Zhou Ying said, frowning. “You’ll ride with me later. I’ll have someone dispose of it.”

Mu Lingwan nodded.

Zhou Ying then turned to Rong Qing. “Xiao Qing, don’t go home tonight either. I’m worried the villa might be under surveillance. You two should stay at a hotel for the next few days.”

“A hotel?” Rong Qing blinked, glancing at Mu Lingwan. “Just the two of us?”

“Mm,” Zhou Ying confirmed. “Book a suite for half a month. Buy whatever you need. I’ll arrange it right away.”

With that, she left to make the call. Rong Qing looked at Mu Lingwan. “So… we can’t even go home now?”

Mu Lingwan nodded slightly, tilting her head. “If there’s anything you need, let Zhou Ying know. She can bring it over in a couple of days.”

“Actually… there isn’t much,” Rong Qing hesitated before adding, “Just remember to bring the camera.”

Mu Lingwan met her gaze, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

Understood.

Zhou Ying quickly escorted Mu Lingwan and Rong Qing out of the police station. Someone must have leaked the news, as a crowd had gathered at the entrance, including television reporters who came to cover the story.

Mu Lingwan frowned and retreated back inside with the others.

“There are too many people outside,” Zhou Ying said worriedly, looking through the glass doors. “We need to find a way to leave separately.”

A helpful officer nearby volunteered, “You can ride in our police car.”

Rong Qing: “?”

Zhou Ying’s eyes lit up. “Is that possible?”

“I’ll request permission—it shouldn’t be a problem since it’s for public service,” the young officer replied, his dark complexion flushing red under their gazes as he hurried off to arrange it.

Upon hearing Mu Lingwan and Rong Qing needed transport, approval came instantly. Delighted, Zhou Ying immediately sent the hotel address to the officers.

“I’ll drive out first to distract them,” Zhou Ying explained. “Then Officer here can take you two straight to the hotel.” She turned to Mu Lingwan. “The room’s already booked—just pick up the key at reception. Rest upstairs until I shake off these reporters.”

Mu Lingwan nodded in agreement.

Soon, the group split up. Zhou Ying’s departure drew the media frenzy, with paparazzi throwing themselves at her car like madmen, cameras pressed against the windows though they couldn’t clearly capture the occupants inside.

After Zhou Ying left, most pursuers followed her car. The remaining stragglers eventually dispersed, leaving only a few persistent self-media individuals lingering stubbornly outside the station.

“Time to go,” Mu Lingwan adjusted her cap and told Rong Qing and the officer. “We can leave now.”The officer—clearly a fan—blushed to his ears and drove with rigid focus, eyes locked forward so intensely that Rong Qing worried he might crash into a tree.”

Fortunately, he delivered them safely to the designated hotel.

After thanking the officer, Mu Lingwan and Rong Qing entered the hotel, checked in, and took the elevator upstairs.

“We’ve arrived,” Mu Lingwan reported by phone, standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows as she surveyed the streets below. “How’s your situation?”

“Still leading them on merry chases,” Zhou Ying’s voice crackled through. “I’ll head to the office soon. Stay in today—I’ll send Xiao Qu over later for any errands or supplies you need.”

“Understood.”

Hanging up, Mu Lingwan turned to observe Rong Qing exploring the suite. Noticing her rummaging through the walk-in closet, she leaned against the doorframe. “You’ve been investigating since we arrived. Discover anything?”

Rong Qing spun around, eyes sparkling. “This suite is enormous! Walk-in closet, study, even a tea room—it must cost a fortune!”

Mu Lingwan lifted her chin slightly. “It’s alright. There’s a swimming pool, bar, and gym on the top floor. The buffet is on the first floor—you can go eat whatever you want with your room card, but not today. Zhou Ying told us to stay put in our room and not go anywhere.”

Rong Qing felt a bit disappointed but had no choice. After today’s scare, she decided it was best to obediently stay in the hotel room and not go out.

But…

“Why is there only one bed?” Rong Qing pointed at the 2.2-meter-wide bed in the master bedroom.

Mu Lingwan’s gaze also fell on the bed—neat and pristine, with four pillows, snow-white sheets, and a long throw blanket at the foot that looked quite stylish.

She blinked slightly and explained, “All suites are like this.”

Mu Lingwan added, “They all have one bed.”

Rong Qing was skeptical but couldn’t pull out her phone to check in front of Mu Lingwan, so she reluctantly nodded.

One bed it was. It wasn’t like she and Mu Lingwan had never shared a bed before.

“Fine.” Rong Qing paused before continuing, “Let’s order some takeout first? I’m starving since we didn’t get to eat earlier. By the time the food arrives, Xiao Qu should have our things delivered.”

Mu Lingwan nodded and took out her phone. “What do you want to eat? You can order anything today—consider it compensation for missing out on the big meal.”

Rong Qing immediately perked up and said excitedly, “I want spicy hot pot! Medium spice, with hand-pulled noodles and beef balls!”

Mu Lingwan frowned, about to refuse, but then she saw the look in Rong Qing’s eyes—clearly waiting to act hurt if rejected. Mu Lingwan saw right through her and simply raised an eyebrow, unlocking her phone screen. “Alright, spicy hot pot it is.”

Rong Qing stared at her in surprise, unable to believe Mu Lingwan would agree. She had just been joking.

Mu Lingwan opened the food delivery app and said, “Actually, it’s good if you gain a little weight. You’d feel better to hold. Besides, we’re shooting that instant noodle ad in two weeks—a bit of chubbiness adds approachability.”

Rong Qing: “?”

Mu Lingwan scrolled through the menu of the nearest spicy hot pot place. “Let’s see—aside from hand-pulled noodles and beef balls, what else do you want?”

Rong Qing, realizing Mu Lingwan was seriously ordering for her, nearly jumped for joy. Mu Lingwan seemed to glow like a radiant light standing before her!

“Can I get one of everything?” Rong Qing shamelessly asked.

Mu Lingwan’s smile froze, and she sighed in resignation. “Fine, one of everything then.”

To Rong Qing, Mu Lingwan wasn’t just an actress anymore—she was a living goddess!

“Just one serving of hand-pulled noodles for the staple. Skip the rest.”

“I love beef balls—load up on those. Fish balls too.”

“Carrots, spinach, and baby bok choy—yes, all of them.”

“This one, and that one too. Order everything.”

“Medium spice!”

Rong Qing declared firmly.

Following Rong Qing’s wishes, Mu Lingwan ended up ordering nearly 200 yuan worth of spicy hot pot. Even though she knew Rong Qing couldn’t possibly finish it all, she paid anyway, already worrying whether Rong Qing’s stomach would burst when the food arrived.

But the person in question, Rong Qing, had no such worries. It was the first time she’d ever splurged on ordering spicy hot pot delivery. In the past, she’d have to carefully calculate discounts for a 20-yuan order, but now that Mu Lingwan was footing the bill, she naturally ordered everything she wanted!

Half an hour later, the delivery arrived at the door—three large containers in total.

All for Rong Qing.

Mu Lingwan’s order hadn’t arrived yet. Having little appetite today, she’d just ordered a salad from a nearby place. Watching Rong Qing sitting at the table with three large containers of spicy hot pot before her, Mu Lingwan asked with concern, “Can you finish all that?”

Thinking Mu Lingwan was doubting her, Rong Qing replied firmly, “Of course I can!”

Mu Lingwan propped her chin on her hand, eyeing Rong Qing’s back with a raised eyebrow but said nothing.

Just as Mu Lingwan’s salad arrived, Qu Xiaojing also reached the door. Instead of returning to the villa, she’d directly bought new clothes and daily necessities at the mall, worried that someone might be staking out the villa and potentially follow her back to the hotel.

Upon entering, Qu Xiaojing was immediately hit by the rich, fragrant aroma of spicy hot pot filling the room. Blinking in surprise, she closed the door behind her.

“What’s that amazing smell?” Qu Xiaojing placed her takeout on the table and was shocked to see Rong Qing hunched over three enormous bowls of spicy hot pot, her eyes nearly popping out of her head.

Rong Qing had already polished off half a bowl by herself. Her stomach was now uncomfortably full as she stared despairingly at the remaining two and a half bowls. Hearing Qu Xiaojing’s voice, she looked up hopefully and asked, “Xiao Qu, have you had dinner yet?”

Qu Xiaojing: “…Yes, I have.”

Rong Qing: “Oh.”

Clutching her chopsticks and eyeing the takeout with distress, Rong Qing looked up again and said, “Then maybe you could take these two bowls for a midnight snack? I haven’t touched them—they’re still clean.”

Before Qu Xiaojing could respond, Mu Lingwan cut in: “Weren’t you absolutely certain you could finish all three bowls? You haven’t even eaten half yet—giving up already?”

Rong Qing glared back but stayed silent, stubbornly stuffing another meatball into her mouth.

Qu Xiaojing didn’t understand what was happening, but seeing Rong Qing eat like this worried her. She whispered to Mu Lingwan, “Teacher Mu, Teacher Rong will gain at least two pounds eating like this. Didn’t she just sign an endorsement deal today? If she gains weight now, how will she shoot the commercial later?”

Rong Qing’s chopsticks froze mid-air.

Mu Lingwan said calmly, “She’s endorsing instant noodles. Gaining a little weight isn’t a problem at all. The brand might even prefer a plumper spokesperson.”

“Gaining a little weight isn’t a problem at all”

“A plumper spokesperson”

Each phrase struck Rong Qing right in the heart. She began regretting ordering so much takeout—this single meal might make her never want to see spicy hot pot again in her life.

“I’m done eating!”

Rong Qing slammed down her chopsticks, grabbed her phone, and stood up. “I’m going to the bathroom!”

Mu Lingwan glanced at her and remarked, “Do you have a straight-through digestive system?”

Rong Qing’s response was the loud slam of the bathroom door.

She was angry.

Adorably so.

Mu Lingwan chuckled to herself.

Qu Xiaojing remained confused but decided not to get involved in the couple’s affairs. After organizing the items she’d brought, she prepared to take her leave.

“Take these with you,” Mu Lingwan said to Qu Xiaojing.

Qu Xiaojing tilted her head. “Take what?”

Mu Lingwan lifted her eyelids slightly. “The spicy hot pot.”

Qu Xiaojing: “…”

Mu Lingwan added, “She didn’t touch either bowl. It’d be a waste to throw them away—I paid for them, after all. You might as well take them back for a late-night snack.”

Qu Xiaojing was puzzled—wasn’t this person saying the same thing Rong Qing had just said?

Wasn’t it the same old spiel?

Was it really necessary to make Rong Qing storm off and then have her take the spicy hot pot back?

She couldn’t figure it out.

But getting two free servings of spicy hot pot wasn’t bad—she could split them with her roommate, one bowl each.

Naturally, Qu Xiaojing didn’t refuse. She walked over, packed everything up, and was about to leave when Mu Lingwan told her to take Rong Qing’s leftovers outside and throw them away too. After cleaning up the trash, Qu Xiaojing grabbed the hot pot and hurried off.

Rong Qing stayed in the bathroom for half an hour, taking a shower to wash away the lingering sweet-spicy scent of the hot pot before stepping out in her bathrobe. But when she did, she noticed the two half-eaten bowls of hot pot she’d left on the table were gone.

She turned her head toward Mu Lingwan, who was already lying in bed scrolling through her phone, confusion written all over her face.

Meeting Rong Qing’s gaze, Mu Lingwan set her phone aside and patted the pillow beside her.

“Get in bed,” she said.