Got a Happy Ending With My Ex’s Sister? (GL) - Chapter 16: Comforting

Chapter 16: Comforting

Because the script was slightly revised later, the crew, which had been holding back, went wild with sweet moments for a few days, but now it was time to move on to the plot.

Chen Ling was famous in the entertainment industry not only for his ability to choose and direct actors but also for his knack for picking screenwriters and scripts.

After filming two days of romantic scenes, the first obstacle in the script arrived, and it came from both families.

—

“Yuan, just end things with that Qin family kid.”

The table was filled with dishes, all of Yuan’s favorites. The two elders of the Qin family sat close to Yuan, one on each side, not touching their chopsticks. The wrinkles at the corners of their eyes were deep, as if they were worn out worrying over their disobedient daughter.

Mother Ji spoke beside her, while Father Ji quietly served food and soup to Shi Huan. Soon, the small porcelain bowl in front of her was piled high with food.

Mother Ji sighed, “If you want to be a model, go be one. Your dad and I have come to terms with it, as long as you protect yourself…”

“We don’t care if you like men or women. Just find someone to settle down with, someone ordinary and stable, as long as… as long as it’s not Qin Zhiyan. Is that okay?”

“Look, in your modeling circle, does anyone dare say they like the same s3x? An’an, when they curse you, don’t you feel awful? Your dad and I feel awful too. We haven’t slept for nights, and we don’t dare go out either.”

The last time Mother Ji heard Yuan wanted to be a model, she chased her down several streets. This time, hearing she wanted to be with Qin Zhiyan, she seemed like a different person—no hitting, no scolding, gentle like a loving mother.

Shi Huan didn’t cry, just bit her lip hard.

She looked up, “Mom, I don’t think I can.”

The sudden silence felt like the calm before a storm. In an instant, a raging tempest surged, gripping everyone’s hearts. The camera lingered here for over ten seconds.

Until Father Ji stood up, clenching his fists, and roared, “How do you know it won’t work if you don’t try? If you don’t stay with her, are you going to die or go crazy? Do you know how much harm you’re causing?”

“Dad…”

The next second, Father Ji’s slap landed on her face.

“Cut!” Chen Ling called.

This scene’s focus was actually Father Ji. Earlier, when Yuan said she wanted to be a model, Father Ji outwardly sided with Mother Ji, but secretly sent plenty of money to Yuan’s account, being the only one who supported her.

Chen Ling and the screenwriter revised the script brilliantly, heightening the contrasts and amplifying everyone’s emotions. Compromise and obstacles became prejudices, all forming an uncrossable chasm between Yuan and Qin Zhiyan.

That slap was real. It didn’t wake Yuan, but it woke Shi Huan. Did Yuan cause harm? She did. When love became a burden, it turned into a weapon that hurt others.

Both families became a laughingstock because of her persistence. Qin Zhiyan’s art exhibition was canceled because of her persistence, and the company lost thousands because of her…

Yuan stood too high, only seeing her own pain, not the sadness on others’ faces for her sake. So, if Shi Huan relentlessly pursued Tang Yiqiu, would she also be causing harm without caring about the consequences?

Shi Huan sniffled, trying to forget the word “harm.” She looked around and saw Tang Yiqiu in the corridor. She quickly turned away, suddenly not wanting to see her.

Teacher Yang, who played Father Ji, finished reshooting and hurried over to check on her. “Did it hurt? Sorry, that slap was a bit heavy.”

The other teacher, who didn’t hit her, also stood by, asking with concern. Shi Huan forced a smile, “No problem, just a loud sound. It sounded big, but it didn’t hurt. Teacher Yang, don’t feel bad.”

A slap like that, hitting flesh, couldn’t not hurt, especially since Shi Huan’s face was already red. Teacher Yang sighed inwardly and called someone to check on her.

Slapping scenes were common. For empathy, they were often real, but veteran actors were always wary of working with young artists. The proud ones might get upset and post about it online later, while the delicate ones could cry for hours on set, inconsolable.

After the scene, Shi Huan could leave. She repeatedly said she was fine, but Teacher Yang, still worried, sent her some ointment.

Holding the ointment, she reached the lounge door and ran into Tang Yiqiu. When Tang Yiqiu looked over, Shi Huan turned and bolted.

Tang Yiqiu, sure she hadn’t misheard, looked puzzledly in the direction Shi Huan left. Chang Qing, holding a coat, glanced over too, curious. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Tang Yiqiu pushed the door, took two steps inside, then stepped back out. “You go in first. I’m stepping out for a bit.”

“Huh?” Chang Qing was confused. “Where are you going?”

Tang Yiqiu was cold by nature and a homebody, always shuttling between the set and the hotel. Her sudden outing made Chang Qing a bit worried. “Wait, let me put this down, and I’ll go with you?”

“No need. I’m going to Director Chen to check the revised script.” Tang Yiqiu took the coat from her and put it on.

Chang Qing stared, confused, scratching her head. Director Chen’s office was to the east, so why was Yiqiu going the opposite way? She didn’t get it.

Tang Yiqiu walked a few steps to the backyard and heard a stifled sob, faint, like someone was trying hard to hold it in but couldn’t, a sound of aggrieved collapse that tugged at the heart.

Snow fell sporadically. Few came here, and the ground was covered in a thick layer. Shi Huan squatted under a withered tree, probably covering her mouth, her sobs muffled, like a flood on the verge of breaking.

Tang Yiqiu’s steps were light. Shi Huan didn’t notice her until she hiccuped from crying and saw extra footprints on the ground. Looking up, she was startled by Tang Yiqiu.

Shi Huan sat on the ground, tears streaming like a broken dam. Tang Yiqiu froze, asking stiffly, “Why are you crying?”

“Am I crying? I’m not.” Shi Huan forced a smile, but it was so cold, and she’d been facing the wind for so long that her face was stiff, unable to smile.

“Your tears are practically freezing,” Tang Yiqiu said, slightly frowning, looking at her reddened face. “Did Teacher Yang hit too hard?”

“No, it’s not that.” Shi Huan shook her head, standing up. She brushed the snow off her body and wiped her tears, but her sleeve had snow, making her face wetter.

Tang Yiqiu took her hand out of her coat pocket, handing her a tissue. After Shi Huan wiped her face, she pointed at her red eyes. “There’s still tears.”

Shi Huan reached to wipe again, but more tears fell. She turned away, mumbling, “It’s nothing. You wouldn’t understand anyway.”

Tang Yiqiu hummed, as cold as ever. In the icy snow, it irritated Shi Huan a bit.

It was quiet around them. This time, Tang Yiqiu didn’t lower her voice. Her black snow boots crunched on the snow.

Shi Huan looked up, seeing the white breath Tang Yiqiu exhaled, feeling a surprising warmth. Her useless eyes heated up again.

Soon, Tang Yiqiu stood in front of her, slightly bending down, looking into her red eyes. “How do you know I wouldn’t understand?”

Shi Huan sniffled, a bit aggrieved. “If you understand, can you comfort me?”

“I…” Tang Yiqiu faltered.