Exchange of Movie Queens - Chapter 21

The online buzz continued to grow hotter by the day. Meanwhile, as the scheduled filming date approached, Yan Tinghuan and Xi Mo set off for Hengdian.

 

 

Without the protection of a company and only Yan Tinghuan—a seemingly unreliable agent—by her side, the situation felt bleak. Gone were the days of private cars, bodyguards, flashing media cameras, and the enthusiastic welcome of fan clubs. The contrast was so stark that Xi Mo felt utterly defeated. While the relentless pursuit of media and fans had once been a nuisance, their sudden absence left her struggling to adjust to this newfound desolation.

 

 

The weather was scorching, and Yan Tinghuan cheerfully bought two cans of ice-cold beer, handing one to Xi Mo. Hengdian World Studios was vast, and Yan Tinghuan dragged Xi Mo around under the blazing sun, stopping here and there to look around until Xi Mo was on the verge of heatstroke.

 

 

Though inwardly furious, she couldn’t let it show on her face. Ruan Yesheng and Yan Tinghuan were close friends, and in Xi Mo’s eyes, they were two of a kind—if they were both “raccoons,” then one raccoon couldn’t genuinely be angry at another. It wouldn’t fit Ruan Yesheng’s character. As much as she wanted to drop all pretense and strangle Yan Tinghuan, she forced herself to take a sip of beer and play along. “Tinghuan, it’s too hot to keep wandering. Do you even know where the crew’s hotel is?”

 

 

She had been to Hengdian countless times before, always whisked away by private cars without a second thought. Never had she needed to worry about such things. Strangely enough, though, the hotel’s exact location didn’t appear on her phone’s navigation, and even the taxi driver claimed never to have heard of it. She had no idea what obscure corner Lin Qitang had chosen. Relying only on the crew’s vague directions over the phone, they had gotten off the taxi near what should have been the right area, yet no matter how much they walked, they couldn’t find it.

 

 

Yan Tinghuan shrugged carelessly. “Honestly, I don’t know. I’m not familiar with Hengdian.”

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

The heat was unbearable, her temples throbbing as if she might collapse at any moment. “Then why were you leading the way like you knew where you were going? I thought you had it figured out.”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan grinned. “I thought it’d be fun to explore—like sightseeing. What, Ruanruan, you don’t like it? You should’ve told me! How would I know if you don’t say anything?”

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

What kind of agent are you?!

 

 

You’re just tormenting me!

 

 

Yan Tinghuan cheerfully slung an arm around her shoulder. “Relax, we’ll just ask around. It’s just one hotel—how hard can it be to find?”

 

 

The heat was oppressive, sweat clinging uncomfortably to her skin. Xi Mo silently shifted away, resisting the urge to shove her off. “Couldn’t the crew at least send someone to pick us up?”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan pouted. “I tried, but Director Lin said they were too busy and couldn’t spare anyone. They’re probably busy picking up the big shots—there are so many this time, after all. No room for small fry like us.”

 

 

 

Xi Mo lowered her gaze in thought. Indeed, she was currently wearing Ruan Yesheng’s face and counted for nothing now. She had only managed to join the crew by leveraging Xi Mo’s name through some maneuvering—amusingly enough, it was like clinging to her own coattails. To ensure smooth sailing in the crew later on, she needed to face reality and exercise patience. With this realization, she felt considerably more at ease and walked forward calmly, politely asking a few passersby for directions. She learned that the hotel was newly opened, which explained why many weren’t yet familiar with it and why the digital maps hadn’t been updated.

 

 

After finally getting detailed directions and exhausting herself to reach the destination, Xi Mo spotted Feng Tangtang waiting eagerly in the lobby. The moment she saw them, Feng rushed over.

 

 

“Ruan Ruan!” Feng Tangtang greeted her with a big, sweet hug.

 

 

Xi Mo had always detested physical contact with others. Now, drenched in sweat and nauseous from the heat, she felt even more uncomfortable. Not wanting to hurt the sweet girl’s feelings, she endured the embrace stiffly, her mind screaming in protest.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng, what kind of mess have you gotten me into?!

 

 

“Tangtang, why are you here?” Xi Mo asked, puzzled. “Shouldn’t you be with your ‘Sister Xi’ right now?”

 

 

Feng Tangtang was her own assistant, so it would make sense for her to be accompanying Ruan Yesheng at the moment.

 

 

“Sister Xi is staying here too,” Feng Tangtang replied cheerfully. “We’re all here. After getting Tinghuan’s call and knowing you’d be arriving at the crew’s hotel soon, I thought I’d wait around since there’s nothing else to do. And here you are!”

 

 

Xi Mo frowned slightly at this.

 

 

During her past projects, she had never stayed in the same hotel as the crew. Given the crowded and chaotic nature of production teams, she had always asked Lu Qingming to arrange separate accommodations for her due to certain reasons. As a top-tier star, her status naturally carried significant weight, and the crew would often accommodate such requests—many A-listers did the same. Other actors, however, didn’t have that luxury. To ensure smooth coordination and efficiency, most crew members had to stay together in the same hotel.

 

 

Knowing Lu Qingming’s meticulous nature, he would have followed Xi Mo’s usual preferences without needing reminders, handling everything from hotel arrangements flawlessly.

 

 

But things weren’t as she had expected. Had Ruan Yesheng insisted on staying with the crew? If she had pushed for it, Lu Qingming would have agreed.

 

 

“Your Sister Xi never used to stay in the crew hotel before, right?” As she spoke, Xi Mo sensed something and turned her head.

 

 

A woman was approaching gracefully from the lobby—long, straight hair cascading down, tall and slender, dressed in an elegant custom-made gown, her heels clicking delicately. Her poise and aura were impeccable, radiating brilliance like a dazzling diamond wherever she stood.

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

Seeing her own face, her own familiar body walking toward her, the scene was indescribably surreal. The “good temper” she had painstakingly cultivated over the past few days nearly shattered on the spot.

 

 

Beside Ruan Yesheng stood not only Lu Qingming but also a tall, unfamiliar man with a stern expression, looming like a dark deity.

 

 

 

At that moment, someone approached. Lu Qingming stopped to talk with them, likely discussing something.

 

 

Seeing this, Ruan Yesheng also paused nearby, turning her head to glance at Xi Mo before narrowing her eyes slightly and flashing a coy smile at her from the corner of her eye.

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

This woman was wearing her skin, and with no one else around, she actually dared to act so provocatively. Her reputation was truly ruined this time.

 

 

Countless nights had been spent trying to convince herself to accept the reality of their body swap, yet even now, she still couldn’t get over it.

 

 

Unexpectedly, Ruan Yesheng seemed to be enjoying herself quite a bit.

 

 

Xi Mo turned her face away again, pretending not to see her.

 

 

Feng Tangtang, oblivious to the tension, continued chattering, “Actually, I found it strange too. Xi-jie actually agreed to stay at the hotel arranged by the crew—I heard she even suggested it herself.”

 

 

“Is that so?” Xi Mo sneered, her lips curling coldly.

 

 

“Yeah, yeah.” Feng Tangtang was as guileless as candy, completely unaware of any underlying schemes. “But who cares? I’m just happy we’ll be staying at the same hotel as you, Ruan Ruan.”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan laughed. “Which floor are you on, Tangtang? We’re in Room 0825. Come down for a round of cards tonight if you’re free!”

 

 

“Sure, sure! I’m in 1219,” Feng Tangtang nodded eagerly.

 

 

“Feng Tangtang.” A cold, elegant voice rang out.

 

 

Xi Mo felt a vein throb in her forehead. This woman was putting on airs with her body and voice, fooling everyone else, but Xi Mo could clearly hear the barely concealed delight beneath that deliberately icy tone.

 

 

Feng Tangtang jumped at the call and quickly turned around.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng stood there, expression indifferent, and beckoned her over.

 

 

Feng Tangtang clearly didn’t want to leave but had no choice. She bid Xi Mo a quick goodbye, promising to hang out later, then scampered off like an eager corgi toward the woman she believed to be “Xi-jie.” Ruan Yesheng seemed to give her some perfunctory instructions, to which Feng Tangtang nodded repeatedly.

 

 

Having finished his conversation, Lu Qingming strode inside, followed by the unfamiliar man and Feng Tangtang. Ruan Yesheng straightened her posture with exaggerated grace, pivoting on her heel before lifting her gaze to Xi Mo. Her eyes shimmered with mischief, the smile she flashed just visible enough for Xi Mo to catch. A shiver ran down Xi Mo’s spine—what was this flirtatious demon plotting now? Then, just as quickly, Ruan Yesheng’s smile vanished, replaced by an aloof expression as she walked off with an air of haughty superiority.

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

Was she mocking me?!

 

 

Did I really walk like that before?!

 

 

She’s not even doing it right! I told her to play me properly, but it seems her actor’s integrity has gone to the dogs!

 

 

Crossing her arms, Xi Mo feigned disdain. “What’s up with this ‘Xi Mo’? She didn’t walk like that before. Putting on such airs—has she lost her mind recently?”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan blinked. “Really? From what I know, hasn’t Xi Mo always walked with that icy, regal elegance?”

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan studied her with a knowing smirk. “Well, it’s not like there’s a mirror around when she walks. With that nose in the air, it’s no wonder she wouldn’t realize how she looks. Ruan Ruan, let’s not copy her. We should set a better example.”

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

“I think I’m about to get heatstroke. I’m going back to my room to rest.” Xi Mo rubbed her temples, deciding it was best to escape Yan Tinghuan’s relentless teasing.

 

 

 

According to her speculation, Yan Tinghuan would call Feng Tangtang down to hang out in the evening. These two loved stirring up trouble and messing with her—there was a 200% chance they’d choose her room. She wouldn’t be able to refuse them then, inevitably leading to a restless night. Better to take a nap now to prepare and handle it calmly later.

 

 

“Really got heatstroke?” Yan Tinghuan studied Xi Mo’s face. Her expression was serious, cheeks slightly flushed, almost like she was drunk. Yan Tinghuan’s tone grew more earnest. “You’re kidding me?”

 

 

Xi Mo shot her a glance, swaying slightly on unsteady feet as she headed for the elevator. Waving a hand, she said, “I’m off. You can wander around, just stay out of the sun unless you want to end up like me. And don’t call me for dinner tonight—I want to sleep.”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan didn’t follow, watching Xi Mo leave with a complicated expression.

 

 

Aside from Ruan Yesheng and Xi Mo herself, only she knew the big secret of their body swap. Playful by nature, Yan Tinghuan found it amusing that a big star like Xi Mo had encountered such a bizarre situation and sometimes couldn’t resist teasing her. Today, she’d led Xi Mo on a few extra detours, never expecting her to actually get heatstroke. What surprised her more was that despite suffering, Xi Mo hadn’t lost her temper, enduring it all the way. Yan Tinghuan knew how awful heatstroke felt—it could even be life-threatening for those with weaker constitutions.

 

 

Past gossip and smear campaigns claimed Xi Mo was nothing like her poised, goddess-like public image—that privately, she was temperamental and high-maintenance, acting like a spoiled princess. But after spending time with her these past days, even knowing Xi Mo was playing Ruan Yesheng and had to maintain a facade, Yan Tinghuan realized if Xi Mo were truly as difficult as rumors suggested, she couldn’t have held up like this.

 

 

Endurance was one of the hardest things in the world—like a blunt knife slowly carving into flesh, agonizing beyond words. Countless people had plunged themselves and others into trouble simply because they couldn’t bear it.

 

 

If someone could exercise such restraint in public, always prioritizing the bigger picture without stepping out of line, how could they possibly be the kind of truly insufferable person gossip made them out to be?

 

 

At this thought, Yan Tinghuan suddenly felt a pang of guilt. She went to a nearby pharmacy to buy heatstroke medicine, then knocked on Xi Mo’s door upstairs. After some delay, Xi Mo finally cracked the door open, eyes half-lidded, her hair and clothes impeccably neat. In front of others, she was meticulous about her appearance—a habit ingrained since childhood, a mark of upbringing and dignity. No matter how terrible she felt, she’d never let herself appear disheveled or impolite.

 

 

“What is it?” Dazed, Xi Mo momentarily forgot she was supposed to be Ruan Yesheng, her tone indifferent.

 

 

Yan Tinghuan handed her the medicine. “Ruan Ruan, take this before you sleep.”

 

 

Xi Mo was startled. Unaware that Yan Tinghuan already knew her true identity, she accepted the medicine, realizing that despite Yan Tinghuan’s usual unreliability and penchant for mischief, she genuinely cared about Ruan Yesheng. No wonder they were such close friends. Xi Mo decided to forgive her—for a few minutes, at least.

 

 

Yan Tinghuan added, “Just got word—the crew’s holding a banquet tonight. In your state, you shouldn’t go. I’ll talk to Director Lin and get you excused.”

 

 

Xi Mo frowned. “Tonight? Wasn’t it supposed to be tomorrow?”

 

 

“Plans changed. It’s been moved up.”

 

 

Xi Mo fell silent.

 

 

 

Before filming begins, the crew always gathers for a meal together. What follows is a long period of shooting, where everyone will be working closely day in and day out. Teamwork is crucial, and how well the members gel significantly impacts the production’s progress. Chinese people like to build relationships over meals—sharing food, toasting, and chatting about everything under the sun quickly fosters camaraderie. Many of the actors and behind-the-scenes staff might be working together for the first time, so tonight’s banquet serves as an opportunity to get acquainted before filming starts, ensuring smoother collaboration later on.

 

 

This highlights just how essential the banquet is—both in terms of participation and practical significance. Xi Mo had always attended in the past. Though naturally aloof and proud, she was highly professional on set, leaving a positive impression on most crew members she’d worked with before.

 

 

Xi Mo shook her head. “I’ll go tonight.”

 

 

Yan Tinghuan tried to persuade her: “You don’t seem to be in great shape right now. What if they pressure you to drink? As a relative newcomer, it might be hard to refuse.”

 

 

“It’s fine. I know my limits. This is my first role in a long time—it’s important to make a good impression and ensure smooth cooperation later. If I don’t show up, people might get the wrong idea, and that wouldn’t be good.” Wearing Ruan Yesheng’s body, she was increasingly able to consider things from Ruan Yesheng’s perspective. Even if she had reservations about Ruan Yesheng, maintaining her image was a basic principle. If Ruan Yesheng truly loved acting as much as Feng Tangtang claimed, she would surely treasure this hard-won opportunity.

 

 

For some reason, Xi Mo wanted to start things off on the right foot for her. Perhaps her own professionalism made her particularly empathetic to the situation.

 

 

“Alright then.” Yan Tinghuan gave up. She’d heard from Ruan Yesheng that Xi Mo could be stubborn—once she made a decision, it was hard to change her mind. Sure enough, there was no swaying her now. “Get some rest first. I’ll call you before the banquet.”

 

 

Exhausted, Xi Mo nodded silently, took the medicine, and closed the door.