After the Breakup, the Crazy Movie Queen Clings to Me Every Day (GL) - Chapter 34.2

She knew how desperately she desired Lan Jingli, yet Lan Jingli’s stubbornness tormented her.

But Tan You had her pride. She refused to clip the wings of a flying bird or suffocate a swimming fish. Dead things lacked the soul and vibrancy of living beings.

How can I win back Lan Jingli’s heart? Her mind was a turmoil of confusion and unease.

In the darkness, Tan You and Lan Jingli stood facing each other, one distant, one close, surrounded by the subtle fragrance of stonecrop, coralberry, and evening primrose.

Aunt Wan, who had been reading in the corridor, only noticed after a while that the two women had fallen silent, facing each other with their beautiful, pitch-black eyes, as if they had resolved to be lifelong enemies.

The other servants in the mansion watched from a distance, none daring to approach and risk getting caught in the crossfire. Ever since Lan Jingli had completely disappeared from the mansion and stopped visiting, they had witnessed Tan You’s true, unpredictable nature—her volatile moods and mercurial temperament.

Yes, Tan You never mistreated the servants or threw tantrums. But several night watchmen had seen her alone, sitting on the high rooftop in the dead of night, unable to sleep. Her long hair billowed in the wind, her face cold and indistinct, like a midnight specter. Who could endure such daily frights?

It was already past ten o’clock. Aunt Wan pretended to read, but her eyes kept drifting to the two women. She sighed inwardly. Lan Jingli might be stubborn, but Tan You was just as unyielding.

After waiting a while longer, her concern for the pair finally compelled her to approach Tan You slowly. She spoke gently, “It’s past ten o’clock, beyond your usual bedtime. Tomorrow you have the formal banquet at the Biomedical Summit, and the doctor has prepared a new treatment plan for your condition…”

Tan You waved her hand, cutting off Aunt Wan’s counsel with resolute finality.

“You should all go rest. Don’t worry about us.”

“It’s going to rain tonight. You can’t stay out in the rain. If you have something to say, say it inside.”

Seeing Tan You’s unwavering gaze fixed solely on Lan Jingli, Aunt Wan had no choice but to try reasoning with Lan Jingli instead.

“Miss Lan, whatever anger you’re holding, please take it inside. Why torture yourself like this? If you get sick, Miss Tan will be worried too.”

“Aunt Wan, she won’t be worried,” Lan Jingli scoffed, her voice cold and clear. “If she cared even a little, I wouldn’t have been tricked into coming here today. Don’t you think so?”

Aunt Wan fell silent. Lan Jingli was frighteningly lucid, seeing through every move of her mistress with unnerving clarity.

Is this what they mean by ‘the uninvolved see the clearest’—that those who don’t love see the truth most clearly?

Seeing neither woman willing to yield, Aunt Wan sighed and quickly ordered chairs to be brought out for them to sit.

“Miss Tan, if you won’t go inside, at least put on some clothes. Your face is already pale with cold.” Aunt Wan handed Tan You a thin cashmere shawl, urging her to wrap it around herself. “If you catch a cold, you’ll be miserable for days. And… it could worsen your condition.”

“Mm,” Tan You murmured, accepting the thin blanket and draping it over her shoulders, covering her dazzlingly pale skin.

Aunt Wan finally relaxed a little and walked over to Lan Jingli. “Miss Lan, you should take a blanket too. It gets much colder in the mountains at night. Catching a cold isn’t worth it.”

“Thank you, Aunt Wan, but I’m not cold,” Lan Jingli replied with a polite smile. “If you could just open the gate and let me leave, that would be even better.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Lan, but that’s…” Aunt Wan glanced back at the woman with flushed cheeks and shook her head apologetically. “That’s something I really can’t decide.”

“I understand. Thank you anyway. I’ll just stay here tonight and practice my posture.”

“Ai, you two…” Aunt Wan sighed heavily, feeling utterly helpless. She couldn’t persuade them, couldn’t move them, couldn’t even reason with them.

Seated in a Venetian armchair, Tan You leisurely admired Lan Jingli’s proud, mirror-clear face and her unyielding spirit, holding a hand-blown glass cup.

Aunt Wan had the kitchen send over desserts and soup, hoping to coax the two women to eat something, but her efforts were futile. Before long, rain began to fall.

Tan You hurriedly grabbed an umbrella and held it over Lan Jingli, anxious to keep her from getting wet.

“Li Li, it’s raining. Let’s not argue anymore. Come inside and we can talk, okay?” Tan You took the umbrella from Aunt Wan and hurried over to Lan Jingli.

Lan Jingli glanced down at the woman, who looked rather disheveled, and dodged the umbrella. Her words remained unchanged: “Let me leave.”

The night rain was relentless. Tan You held the umbrella, half her long hair already soaked, rainwater trickling down her pale ankles—a mix of cold and warmth.

She never imagined she’d be standing in the pouring rain, willingly staying with someone in the dark downpour. This person was stubborn and untamable, seemingly devoid of any affection for her. Seemingly, she reminded herself.

If I just coax Lan Jingli a little more, she’ll come around eventually, Tan You thought.

“Li Li,” Tan You’s eyes softened, her gaze fixed intently on Lan Jingli. “It’s raining so hard. How can I let you leave? Can’t you even stay with me for one night?”

“Tan You, I’m not that crying little girl anymore. I’ve grown up.”

Tan You stubbornly held the umbrella over Lan Jingli, ignoring the rain blurring her vision. “I know my Li Li has grown up, but… please don’t abandon me.”

“You’re insane,” Lan Jingli concluded.

Tan You had always been indifferent to Lan Jingli’s heartbreak, her anguish, her tears. She had remained aloof, laughing and chatting as if nothing were amiss. Now, she was lowering herself, speaking softly, almost pleadingly. Lan Jingli could only find it both terrifying and absurd. She couldn’t imagine any other reaction.

“Maybe,” Tan You said with a casual smile, her seductive eyes reflecting the glow of the mansion’s gilded lanterns. Though her beauty was breathtaking, it was like the eerie glow of will-o’-the-wisps flickering over a grave.

“Li Li, if you don’t want to go inside, I’ll stay with you. If you want to stand in the rain, I’ll stay with you too.” The woman’s long hair cascaded softly, her features delicate and refined. Her gentle voice and warm words made her seem like a celestial being, untouched by earthly concerns.

With a wave of her hand, Tan You signaled Aunt Wan to retract the umbrella. “Go to bed now,” she said. “We don’t have much time left alone with Li Li.”

She had never imagined she could become so addicted to Lan Jingli, craving her presence with an intensity that bordered on obsession. It was more unbearable than any addiction to pleasure, like a burning thirst—a longing, a lingering memory, an anticipation, a demand… even a willingness to force her way, regardless of the cost.

This contradicted her life’s principles, shattering her carefully constructed order. Yet she had to admit it: Lan Jingli was more effective than any suppressant. Rather than be controlled by this addictive craving, she would control its source.

Let this person quench her thirst for a lifetime, for all eternity. Whatever this person desired, she could provide.

*******

As dawn broke, the rain finally ceased, leaving both stubborn souls utterly exhausted.

Aunt Wan, nearing fifty, hurried to check on the pair as soon as she woke. As expected, they were still locked in their standoff. Lan Jingli seemed utterly at ease, taking advantage of the serene morning to stroll leisurely through the courtyard, oblivious to the world around her.

In stark contrast, Tan You’s face was deathly pale, her dark lashes damp. Though still breathtakingly beautiful, she looked even more disheveled than the night before.

Aunt Wan rushed over and pressed a hand to Tan You’s forehead. As she’d feared, Tan You had a fever, likely another bout of wind-cold that would keep her bedridden for days. Moreover, the medication’s effectiveness against her addiction would be diminished, making it a losing battle.

“Miss, look at you, always pushing yourself too hard. Your health isn’t as robust as hers, and now this illness will set you back even further,” Aunt Wan scolded, her voice laced with concern as she felt Tan You’s burning skin.

She reached out to help the weakened woman sit up, but her back gave out with a sharp pain. “Aiyo, that hurts!”

Lan Jingli, who had been silently practicing her singing while strolling, finally deigned to glance up at the commotion.

“Aunt Wan, what’s wrong?”

“Miss Lan, I was trying to help Miss Tan You back to her room to rest. She has a high fever, but I accidentally strained my back.” Aunt Wan looked anxiously at the delirious Tan You, her voice urgent. “Miss Lan, I know you might not want to, but could you please help me get her back to her room?”

Hearing Lan Jingli’s voice, Tan You, tormented by fever and her addiction, momentarily regained clarity. Her alluring eyes fluttered half-open, fixing intently on Lan Jingli. She even reached out, as if wanting Lan Jingli to hold her.

“I’ll manage myself,” Tan You said, her eyes betraying disappointment. She knew Lan Jingli likely wanted nothing to do with her.

But Lan Jingli sighed softly and turned to Aunt Wan. “You should see a doctor first. A back injury is no small matter. I’ll help her back to her room.”

Aunt Wan was surprised by Lan Jingli’s sudden willingness to help, but quickly realized it stemmed from the girl’s inherent kindness and the past kindness she herself had shown her. Simply put, this child repaid kindness in kind, but drew clear boundaries.

She would stake everything on someone she deemed worthy, throwing herself into the fray without hesitation. Yet, if betrayed, she would never look back, never regret her decision.

Miss Lan’s chances of winning back Lan Jingli were practically zero.

Lan Jingli focused solely on helping Tan You back to her bedroom on the third floor. Tan You seized the opportunity to gently clutch at Lan Jingli’s sleeve, her body trembling slightly after their brief skin contact.

“Li Li, don’t leave,” Tan You murmured, clinging to Lan Jingli’s collar, her breathing ragged. She bit down hard on her lip, desperately suppressing the weak, yearning moans that threatened to escape, terrified that even the slightest touch might send her spiraling into a small orgasm.

Lan Jingli’s phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID—Wei Yixi.

“Calling this early? Take it easy, speak slowly.”

Wei Yixi gasped for breath. “Where did you run off to last night? Staying out all night without coming back to the dorms? Getting too big for your britches, huh?”

“No, I had a good reason.”

“I don’t care! Get back here now—we’ve got a ton of work today.” Wei Yixi probably guessed what was going on. “Just tell them… tell them you have recording and songwriting work today.”

“Okay, I understand.”

“Who are you talking to?” The woman’s voice was hoarse and weak, her cheeks flushed with feverish red. Ignoring her frail condition, she slid out of bed and shuffled weakly toward Lan Jingli.

Lan Jingli hung up the phone and turned to find Tan You standing there, her clothes half-undone, dark hair cascading softly down, partially obscuring her full, rosy-tipped br3asts.

Tan You noticed Lan Jingli’s indifferent gaze, a look that both angered her and left her unable to speak or confront her.

“She’s just a friend. You don’t need to be so suspicious.”

Tan You bit her lip, her gaze drifting to Lan Jingli’s lips and fingers. An unspeakable longing surged through her like molten lava, a desperate desire to be with Lan Jingli as they once were. To be taken, roughly.

Her deep, dark eyes shimmered with a seductive, teary sheen, the rims reddened with a wounded, almost wronged look. Just thinking about it made tears well up in her eyes, a bittersweet mix of pleasure, pain, and heartache.

In the past, Lan Jingli would have already pulled her into her arms, whispering reassurances, kissing her, and taking her with reckless abandon. But now, she stood cold and detached.

“It’s already 8:30 AM. I have a lot to do today,” Lan Jingli said, ignoring Tan You’s inner turmoil and her deliberately seductive posture.

“You’re going to work this early?”

Lan Jingli countered, “You don’t want me to leave?”

“How could I ever keep you here against your will? You’re always free to leave whenever you need to work. Just promise me you’ll come back.”

“Then I’ll leave now.”

Even in her weakened state, the woman radiated a captivating beauty, her allure almost hypnotic. “Alright, I’ll have them escort you. I just want to ensure your safety.”

“Tan You, are you saying you’re going to monitor me?”

“No, it’s purely for your protection. I’ll send a few people to accompany you to the office, but they won’t interfere with your work.”

Lan Jingli curled her lips into a cold smile, refusing to exchange another word with Tan You. She turned and left without noticing the startling desire burning in the woman’s eyes.

“Li Li, come back early tonight. I… I need you.”

*******

In the Yunshu Entertainment lounge, Wei Yixi cut straight to the chase.

“Jingli, you’re finally back! That Wei Xueyin woman went completely insane. She showed up at the company first thing this morning to ambush you, but she missed you and was furious.”

“What’s she making such a fuss about?” Lan Jingli asked.

“It’s still about that incident last time. She’s still ranting about you ‘seducing’ Tan You and being a ‘homewrecker.’ Pfft!” Wei Yixi spat indignantly. “She should look in the mirror! Tan You was the one chasing after you! It’s hard to say who was seducing whom.”

Lan Jingli snorted coldly at the word “seducing.”

“This woman’s gone too far. Should I help you teach her a lesson?” Wei Yixi rubbed her hands together eagerly. “Just give the word, and I’ll be ready. We could even ruin Wei Xueyin’s engagement to that guy.”

“Absolutely not,” Lan Jingli said softly. “Don’t ruin her engagement.”

“I’m not talking about breaking the law or anything. Just a little punishment to make her think twice…”

Suddenly, Shu Su appeared in the doorway, looking travel-worn.

“Who are you planning to teach a lesson to?”

“Nothing,” Wei Yixi stammered, startled. “I just meant Wei Xueyin’s been causing trouble at the company.”

Shu Su gazed at Wei Yixi. “Do you know why Wei Xueyin is causing trouble for Jingli?”

“Um, well…” Wei Yixi hesitated. Shu Su was Tan You’s friend, and seemed to have a thing for Lan Jingli. But Tan You seemed determined to never let go of Lan Jingli. Two good friends fighting over the same person? Should we little fish even get involved? No, better to observe first.

“President Shu, there was a minor conflict within our band earlier.”

Shu Su smiled faintly. “You’re being quite loyal to Jingli. Aren’t you usually the type to avoid trouble? Even she says you’re quick-witted, good at reading the room, and know when to back down.”

Hearing “she,” Wei Yixi realized Shu Su was referring to her former “sugar daddy.” Her usually cheerful face turned somber, and it took a moment for her to regain her composure.

“What else could I do? When I was at my lowest, Jingli herself barely had enough to eat, yet she still shared half her steamed bun with me. For that half a bun, I might owe her for the rest of my life.”

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, your band will be fine,” Shu Su assured her softly, then quickly prepared to leave. “I just got back today, and the company’s piled up with work. I’ll come find you later.”

“Okay,” Lan Jingli and Wei Yixi said in unison.

“Alright, let’s go to our singing lesson first. The teacher’s probably been waiting for us for a few minutes,” Lan Jingli said, pulling Wei Yixi toward the vocal practice room downstairs.

******

They stayed all day, until evening. As Lan Jingli stepped outside, one of the “bodyguards” respectfully handed her a phone.

“Your call, Miss Lan.”

On the line, Tan You’s breathing was soft and fragile, her voice hazy with illness, yet she still remembered to check in.

“Li Li, are you coming home tonight? I miss you so much. I want to…”

Tan You’s voice was so tender and seductive that Lan Jingli felt a powerful illusion, as if they were lovers who had been together for years, their bond unbreakable. The illness and her addiction had made the woman clingier than ever, showering Lan Jingli with affection and relentless demands.

“I’m still busy,” Lan Jingli replied.

Tan You gazed at the koi swimming joyfully in the water, her voice a soft, husky murmur, clearly still unwell but already eager to rush over and claim her.

“What are you still busy with? It’s so late already. Aren’t you tired? Should I come pick you up? We could sleep together tonight.”

“No need, Tan You. Can you please just stop bothering me?” Lan Jingli pleaded for the first time, her voice tinged with desperation. “I’ve already admitted I was wrong. My mistake was loving you, and believing you loved me too.”

“Li Li, I’ll allow you to keep making that mistake,” Tan You’s cold voice, distorted yet strangely beautiful through the electromagnetic transmission, carried an almost surreal quality. “You must keep making that mistake.”

“Tan You, you just want to force me to do things I don’t want to do, don’t you?”

“Li Li,” the woman’s voice softened, her tone becoming tender and affectionate. “I only want you closer to me. That’s all I ask. You can do anything else you desire. Come home tonight and stay with me, okay? I miss you,” she emphasized again.

“Oh,” Lan Jingli replied absently as she walked down the corridor to the door, gazing out at the empty garden.

Tan You remained unfazed by Lan Jingli’s coldness, smiling gently to herself. “Li Li, I will love you.”

Even though she knew she could never truly love Lan Jingli, she could act the part.

Act until her dying breath. Who could then say it wasn’t real?