After the Flash Marriage, My Ex Who is a Movie Queen Keeps Flirting with Me - Chapter 21

“Teacher Jiang, tell me, how are you going to seduce me?”

The soft, smooth touch against her skin made Jiang Wanyu tremble, instinctively recoiling. “N-no… I have no intention of doing that.”

“No intention? Tian Cheng just laid out the whole plan for you! I heard everything. Didn’t you hear her, Teacher Jiang? She said you just need to use a little persuasion, and I’d…”

“Really, there’s no need,” Jiang Wanyu insisted, her cheeks flushing crimson from her neck to her ears. She wrenched Ming Jiyue’s arm away and scrambled backward toward the inner side of the bed.

But she barely managed two steps before being pinned down. Ming Jiyue’s slender hand clamped around her waist, easily encircling her slender frame with a single grip. “Teacher Jiang doesn’t want to?” Ming Jiyue chuckled.

Jiang Wanyu shook her head vigorously. “No, I don’t.”

Ming Jiyue laughed softly, deliberately lowering her voice. “But I do. What should I do?”

Jiang Wanyu’s mind raced. Want… want what?

Then it dawned on her: Want… want to sleep with me…

Jiang Wanyu desperately wanted to ask, Does this “sleep” have the other party’s consent?

Clearly, Ming Jiyue wasn’t concerned with such formalities. She leaned in closer, pressing her body against Jiang Wanyu’s.

Jiang Wanyu grabbed Ming Jiyue’s hand, which was pressed against her side. After finally calming down, she steadied her voice and said, “Stop messing around.”

Ming Jiyue twirled a strand of Jiang Wanyu’s hair between her fingers. “I’m not messing around.”

“Then what are you doing?” Jiang Wanyu asked.

Ming Jiyue kissed her lips, her long lashes drooping. Jiang Wanyu could clearly see the beautiful curve of her eyelashes lifting. “I’m very seriously trying to seduce you.”

Seeing that Ming Jiyue remained unmoved by her words, Jiang Wanyu finally resorted to her trump card, saying calmly, “…If you keep this up, you’re going back to your own room.”

Ming Jiyue fell silent, staring intently at the person beneath her, her eyes seeming to say, You’re so cruel.

After a moment of internal struggle, Ming Jiyue slowly released her grip on Jiang Wanyu.

Having finally smoothed her ruffled feathers, she knew it was best to retreat while she was ahead.

In the days that followed, Ming Jiyue insisted on squeezing into Jiang Wanyu’s bed. When Jiang Wanyu refused, Ming Jiyue found ways to persuade her.

“I want to go to bed early, but I always end up staying up late. Please supervise me.”

This reason was perfectly reasonable. Jiang Wanyu was naturally pleased that Ming Jiyue wanted to maintain a healthy sleep schedule and felt gratified by the positive influence she seemed to be having on her.

Ming Jiyue thought her plan had succeeded. That night, as she was about to sneak into Jiang Wanyu’s bedroom, she saw Jiang Wanyu dragging a stool into the room.

Ming Jiyue stared in bewilderment as Jiang Wanyu placed the stool in the center of the room, sat up straight, and looked at her. “I’m here to supervise you.”

Ming Jiyue hoped she had misunderstood. “How will you supervise me?”

Jiang Wanyu replied matter-of-factly, “I’ll leave once you’re asleep.”

Ming Jiyue tried to protest, explaining that this wasn’t the kind of supervision she wanted, but Jiang Wanyu refused to budge. The two sat in silence until midnight—one lying down, the other sitting—Jiang Wanyu nearly dozing off, while Ming Jiyue remained wide awake.

Finally, Ming Jiyue couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m asleep,” she mumbled weakly.

Jiang Wanyu forced herself to stay alert. “…Then what are you doing right now?”

“Talking in my sleep.”

“Just go to sleep.”

Ming Jiyue snapped. “How can I sleep when you’re making me do this?!”

Realizing her method wasn’t working, Jiang Wanyu immediately switched tactics.

Sleep-together supervision.

For the first few days of sharing a bed, Ming Jiyue was relatively obedient, falling asleep when Jiang Wanyu did.

But after less than a week, she found that going to bed at 10:30 p.m. was simply incompatible with the normal habits of a modern young person. Once Jiang Wanyu was asleep, Ming Jiyue would sneak out to play on her phone, even deliberately disturbing Jiang Wanyu to keep her from sleeping early.

“Nightlife is amazing! Seriously, you’re missing out on a billion dollars by not experiencing it properly.”

This, of course, resulted in a fierce scolding from Jiang Wanyu.

Don’t let Jiang Wanyu’s usual gentle and mild-tempered demeanor fool you. When it came to matters like this, she transformed into a completely different person, uncompromising and immovable. No one could sway her.

Terrifying. Self-disciplined women are truly terrifying. And women who force their wives into “other-imposed discipline” are even more terrifying.

As Ming Jiyue put it, it was like activating Jiang Wanyu’s hidden sadistic tendencies.

However, all it took was Ming Jiyue teasing, “Want to try a different form of punishment?” to instantly shatter her facade. Her face would flush crimson as she vehemently refused, her righteous indignation palpable.

After much deliberation and repeated experimentation, they finally discovered that the most effective method was simply lying together and supervising each other’s sleep.

Especially with Jiang Wanyu as her “human body pillow,” Ming Jiyue became remarkably compliant, falling asleep the moment she was told to. It was truly a relief.

From then on, Ming Jiyue was forced to adopt her wife’s healthy early-to-bed, early-to-rise lifestyle.

As for the fact that they always woke up in the same bedroom despite having separate rooms, the housekeeper gradually shifted from initial disapproval to resigned acceptance.

Ah, young people’s… quirks*.

With the reshoots completed, Ming Jiyue found herself with some free time. She obediently stayed home, catching up on variety shows and preparing for her upcoming appearances.

Jiang Wanyu, on the other hand, was constantly busy with social engagements. No sooner had the class reunion ended than she had a company dinner to attend.

Bored to death at home, Ming Jiyue volunteered, “I’ll drive you.”

“No need,” Jiang Wanyu replied. “A colleague is giving me a ride.”

Ming Jiyue’s suspicion flared. “Male or female? How old are they? How long have you known them?”

Jiang Wanyu smiled, completely unfazed. “A 48-year-old woman. Her kids are in high school.”

Ming Jiyue fell silent. “Okay, be safe.”

Jiang Wanyu deliberately walked to a supermarket entrance a short distance away before stopping to wait.

The name of her current residence was still too conspicuous for someone at her entry-level position. If her colleague hadn’t insisted on giving her a ride, she would have preferred to go alone to avoid drawing attention to where she lived.

Just as she reached the roadside, her colleague’s car pulled up. Jiang Wanyu opened the door, got in, and chatted casually.

She thought she had successfully avoided detection by taking this roundabout route, but her colleague suddenly asked, “Do you live in No. 1 Courtyard?”

Jiang Wanyu froze, unsure how she had guessed. Before she could decide whether to tell the truth, her colleague confessed, “I saw you enter No. 1 Courtyard last week when I was out shopping with a friend.”

Jiang Wanyu, having worked closely with this colleague, sensed her reliability and decided to drop the pretense. She offered a casual explanation: “This is a friend’s place. I’m staying here temporarily.”

“So discreet,” the colleague remarked, “coming all the way out here to wait for me. I never knew you had such wealthy friends.”

Jiang Wanyu smiled. “Just lucky, I guess.”

“I’d appreciate it if you kept this quiet,” she added. “Since I’m only staying temporarily, moving out later would be awkward if everyone knew.”

The colleague, being sensible, naturally agreed. Otherwise, the office gossip mill would have been churning for days. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it to myself.”

Arriving at their destination by carpool, the host leader proved generous, choosing a renowned hotel in the city center known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite cuisine.

Perhaps Yueyue was bored at home, because Jiang Wanyu’s phone buzzed intermittently in her pocket.

She didn’t need to check to know who it was.

Seizing a moment while the leader was speaking, Jiang Wanyu discreetly glanced at her phone.

bYueyue/b: When will you be done? I’ll come pick you up.

bYueyue/b: Don’t drink too much. It’s bad for your health. And don’t let people pressure you into drinking like last time. At least try to resist!

bYueyue/b: Xiao Yu, are you busy eating? Remember to reply!

bYueyue/b:  Darling, you haven’t replied in three minutes! Are you thinking about our wedding ceremony? .jpg

bYueyue/b: Eat your vegetables and keep quiet. Don’t waste time listening to the leader’s empty promises.

Jiang Wanyu curled her lips into a smile as she listened to the leader at the head table booming on, painting grand promises for the staff below.

bJiang/b: Got it.

Ming Jiyue replied instantly.

bYueyue/b: Send me your location! I’m so bored at home alone. Let me know when you’re about to finish, and I’ll come pick you up.

bJiang/b: No need. A colleague is giving me a ride home.

bYueyue/b: How can you keep bothering your colleagues like that? Or do you think they’re more important than your wife? I’m your big, beautiful wife waiting at home, eager to pick you up, and you’re refusing? Can’t you tell who’s closer to you?

bYueyue/b: Or… do you not love me anymore? You won’t even let me do something as simple as picking you up.

Jiang Wanyu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It was just a ride home—how had it escalated to questions of love?

Since Ming Jiyue insisted, Jiang Wanyu finally sent her location.

bJiang/b: Let me know when you’re on your way.

bYueyue/b: Always at your service.

bYueyue/b: Don’t suddenly disappear on me again! Last time at the class reunion, you didn’t reply for half a day. I was terrified!

Duan Jin, sitting beside her, noticed Jiang Wanyu looking at her phone. She leaned closer and whispered, “Who are you chatting with? You’re smiling so happily.”

Jiang Wanyu startled and immediately put her phone away. “No one.”

“No one yet? You’re definitely chatting with your girlfriend. I’ve seen you check your phone like eight hundred times already. If the boss weren’t here, you two would have been talking nonstop.”

As she lowered her head, Jiang Wanyu caught a glimpse of the screen and chuckled. “Yueyue? Your girlfriend’s name also has ‘Yue’ in it? What a coincidence with Teacher Ming!”

Since they were still at the dinner table, openly chatting wasn’t appropriate, so they switched to WeChat.

bMiss Quick-Witted Duan/b: Does the director have a name with “Yue” in it? (Thinking)

Jiang Wanyu jumped, worried Duan Jin might guess it was someone else entirely, and even more terrified she’d figure out who “Yueyue” really was.

bJiang/b: Her name doesn’t actually have “Yue” in it. It’s just a nickname.

bMiss Quick-Witted Duan/b: Oh, I see.

bMiss Quick-Witted Duan/b: If you hadn’t explained, I might have guessed it was Teacher Ming!

bJiang/b: Haha.

True to form as Ming Jiyue’s die-hard fan, Duan Jin couldn’t resist bringing up Ming Jiyue again after just a few exchanges.

bMiss Quick-Witted Duan/b: It’s been days now! Teacher Ming still hasn’t posted on Weibo, and whoever visited her on set still hasn’t claimed responsibility. Who could it be?

Duan Jin clearly held the person who had captured Ming Jiyue’s attention in high regard. She had been gushing about them to Jiang Wanyu repeatedly lately, leaving Jiang Wanyu with little choice but to offer vague, noncommittal responses.

@Duan Jin, the Indecisive Miss: This person is truly extraordinary! It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Teacher Ming personally thank someone for visiting her on set via Weibo. And even after someone impersonated them, she stepped forward to clarify the truth herself! Who exactly is this legendary figure? If they’re not her girlfriend, I’ll eat the ashtray from the leader’s office.

@Duan Jin, the Indecisive Miss: Either of these two incidents alone would have people’s jaws dropping, yet Teacher Ming did both for the sake of one person. Our Teacher Ming is so cool—a true hero who would risk everything for love!

Jiang Wanyu listened to Duan Jin’s rambling, occasionally chiming in with a few words of agreement. Duan Jin could happily talk for hours on her own.

@Duan Jin, the Indecisive Miss: Oh, right! I also wanted to thank you for getting me Teacher Ming’s autographed photo. Are you free this weekend? I’d like to treat you to dinner.

@Jiang: I’m free. Let’s just consider it a get-together.

@Duan Jin, the Indecisive Miss: Oh, and should I invite your sister-in-law too? I really should thank her properly as well.

@Jiang: She doesn’t need to come.

@Duan Jin, the Indecisive Miss: So mysterious! You’re not planning to keep her hidden forever, are you?

Hiding her forever was obviously unrealistic, but for now, keeping her out of the spotlight was still the best course of action.

The meal stretched until nearly nine o’clock. Sensing the end was near, Jiang Wanyu texted Ming Jiyue:

Yueyue: Okay, I’m heading out now.

After leaving the private room, Duan Jin and Jiang Wanyu went to the restroom together.

As they washed their hands under the faucet, the sharp click-clack of high heels on the floor echoed behind them, signaling someone approaching.

Jiang Wanyu didn’t turn around, simply shifted to the side to make way. But the person didn’t pass; instead, they stopped right in front of her.

Puzzled, Jiang Wanyu looked up and recognized a somewhat familiar face.

The newcomer had almond-shaped eyes, thin lips, and a slender figure—undeniably beautiful.

Jiang Wanyu had long forgotten this face, but recent online exposure made it impossible to ignore.

Liu Fan.

Liu Fan clearly recognized her too, a smile spreading across his lips. “Oh, Wan Yu! What a coincidence!”

Jiang Wanyu offered a polite, perfunctory smile in return.

Eager to avoid further interaction, she prepared to leave and wait for Duan Jin outside.

“Don’t rush off,” Liu Fan called out, stopping her. “We’re old classmates. It’s rare we get to meet like this. Shouldn’t we catch up?”

Without waiting for her consent, he continued, “I heard you went abroad. Just got back?”

“Yes,” Jiang Wanyu replied coolly.

Jiang Wanyu had no good impression of this person. They hadn’t crossed paths once in the seven years she’d been abroad, and she had no desire to ever associate with her again, wanting to keep as much distance as possible.

“How have you been lately? Any regrets about breaking up with Sister Ming?” Liu Fan’s face appeared calm and detached, but his words dripped with sarcasm and malice, revealing his unpleasant true nature within moments.

“I’m doing fine, thank you for your concern,” Jiang Wanyu replied dismissively.

“Doing fine?” Liu Fan’s tone dripped with mockery.

Jiang Wanyu glanced at her phone. Ming Jiyue had sent a message:  On my way! I’ll be there in about ten minutes~

Jiang: Okay.

Showing no respect for personal space, Liu Fan stepped forward to peer at the screen. “Who are you chatting with?”

Jiang Wanyu retreated a step. “None of your business.”

Liu Fan smirked. “After all these years, you’ve found someone? Did you move on immediately after breaking up with Sister Ming?”

Jiang Wanyu had no interest in arguing. “If you have nothing else to say, I’ll be going now,” she said coolly.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Liu Fan refused to let her go, her eyes turning sinister. “What? Did mentioning Sister Ming strike a nerve?”

Jiang Wanyu turned back, giving Liu Fan a curious glance. “The one who’s rambling is the one whose sore spot has been touched.”

Jiang Wanyu’s overly calm reaction only fueled Liu Fan’s anger, her body trembling slightly as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Liu Fan shifted the conversation to a topic where she could gain the upper hand. “I haven’t even asked yet—what are you doing at a hotel like this? I thought your family wasn’t particularly well-off. Can you afford this?”

“Oh, right, you and your mom still live in Pingchang, don’t you? Those houses are pretty old. Now that you’re working, have you moved out yet? Don’t say I didn’t warn you—housing prices are skyrocketing. If you couldn’t afford a place before studying abroad, you definitely can’t now.”

“Thank you for your concern,” Jiang Wanyu replied, unwilling to argue. She glanced toward the bathroom again.

This woman was truly persistent. If Duan Jin didn’t come out soon, she planned to leave first.

Meanwhile, Duan Jin emerged from the bathroom to find Jiang Wanyu standing with a woman facing her. She recognized the face instantly.

Liu Fan? What’s she doing here?

Do they know each other?

If it had been any other celebrity, Duan Jin would have been thrilled and eager for an autograph. But it had to be Liu Fan, the person she despised most.

Sensing the tense atmosphere between the two women, Duan Jin’s expression turned wary as she approached and overheard Liu Fan’s words.

Duan Jin was furious. Just because you have some money, you think you’re better than everyone else? Who do you think you are?

She rolled up her sleeves and stepped forward, ready to give Liu Fan a piece of her mind, when another person approached.

“Xiao Jiang, you and Xiao Duan are still here?”

Jiang Wanyu turned to see the colleague who had given her a ride.

“Is this your friend?” the colleague asked casually, having just arrived and unaware of the situation. Seeing the three women standing together, she assumed they were chatting.

Jiang Wanyu really didn’t want to acknowledge Liu Fan as a friend, so she simply smiled.

The colleague had no interest in the entertainment industry and hadn’t even heard of someone like Liu Fan.

Seeing her standing there, the colleague assumed she was Jiang Wanyu’s friend and greeted her with a smile.

Liu Fan, who already disliked Jiang Wanyu, naturally wouldn’t bother being polite to her friends. However, she knew she had to maintain her public image, so she forced a smile and returned the greeting.

Noticing the colleague’s indifferent reaction, Liu Fan assumed she hadn’t recognized her and added with a smile, “Hello, I’m Liu Fan.”

The expected surprise and excitement of recognizing a celebrity never materialized. The colleague looked puzzled, unsure why a chance encounter required a formal introduction, but still smiled and gave her name.

Liu Fan’s expression instantly became a spectacle.

Duan Jin nearly burst out laughing.

“Wan Yu, didn’t you say someone was coming to pick you up so I didn’t need to drive you? Could it be her?” The colleague, oblivious to the tension, asked with a smile.

Without waiting for Jiang Wanyu’s reply, the colleague had already convinced herself. After all, why else would someone be here so late at night?

The colleague winked, her face brimming with gossip. “Is this the one who lives with you at No. 1 Courtyard?”

The moment those words left her lips, Liu Fan’s face darkened. “You live at No. 1 Courtyard now?”

No. 1 Courtyard was a newly completed residential complex a few years prior. Not only were the prices jaw-droppingly high, but residency was reserved for those with significant connections—wealth alone couldn’t secure a place.

Duan Jin nearly dropped her jaw as well, but forced herself to maintain composure in front of Liu Fan, retorting sharply, “It’s just No. 1 Courtyard. With Miss Liu’s status and wealth, you can’t even afford a place there?”

Though Duan Jin couldn’t afford a house in No. 1 Courtyard, with Jiang Wanyu’s support, she suddenly felt confident enough to act as if she lived there herself. “Where my Wan Yu lives is none of your concern. Just know it’s definitely better than yours!”

So you think having money makes you superior? Well, our Wan Yu is even more superior!

“Um… she’s not here to pick you up, is she? You didn’t know, Xiao Duan? I just assumed…” The colleague’s expression turned awkward.

Without Jiang Wanyu needing to explain, the colleague realized she’d jumped to the wrong conclusion. Sensing the awkwardness, she quickly made an excuse and left.

Liu Fan’s face had darkened to the color of a pot bottom, and he was momentarily speechless.

“I’m leaving now,” Duan Jin finally said, emerging from the side. Jiang Wanyu didn’t linger; she grabbed Duan Jin’s hand and prepared to leave.

“Don’t you dare leave!”

Liu Fan had been bottling up a torrent of words ever since Jiang Wanyu abruptly left for abroad during college, and they hadn’t seen each other since. Jiang Wanyu might have long forgotten her, but Liu Fan had kept her in his thoughts, hoarding countless unspoken words, just waiting for a chance to unleash them.

By sheer coincidence, he’d run into Jiang Wanyu here, and he couldn’t let her slip away so easily. He reached out and grabbed her arm.

Liu Fan leaned close to Jiang Wanyu’s ear, her voice a low hiss: “Don’t think talking to Sister Ming makes you special. You’re history. I’m the one who’ll end up with her.”

Jiang Wanyu’s expression remained calm, unmoved. She simply replied, “Oh.”

Seeing her complete lack of reaction, Liu Fan felt like she’d punched cotton. Her voice dripped with venom: “Jiang Wanyu, do you think you’re so great? After all, you were the one who dumped her.”

Jiang Wanyu’s composure finally cracked. Her hand clenched into a fist at her side before she said, “Our relationship is none of your business.”

When Liu Fan looked like she was about to grab Jiang Wanyu, Duan Jin slapped her arm away. “Get your hands off her.”

Liu Fan glared at her reddening arm. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Liu Fan had been riding Ming Jiyue’s coattails for clout, and Duan Jin had been furious about it. Now, witnessing her bullying her friend, Duan Jin’s pent-up anger finally erupted.

“I’m not doing anything. You’re the one harassing Wan Yu.”

Sensing another outburst, Duan Jin warned, “I’m just a regular person, but I’m not afraid of you. You sneak around to visit Teacher Ming on set, then pretend to be some innocent, pitiful ‘green tea’ type in public? Behind closed doors, you just lash out at people for no reason.”

Liu Fan, who cared deeply about her image, flushed crimson at the mention of her secret visits. She glared at Duan Jin. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t you dare!” Duan Jin snapped, pulling out her phone. “Believe me, I’ll take a picture of you like this and post it online for everyone to see your true colors!”

“What’s this? Getting angry out of embarrassment?” Liu Fan sneered. “Your little scheme to ride Teacher Ming’s coattails failed, so now you’re lashing out at innocent people?”

“Innocent?” Liu Fan scoffed. “She’s far from innocent.”

After just a few exchanges, Duan Jin had already mentioned Ming Jiyue twice, making Liu Fan suspicious. “You seem awfully concerned about Sister Ming.”

“Of course I am!” Duan Jin retorted. “I’m her fan—I care more than some leech like you ever could. You don’t even deserve to call her Sister Ming! You’re not worthy of carrying her shoes!”

Liu Fan glanced between the two women, his gaze lingering on Jiang Wanyu’s face. “She’s already a fan, and you haven’t told her about your history with Sister Ming?”

Jiang Wanyu’s expression turned cold. “None of your business.”

Duan Jin frowned. “What history? Wan Yu, do you know Teacher Ming?”

Jiang Wanyu refused to elaborate, but Liu Fan wouldn’t let it go, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Looks like she really hasn’t told you.”

Liu Fan turned his gaze to Duan Jin, sizing her up. “No matter. I’ll tell you myself. You’re a fan of Ming Jiyue, right? Well, the woman standing before you is no ordinary person.”

Duan Jin’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Liu Fan’s lips curled into a malicious smile, his eyes glinting with ill intent. “What do I mean? I’ll explain it all to you.”