Exchange of Movie Queens - Chapter 25

Xi Mo clearly had a particular aversion to poultry, especially dead ones—they looked downright creepy. But perhaps worried that the chicken’s gruesome appearance might upset Ruan Yesheng again, she frowned and tightened the folded umbrella’s fabric further, completely concealing the thing.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng’s emotions gradually settled with Xi Mo’s small gesture. After a pause, she said softly, “I’m not scared.”

 

 

Xi Mo glanced around. Fortunately, everyone was gathered for the filming ceremony, and this spot was relatively secluded, so no one had noticed yet. But if they lingered too long, it would become a problem. People in the media industry were sharp—they could sniff out the slightest disturbance.

 

 

“Let’s move somewhere else,” Xi Mo said, turning toward the covered walkway.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng nodded, following behind her with surprising docility. Xi Mo glanced back at her coolly, the dead chicken still in hand. Normally, Ruan Yesheng was as alluring as a fox, but right now, she seemed as meek as a rabbit. What a split personality.

 

 

The fact that Xi Mo added an “also” suggested she had some self-awareness about her own split-personality tendencies.

 

 

The Deng family garden had many covered walkways. The two stopped to rest beside a large vermilion pillar, where Xi Mo promptly tossed the umbrella-wrapped chicken aside with visible disgust.

 

 

She then inspected her costume, relieved to find no bloodstains—otherwise, it would have been troublesome for the afternoon shoot.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng remained silent, seemingly preoccupied. The incident had clearly affected her more than usual.

 

 

After racking her brain, Xi Mo dredged up the faintest hint of what might pass for comfort—something she had never attempted in her life—and said flatly, “It’s just a prank. Even if you’ve never seen a dead chicken, you’ve eaten chicken before.”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng finally reacted. “You really don’t know how to comfort someone.”

 

 

Xi Mo scoffed. “Then what counts as comforting? Should I hug you?”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng stared at her without blinking.

 

 

Xi Mo immediately broke out in goosebumps under that gaze. For a second, she thought Ruan Yesheng actually expected her to do it, so she subtly shifted two steps away on tiptoe.

 

 

“Did you twist your ankle?” Ruan Yesheng tilted her head.

 

 

“No.”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng kept staring at Xi Mo’s feet. When Xi Mo didn’t react, her gaze drifted back toward the wall, her expression distant. “No one would pull such a prank at this time and place.”

 

 

Xi Mo didn’t respond immediately.

 

 

Of course, she knew this wasn’t just any prank. People weren’t that bored these days. This was a filming ceremony, attended by high-profile figures, security personnel, and media. No one would be foolish enough to pull a stunt like this unless they were deliberately seeking attention. But if that were the case, why lurk behind a wall, unseen, toss a dead chicken, and then vanish? It defied logic.

 

 

 

From start to finish, this whole matter carried an indescribable sense of eeriness. When she called it a prank, it was only to comfort Ruan Yesheng, to make her think it was nothing serious and not worth worrying about. But judging by Ruan Yesheng’s reaction, she seemed particularly sensitive about it. Since Ruan Yesheng had brought it up first, Xi Mo no longer held back. After recalling the sequence of events, she simply asked, “Earlier you asked if I’d seen anything strange—does that mean you saw something yourself? What did you see?”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng paused for a moment before recounting the shadowy figure she’d seen beneath the tree the previous night.

 

 

After listening, Xi Mo frowned in contemplation and said, “Since you didn’t get a clear look—just a dark blur—we can’t be certain of anything yet.”

 

 

“I trust my instincts. I feel there was something wrong with that shadow.” Ruan Yesheng met Xi Mo’s gaze. “Would you believe me?”

 

 

Her eyes were like swirling vortexes.

 

 

Xi Mo’s lips moved slightly. “I believe in facts and well-reasoned deductions.”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng smiled, unsurprised at not hearing the answer she’d hoped for. Some long-suppressed desires gradually retreat into dormancy as a form of self-protection, buried under layers of soil. She had entertained the thought, but not receiving it didn’t particularly bother her. She instinctively minimized her expectations to avoid profound disappointment.

 

 

“That does sound like the kind of answer you’d give,” she said.

 

 

Ever methodical, Xi Mo continued, “While we can’t confirm anything without a clear view, we should treat it as a point of concern. If you suspect the shadow was problematic, we can hypothesize someone was following and observing us. Perhaps the earlier incident was the work of the same person—when they threw the chicken, their aim was precise, clearly well-prepared. If so, their intent might be intimidation. But since we were standing together earlier, it’s hard to determine the target. So who exactly are they trying to frighten?”

 

 

Her tone shifted as she glanced at Ruan Yesheng. “Personally, I simply detest such behavior—it doesn’t scare me.”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng maintained her smile, allowing Xi Mo to scrutinize her.

 

 

“You were frightened earlier. You think you’re the target?” Xi Mo’s voice lowered. “Given your personality, a dead chicken alone wouldn’t have shaken you like that. You’re not that fragile. Has something similar happened before? Or have you offended someone?”

 

 

Xi Mo now seemed to understand, to some degree, the caution Ruan Yesheng had always shown in details and her previously subtle sensitivity.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng clicked her tongue and laughed. “Oh? You know my personality now? I didn’t realize you cared so much.”

 

 

Xi Mo’s expression remained impassive.

 

 

Then, as if suddenly realizing something more significant, she seemed momentarily stunned.

 

 

“Yes.” Ruan Yesheng knew that once Xi Mo noticed something, given her rigorous, logical way of thinking and the current situation, some things could no longer be concealed. It was better to admit a little openly. “There was some trouble before. Things had been calm for a long time, but when that happened just now, I thought the trouble had returned.”

 

 

Yet Xi Mo remained absorbed in her thoughts, slow to respond.

 

 

 

Now that their bodies had swapped, she had become Ruan Yesheng, a secret known only between the two of them. If Ruan Yesheng’s concerns about past troubles resurfacing were true, then the dead chicken thrown earlier should have been aimed at… her current self inhabiting Ruan Yesheng’s body.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng herself was no longer the target.

 

 

So why had she panicked so much?

 

 

Was it a conditioned fear response from past trauma?

 

 

Xi Mo’s expression tightened as an unexpected unease stirred within her.

 

 

Could it be that she was worried about me becoming the target in her place…?

 

 

…An illusion.

 

 

…It must be an illusion.

 

 

Xi Mo said coldly, “Then what are you afraid of? If it really is some shady figure from your past trying to scare you, I’m the one taking the bullet now. You’re not even your old self anymore—who would recognize you?”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng deliberately put on an exaggerated look of sudden realization. “You’re right, how did I not think of that? I’m so silly.”

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

Definitely an illusion!

 

 

An inexplicable irritation surged through Xi Mo again, her expression icy. “What kind of trouble did you get into before? Who would resort to such methods to intimidate you?”

 

 

“Everyone has their share of troubles, big or small, in this world.” Ruan Yesheng tilted her head slightly, her expression turning solemn. “Now that you know about my past troubles, you should be extra careful. Stay alert, and if anything seems off, tell someone around you. Tinghuan is my friend—you can trust her.”

 

 

“Can I ask what kind of trouble it was?” Xi Mo pressed.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng shook her head. “You might find it hard to believe, but even I… don’t fully understand it myself. I’ve been trying to face it, but even now, I don’t know who’s behind it. A lot of things just… happen inexplicably.”

 

 

Xi Mo noticed the earnestness in her eyes, tinged with a complicated sorrow. Sensing she might have reasons for not elaborating, Xi Mo didn’t push further.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng said softly, “I’ll find a way to swap us back as soon as possible.”

 

 

Xi Mo’s gaze drifted.

 

 

Perhaps she was too accustomed to Ruan Yesheng’s usual playful cunning and flirtatious antics—this sudden seriousness, carrying a fragile vulnerability that tugged at the heart, felt oddly unfamiliar.

 

 

“It’s nothing.” Xi Mo brushed it off. “Unlike others, I’m not about to be scared off by a dead chicken.”

 

 

“You’re not in a hurry anymore? Weren’t you ready to strangle me earlier to force the swap?”

 

 

“Would forcing you even work?” Xi Mo replied offhandedly. “If it did, I’d have been forcing you every single day.”

 

 

A faint blush crept onto Ruan Yesheng’s cheeks as she glanced at Xi Mo with eyes shimmering like spring water. “How exactly would you force me?”

 

 

Xi Mo: “…”

 

 

Why are you blushing?!

 

 

Perhaps out of sheer frustration, Xi Mo also felt an inexplicable heat rising within her. The earlier calm had evaporated under the scorching sun, leaving her feeling like she was about to combust.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng suddenly turned her head. Following her gaze, Xi Mo spotted Liu Yusi passing by at some point, vigorously fanning herself with a prop palace fan while casting a sidelong glance in their direction.

 

 

 

Liu Yusī had exhausted all her charms without eliciting any response from Yan Mu, yet this washed-up actress had caught his attention on the very first day. The bitterness in her heart was palpable as she deliberately avoided looking at Xi Mo, instead smiling at Ruan Yesheng. “Sister Xi, what are you doing here?”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng replied flatly, “Enjoying the shade.”

 

 

“It is quite cool here,” Liu Yusī said, clearly trying to keep the conversation going. “Didn’t Director Lin ask you to take some photos?”

 

 

“I did.”

 

 

After a few more exchanges, Ruan Yesheng’s responses remained as cold as if they’d just come out of a freezer. Liu Yusī had heard about this diva’s occasionally aloof temperament and found the conversation rather dull. Unable to make headway, she fanned herself with her ornate fan and glanced around, spotting the unfolded umbrella on the ground nearby.

 

 

“Oh my god, why is there bl00d coming from this umbrella?” Liu Yusī exclaimed with exaggerated theatrics.

 

 

Xi Mo could practically smell the overwhelming powder on her face and remained expressionless, unwilling to engage.

 

 

“What on earth is it?” Liu Yusī, driven by curiosity, moved closer to take a look.

 

 

“Dead thing,” Xi Mo said flatly.

 

 

Liu Yusī: “…”

 

 

Summoning her courage, Liu Yusī peeked inside. Having never lifted a finger in her life, let alone slaughtered a chicken, she was predictably startled. “Why would you put a dead chicken in here?”

 

 

To Liu Yusī, the sight of a current A-list actress, a has-been, and a dead chicken together could only be summed up in one word: “Weirdos.”

 

 

Worried she might spread misunderstandings, Xi Mo finally cracked a faint smile. “Just adding to lunch. I wanted to kill a chicken for a home-cooked meal instead of eating at the hotel.”

 

 

In her mind, she was screaming, Just leave already!

 

 

Given how awful the catering was, many in the crew opted to cook for themselves. Liu Yusī didn’t think much of it but asked, “Why would you kill a chicken yourself?”

 

 

Xi Mo put on a pitiful, helpless act. “Miss Liu, I only have one manager, and she’s napping instead of helping. I have to do everything myself.”

 

 

Leave already!

 

 

Liu Yusī, perhaps a little too inquisitive from her studious school days, pressed further, “But why kill it here instead of the kitchen?”

 

 

Xi Mo waved her hand dramatically, fully immersed in her performance. “Well, I borrowed a small kitchen, but the chicken escaped. It ran all the way here, and I chased after it—so frantic, you have no idea. Then I ran into Xi Mo and her bodyguard, Gu Qisong. Gu Qisong caught the chicken for me and even helped slaughter it right here. What a pro—one clean cut. He lent me the umbrella to carry it back for plucking. Truly a modern-day Lei Feng.”

 

 

Why aren’t you leaving yet?!

 

 

Ruan Yesheng maintained her composure and nodded faintly, corroborating the story.

 

 

Xi Mo added, “Oh, and if you’re wondering where Gu Qisong is—he went to wash his hands after all that bl00d. He’ll be back soon. We’re waiting for him.”

 

 

For heaven’s sake, just go already!

 

 

 

Liu Yusil looked up just in time to see a man approaching from the distance—Gu Qisong. She wasn’t particularly clever, but upon reflection, it all seemed plausible enough. The reasoning was sound and convincing. Besides, this wasn’t a big deal. Not wanting to make a scene, she said, “Sister Xi, I’ll head over there now. You enjoy the cool breeze, and we’ll chat another time.”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng nodded, and Liu Yusil walked away, fanning herself with a folding fan.

 

 

With the nuisance gone, Ruan Yesheng’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she smiled. “You’re quite the smooth talker.”

 

 

“And you’re quite the actress,” Xi Mo retorted.

 

 

Gu Qisong approached with his usual stoic expression and solemnly reported to Ruan Yesheng, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch them.”

 

 

At the time, Gu Qisong had been some distance away. By the time he reacted and dealt with the chicken that had flown over the wall, the person behind the wall had long since fled. Ruan Yesheng hadn’t held much hope to begin with and simply asked, “Did you at least see them?”

 

 

“I did, but from a distance, it wasn’t very clear. The figure was quite slim, wearing a baseball cap—looked like a woman.”

 

 

Xi Mo and Ruan Yesheng both turned to him simultaneously. “A woman?”

 

 

Gu Qisong continued, “She ran very fast and seemed familiar with the surroundings. Rest assured, I’ll continue investigating. There might be surveillance footage from nearby areas—I’ll request access shortly.”

 

 

After a moment’s thought, Ruan Yesheng said, “Go inform Lu Qingming and have him assign more people to keep watch.”

 

 

“He’s already aware and is handling it.”

 

 

“Keep this matter quiet for now. Handle it discreetly and observe how things develop.”

 

 

Gu Qisong nodded.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng instructed Gu Qisong to take the chicken back to Lu Qingming to see if any further details could be uncovered. After the commotion, Xi Mo was in no mood for anything else. Until the opening ceremony concluded and the crowd dispersed, Ruan Yesheng stayed close to Xi Mo, ensuring she remained within sight.

 

 

Yet, work had to go on.

 

 

Time was tight. After lunch and a short break, the crew gathered at the Deng residence to begin filming.

 

 

To save on resources and expenses, TV dramas typically shoot scenes in clusters—whatever is most convenient. They complete all scenes in one location before moving to the next, never following the script’s chronological order. The final product relies entirely on post-production editing. Thus, transitions are lightning-fast—one moment, the leads haven’t even locked eyes like turtles spotting mung beans, and the next, they’re already returning to their hometown to marry.

 

 

The sweltering heat made the set unbearable. The bustling crew and equipment everywhere only intensified the stifling atmosphere.

 

 

Ruan Yesheng sat under a parasol while the makeup artist touched up her look. Feng Tangtang busily fanned her nearby. Lin Qitang called Xi Mo over to brief them both: “Today’s scenes are all set in the Deng residence. There are many interactions between you two as mistress and servant. We’ll start with the swing scene. At this point, Deng Sou hasn’t entered the palace yet—her mindset is relatively innocent. Having grown up under Ding E’s protection, she’s deeply dependent on her. Since this is your first collaboration, take some time to adjust and find your rhythm.”

 

 

Ruan Yesheng hadn’t managed a nap at noon, and her eyes showed fatigue. Still, she made an effort to appear more alert when facing Lin Qitang. As her makeup was retouched, she occasionally exchanged words with the director.

 

 

 

After roughly explaining everything, Lin Qitang turned to Xi Mo again: “As for you, Ruan Yesheng, whenever Xi Mo has scenes, you need to be by her side. When Xi Mo exits, follow her closely and always be mindful of yourself. Even without lines, your expressions must still be on point—there will be close-ups later—and pay attention to your positioning.”

 

 

“Understood, Director Lin.” Ruan Yesheng put on a humble facade, nodding repeatedly.

 

 

Once all cameras were in position and the actors ready, Lin Qitang sat before the monitor and signaled to begin. The clapperboard snapped with a sharp clap, and filming commenced.