After the Breakup, the Crazy Movie Queen Clings to Me Every Day (GL) - Chapter 26.2

In the observation room next to the recording studio, Shu Su pointed out the members of the Lock Girl Group to Tan Youxu through the one-way glass.

Tan You leaned back in the armchair, her clear, deep eyes betraying no emotion as she ignored Shu Su’s question and put on the sterilized headphones.

“Hey, are you really engaged to Wei Xueyin?” Shu Su asked, putting on her own headphones and chatting idly before the show began.

“Mm-hmm,” Tan You replied tersely.

“What about your little lover?”

“Business as usual.”
Shu Su was utterly confused. All she knew was that the announcement of their engagement had sent the company’s stock price soaring by several points, bringing substantial profits to both firms.

The old guard of the Tan Family had been so enraged by Tan You’s unilateral decision that some had even landed in the hospital. Now they were hopping mad at home, yet too afraid to make any rash moves.

“What ‘business as usual’? Does your little lover actually agree to this?”
Tan You lowered her gaze, her eyes darkening as she thought of Lan Jingli. Instead of going to the Deep Mountain Estate at 7 PM on this Saturday night, Jingli had come to record the show. A faint smile touched Tan You’s lips.

“She’s been a bit temperamental lately. I’ll decide in a few days whether to appease her.”

“Aren’t you worried she might find someone else? Young people these days change their minds so quickly.”

“No,” Tan You said, her pupils dark and her voice unusually firm. “And I won’t.”

Shu Su had assumed Tan You’s talk of a “little lover” was just a joke. It seemed she was serious after all. “So confident? Then bring her out to meet me after you’ve made up. Once I’ve won over the person I like, the four of us can have dinner together.”

Tan You toyed with the jade ruyi in her hand, noncommittal.

“Three, two, one, action!” the director’s voice crackled through the earpiece. The host smoothly transitioned into her role, introducing the guests for this episode.

The live broadcast showed only the guests’ figures—tall, slender silhouettes in flowing dresses, their faces obscured. The mystery only heightened the anticipation.

As per the show’s format, the opening act was a song. After a brief introduction of the piece and the singer, the host signaled the music teacher to start the accompaniment.

A gentle, lingering melody filled the air. Lan Jingli strummed her guitar softly, her voice blending seamlessly with the flowing strings. Clear, intimate, and alluring, her voice carried a raw, textured huskiness, like a rain shower beneath a deep sunset.

Tan You listened quietly, suddenly feeling as if a soft, shimmering rain was falling in her ears. The transparent droplets seemed to sprout damp moss on the tips of her fingers.

In an instant, the s3x drive suppressant she had taken before coming seemed to have lost its effect.

Her body burned as if about to burst into flames, pain and longing threatening to overwhelm her reason. The incessant, drizzling sensation refused to subside, and she desperately wanted Lan Jingli to hold her, tighter and tighter.

Noticing Tan You’s pale face flushed with crimson and her eyes glistening with moisture, Shu Su asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Forcing the sensual thoughts from her mind, Tan You’s heart churned with disgust and desire. Her voice, now delicate and hoarse with illness, replied, “I’m fine. Just a bit warm.”

“But you’re always cold! Why are you hot now?”

Soon, the chorus arrived, and Wen Fei joined Lan Jingli in a duet. Their voices—one low and clear, the other soft and magnetic—unexpectedly transformed the simple love song into a sweet and romantic performance, leaving the audience wanting more.

The live chat exploded with comments:

Ahhh, my ears are pregnant with a hundred and eight babies!

Who are these rookies? Their voices blend so perfectly!

Can we please have their voices get married right here and now?

Civil Affairs Bureau: ???

Shu Su was beside herself with glee, completely oblivious to Tan You’s expressionless face, devoid of even the slightest smile.

“During the meeting, those people suggested Lan Jingli and Wen Fei start a CP campaign. I was against it at first, but now I think the results are quite impressive.”

The amber liquid in the diamond-shaped glass refracted a cold, eerie light. Tan You casually swiped through her phone, her gaze fixed on the red dot on the map, less than ten meters away. She asked nonchalantly, “Really? What’s so impressive about it?”

“Alright, I knew you wouldn’t understand romance. You just don’t appreciate young people.”

As the song ended, the host’s voice, cheerful yet subtly malicious, filled the headphones. “Wow, I just realized Jingli and Wen Fei went to the same school! Have you two never met before?”

Wen Fei’s voice was soft and refined, her smile radiant. “We were in different departments, so of course we never met. But I never imagined we’d have such a connection.”

Lan Jingli chimed in, “Yeah, we never met.”

“What a pity! But now you’ve officially met,” the host announced, transitioning to the next segment. “Alright, let’s move on to our Q&A round.”

“Jingli, how many times have you been in love?”

“Five times.”

The host let out an exaggerated “Oh!” “No way! I thought it would be a lot, but I didn’t expect that many!”

“Just as I suspected,” Wei Yixi chimed in, fanning the flames.

The other guests also revealed their answer boards, none showing fewer than three relationships.

Lan Jingli smiled faintly, feigning helplessness. “How did I leave such an impression on you all during our first meeting?”

“Exactly!” Chen Jiayang laughed, batting her eyelashes and clutching her chest dramatically. “It’s your whole demeanor—you just naturally exude that ‘player’ vibe.”

The host pressed on, “Jingli, you’re so candid! Aren’t you worried about how your fans will react?”

“Actually, I’m still holding back a bit,” Lan Jingli replied, a hint of amusement playing at the corner of her lips.
The studio erupted in laughter, the guests nearly falling out of their chairs as they pounded the tables.

“Ah, I adore Jingli! I’ve had quite a few relationships myself. We should compare notes sometime and exchange tips,” Chen Jiayang said, batting her eyelashes and leaning forward with a playful look.

Lan Jingli froze momentarily, saved only by the host’s quick shift to the next question.

“If an ex-girlfriend asked to get back together, would you agree?”

The usually quick-witted Lan Jingli paused for a split second before answering, “No.”

“So you’re definitely not the type to go back to old flames. Care to give us a hint about your ideal type?” the host pressed, her eyes sparkling with gossip. “Do you prefer someone older or younger?”

“Younger than me.”

Tan You seemed to be making eye contact with Lan Jingli through the one-way glass. She noticed that when Lan Jingli wasn’t smiling, her bangs hung low, her expression was serene, and she looked very difficult to coax.

This was the first time the host had encountered a guest who answered questions so honestly. Her face creased with laughter.

“Why younger?”

“If they’re too much older, I worry we wouldn’t have anything in common. The generation gap would be too wide.”

The host’s smile turned mischievous. “So, Jingli, have you ever dated someone much older than yourself?”

“No,” Lan Jingli replied, her porcelain-white face breaking into a smile as she shook her head firmly.

A one-sided infatuation hardly counted as a relationship. To force it into a love story would only invite humiliation.

She felt as if she had finally woken from a long, delirious fever. Before that, she had vaguely heard fate promise sweetness after hardship, so she had endured year after year.

Her thoughts always accompanied the high fever. She suspected she suffered from a mental illness—a delusion of being loved. Her soul felt so empty that only echoes remained.

In the observation room, Shu Su thought she heard Tan You scoff. She removed her headphones and saw the woman calmly handling business on her phone, her expression composed.

It must have been my imagination.

“Did you just laugh?”

“No.”

“Why aren’t you watching anymore?”

“It’s too boring.” Tan You glanced up and saw Lan Jingli exchanging looks with a member of the Lock Girl Group. Her already cool voice deepened, and a chilling glint flickered in her dark eyes.

Shu Su shook her head helplessly. “Why are you being so difficult today? You’re usually not like this.”

Tan You remained silent, inexplicably opening WeChat. The usually attentive contact showed no activity, failing to send her the scheduled message.

Her addiction seemed to be worsening. The secret craving tormented her, making her body feel weak. She desperately wanted to call that person over…

Seeing that Tan You was completely unresponsive, cold and unapproachable, Shu Su huffed and deliberately raised her voice:

“Ugh, you’re just showing your age gap!”

Tan You remained silent, her gaze fixed on the program.

After the recording wrapped up, Lan Jingli stepped out of the studio for the first time and unexpectedly saw Aunt Wan standing nearby. She approached her.

“Aunt Wan, hello.”
“Miss Lan, you’re here too?” Aunt Wan’s expression was gentle and warm. “It’s raining outside. Be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Thank you. I’d like you to return this to her,” Lan Jingli said smoothly, taking out the black opal necklace and handing it to Aunt Wan. “I’d appreciate it.”

Aunt Wan looked at the well-preserved necklace in surprise. “Why don’t you return it to her yourself?” she asked.

Lan Jingli smiled lightly. “There’s no need for us to meet. When you give it to her, please pass on my best wishes.”

Aunt Wan studied Lan Jingli’s eyes closely. There was no resentment, no anger, just a hollow, numb emptiness.

She had expected a child this age to react with anger and tears to such a situation. Perhaps being abandoned at a young age had taught the girl not to cry.

“Very well,” Aunt Wan said. “I’ll deliver your wishes.”

“Thank you,” Lan Jingli said, bowing slightly before turning to leave with Wei Yixi and the members of the Lock Girl Group.

After the rain, the humidity had risen to nearly 90 percent, making the air feel thick with moisture, as if water droplets were suspended in the air. The oppressive humidity made it hard to breathe.

“Let’s grab dinner together,” Chen Jiayang suggested, walking between the group and flashing Lan Jingli a flirty wink. “I know a quiet izakaya where it won’t be crowded at this hour.”

Wei Yixi immediately chimed in, “Sounds great! The more friends, the better! Let’s go, let’s go! Right, Jingli?”

“Why did you lie to me?” Lan Jingli asked, turning to Chen Jiayang.

“Well, you’re the one who added my WeChat,” Chen Jiayang replied, feigning innocent beauty. “It’s your fault, silly.”
From a distance, Tan You watched Lan Jingli and the Lock Girl Group pile into the same car, presumably heading to dinner.

In that instant, the world seemed to reach 100% humidity. A faint, unnatural flush crept across Tan You’s usually aloof and lonely features. To suppress the pain, she bit her lip, remaining silent.

Aunt Wan was the first to notice Tan You’s distress. “You’re in pain again? Quick, get in the car. We’ll head back to the Deep Mountain Estate. You should rest there for a few days and skip work.”

She draped a warm coat over Tan You’s shoulders and guided her toward the car. As they walked, Aunt Wan noticed Tan You hesitate for a moment, as if wanting to turn back and look, but she remained motionless, rooted to the spot.

Back at Deep Mountain Estate, Aunt Wan brought Tan You her medicine. Despite the pain, Tan You stood before her easel, painting. Nearby, the small koi drifted silently in the water, as if asleep.

“Miss Lan didn’t come. Drink this to ease the pain. If it gets too bad, should I call…”

“No need,” Tan You said, her expression cold as she gripped her brush.

“Actually, I ran into Miss Lan outside the observation room later.”

Tan You lowered her gaze, feigning indifference. “What did she want?”

“Nothing. She asked me to return this to you and send her best wishes for your future.”

“She asked you to wish me well?” Tan You asked sharply.

Aunt Wan nodded. “Miss Lan is a good person, very sensible. She didn’t seem angry at you at all. She even said there’s no need for you two to meet again.”

Tan You let out a cold laugh. “No need to meet again?”

“I think Miss Lan has a point. Are you upset?”

“No,” Tan You replied, her voice flat. Suppressing the urge to text Lan Jingli about the necklace she was wearing—a gift from someone else—she added, “If she doesn’t want the necklace, she can throw it away.”

“I heard from Yunshu Entertainment that they’re planning to pair Miss Lan with a co-star for a fake romance,” Aunt Wan said, ever considerate. “Should I give them a heads-up to drop the idea? Before they get too invested, I could remind them not to pair Miss Lan with anyone…”

“No need.”

“Miss, aren’t you worried? After all, Miss Lan is yours, yours…” Aunt Wan struggled to find the right word, unwilling to say “property” to Tan You’s face.

In the specimen room, Tan You’s refined features were veiled in shadow as she calmly continued painting. Aunt Wan thought she heard a faint, eerie chuckle, but when she tried to discern it, it seemed like a figment of her imagination.

Before closing the door, Aunt Wan glanced at Tan You’s easel. There, on the canvas, swam a golden koi in an aquarium, the GPS-tracking necklace dangling from its body amidst lush aquatic plants.

Having never seen such an absurd painting in her life, Aunt Wan hurried away.

*******

In early summer, Yunshu Entertainment hosted its annual gala, inviting directors, producers, supervisors, and screenwriters from across the industry.

Yunshu Entertainment’s project director personally drove Shu Su and Tan You to the gala venue.

As soon as she started the car, her boss called.

“What? They’re pulling Lan Jingli and Wen Fei’s CP again? But the response was so good! Their popularity is soaring, and fans have even created a dedicated Super Topic for them!”

“Ugh, don’t ask so many questions. It’s a decision from higher up. I’ve already notified all marketing accounts and public relations channels to stop publishing related press releases.”

“Higher up? You mean my boss isn’t you? How much higher can it get?” The project director was utterly bewildered. Her superiors… weren’t they sitting right in the back seat of the car?

“Just follow orders. I need to inform the others now.
Shu Su never expected Tan You to accompany her to Yunshu Entertainment’s gala. She felt both flattered and surprised, even wondering if Tan You had been paying too much attention to the entertainment sector lately.

“I told you our instincts were spot-on! Lan Jingli and Wen Fei’s ship is trending again,” Shu Su said with a grin, handing her phone to Tan You. “See? My picks are doing great, right? When you see them in person at the gala later, you’ll feel it even more.”

In the Porsche, the woman’s expression darkened as she scrolled through the trending posts. She saw paparazzi shots of Lan Jingli and Wen Fei out in casual clothes, sharing a buy-one-get-one-free McFlurry.

Shu Su continued scrolling through Weibo, eventually stumbling upon a steamy fanfic about Lan Jingli and Wen Fei’s ship. The story was incredibly detailed and lengthy, complete with specially photoshopped images of the two in suggestive poses.

“Youyou, look! Someone’s already written a fanfic about them! Doesn’t that prove they’re perfect together?”