Got a Happy Ending With My Ex’s Sister? (GL) - Chapter 24: Heatstroke

Chapter 24: Heatstroke

Shi Huan finished filming her close-up and returned to hear Wen Jing say that Tang Yiqiu wanted to help her fulfill a wish. She quickly changed her clothes and rushed to Tang Yiqiu’s lounge.

Wen Jing was very curious. “Huanhuan, why did Teacher Tang suddenly want to help you fulfill a wish?”

“I just helped her rehearse a scene, and she wants to thank me.”

“Oh, I see…” Wen Jing nodded, half-understanding. She squinted and said, “By the way, Teacher Tang asked me what brand of chocolate you were eating.”

Shi Huan was surprised. “She asked you? What did you say?”

Wen Jing said, “I forgot the brand, so I didn’t tell her. Also, she told me not to tell you.”

Tch, looks like she really loves chocolate. Shi Huan had brought some chocolate on purpose before heading out, stuffing both her pockets full.

Wen Jing watched her every move from the side, then glanced at the tablet playing a clip for the fifth time, quickly typing a few sentences.

When Shi Huan arrived, Tang Yiqiu had just finished removing her makeup and was doing a facial treatment. Chang Qing was crouching beside her, talking on his phone. It felt rude to barge in, and just as Shi Huan was about to leave, she heard her own name.

Chang Qing said in a low voice, “Sister Rong called a few times. She said Tao Ziyan got Yang Hao to step in and invite you to dinner, hoping to settle this privately. They’re asking what kind of compensation you and Huanhuan want.”

Tang Yiqiu had a face mask on, making it hard to speak. Her raised brow showed her sarcasm. She peeled off the mask and sneered, “Compensate me? Does she have more money in her bank account than me, or better resources?”

“Don’t get mad at her. She’s just clueless. But this time, she can’t clear her name. Netizens are digging up that incident, and a ton of evidence has come up. It’ll turn around soon.”

Tang Yiqiu smirked coldly. “Tell Ye Rong that if Tao Ziyan wants to settle privately, she should list everything she’s done, clearly, without leaving out a single thing.”

“How’s that possible? Tao Ziyan wants to settle to brush this off. Admitting her wrongs? No way. She must be really desperate.” Chang Qing grabbed some essence lotion and rubbed it on her hands.

Tang Yiqiu waved him off. “No need.”

“Put some on, or Sister Rong will scold me again.”

Tang Yiqiu was twenty-eight, nearing thirty. Many celebrities at this age carefully protect their skin to compete with the fresh faces when they hit thirty. But Tang, the great actress, was different. Her skin was naturally flawless; after removing makeup, a single face mask was enough.

Chang Qing urged her a bit, but Tang Yiqiu refused, so he put the lotion away and said, “Now that Huanhuan’s cleared her name, she should get some roles, right? I watched the clips online and realized she’s been in a lot of dramas. Her acting’s really good. It’s a pity she’s never been the lead, or she’d have been famous long ago.”

Gossiping, he asked, “Who do you think Huanhuan’s ex was? If they were in the industry, it should’ve been dug up by now. Why haven’t the media gone deeper this time? So weird.”

The entertainment industry’s media is fearless, saying and fabricating anything. From the incident till now, they’ve speculated about many people, but none were confirmed. Why? Because the involved parties kept tight-lipped.

“Stop being nosy. Read more books instead.” Tang Yiqiu picked up a book from the table. “Get some tea. It’s cold.”

“Sure.” Chang Qing rummaged through his bag but couldn’t find the tea leaves. “I’ll grab some from the car. It’s new tea, warms you up.”

At the door, he saw Shi Huan and felt a bit embarrassed. Shi Huan smiled, pretending she hadn’t heard anything, and walked in. Tang Yiqiu was still reading, only glancing up at the sound.

“Teacher Tang.” Shi Huan called out cheerfully.

Tang Yiqiu nodded and asked directly, “What’s your wish?”

“Right now? I’m not even prepared.” Shi Huan leaned against the vanity, thinking about Chang Qing’s gossip and wanting to ask if Tang Yiqiu knew who her ex was.

She’d never brought up her ex to Tang Yiqiu, assuming she knew since they were like sisters. She’d never asked, “Your sister’s ex chased you. How do you feel?”

Of course, Shi Huan wasn’t dumb enough to ask that. It’d be weird and make her seem desperate. Tilting her head, she looked at Tang Yiqiu. “My wish is for you to tell me why you have a mental block with kissing scenes. I can help you figure it out.”

Tang Yiqiu took a deep breath. “Don’t listen to Director Chen’s nonsense.”

“Then why can’t you get through it?” Shi Huan pressed, touching her lips. “So, you don’t want to kiss me?”

“K-kiss?” Tang Yiqiu, a veteran of filming, heard someone describe a “kissing scene” like this for the first time. She tried to think of a better term but couldn’t. Shi Huan winked playfully. “Exciting, right? I love kissing you.”

It was exciting…

A perfectly proper term sounded crude and suggestive coming from her. Tang Yiqiu looked away. “Every artist messes up sometimes, just like how you can’t control your emotions in crying scenes.”

Shi Huan had a bad habit: whenever she filmed emotional scenes, she struggled to layer her performance, always crying her heart out.

Not convinced, she said, “Then kiss me! No hesitation, make it fiery and passionate. That wish is fair, right?”

Clearly not. Tang Yiqiu’s eyes darkened, and she raised her book to block Shi Huan’s gaze. “I can take back my offer.”

“Ugh, you can’t even grant a small wish.”

“You’re being unreasonable.”

Shi Huan huffed twice, admitting she was a bit out of line. She glanced at Tang Yiqiu’s freshly treated face, so soft it seemed like it could drip water with a pinch. “Then can I kiss you? Just on your face!”

“I’d let you, but that’s just a frivolous idea, not a wish.” Tang Yiqiu asked seriously, “Are you sure you want to waste this chance?”

It did sound like a waste. Tang, the great actress, rarely made such an offer. Shi Huan hesitated, unable to think of a better wish despite her usual wild imagination.

“Teacher Tang, can you let me think about it?”

“Sure,” Tang Yiqiu said. “Within a day.”

“What, so soon! How can I think of something? I was planning to save it.” Shi Huan sighed, picking up the essence lotion Chang Qing left behind and eyeing Tang Yiqiu’s tender hands, wanting to touch them…

Wishes, she thought, should be used quickly. Like promises, they have an expiration date. Best to use them right away, or once the passion fades, they become a knot in your heart.

Or a lingering debt.

After a while, Tang Yiqiu spoke. “Do you like acting?”

“Love it,” Shi Huan replied instantly, without hesitation, but her eyes were empty. How could such subtle expressions escape the great actress?

“Fine.” Shi Huan licked her lips. “I don’t exactly love or hate it. It’s more like a habit. I’m used to making money this way.”

At first, she loved it, proud to be in films, bragging to friends and telling them to spot her as a corpse in some scene. But after years, with people around her changing constantly and the pressure to climb up, that love flattened.

Tang Yiqiu rarely asked her questions, but now she seemed interested. “How did you get into this industry?”

“That’s a long story!” Shi Huan seized the chance to sit closer, making it look natural. “In college, I was looking for part-time jobs. Saw someone post in a group chat about 200 yuan a day, so I went with a friend.”

Her first gig was as an extra, playing a passerby for three hours, earning 200 yuan. Shi Huan thought it was easy money and signed up every time the group chat posted for extras.

These gigs weren’t always available. Shi Huan was in it for the money, not dreams like others who took acting seriously. She went when there were opportunities and did other things when there weren’t.

Three years later, she got familiar with the crew, landed a role with lines, and after graduation, Liang Junli signed her.

Shi Huan told Tang Yiqiu casually, as if it was smooth sailing, all natural. But were there hardships and grievances? Of course, she just skipped them.

Like how things went with her ex, how she found out she was cheated on, or how she was slandered—she avoided all gossip and emotional topics.

In short, Shi Huan entered the industry for money.

“Then think more practically. Like asking for a script that could help your future.”

“Sounds tempting.” Shi Huan smiled, propping her chin. “What script do you think is good? Recommend one.”

“There’s a big historical IP drama next year, directed by Lu.”

“Director Lu!”

Director Lu, full name Lu Baisheng, a renowned genius director. His dramas are classics. Tang Yiqiu’s historical dramas were all with him. There’s a saying in the industry: for historical dramas, if you want fame, go to Director Lu.

This was like a pie falling from the sky. Shi Huan stared in shock. “Can I act in it? I’m…”

Tang Yiqiu said, “Act well, and there won’t be a problem.”

Shi Huan was excited. “Did Director Lu approach you? I remember he said you’re forever his leading lady. Are you playing the lead this time?”

“No, I’m just helping him cast.”

Shi Huan sighed with regret. “What drama are you taking next year then? I saw you only did Director Ren’s movie this year.”

“Not decided yet.” Tang Yiqiu asked, “Want it?”

Shi Huan hesitated. It was a huge opportunity, but she only had one wish. “Let me think about it some more.”

Tang Yiqiu’s expression was complex, as if she hadn’t expected Shi Huan to hesitate.

Shi Huan said seriously, “Since you’re helping me fulfill a wish, I have to think carefully so it’ll feel sweet when I look back on it.”

Shamelessly, she scooted closer to Tang Yiqiu, shaking the bottle in her hand. “Chang Qing was telling you to use this, right? Let me help you. I’m super professional.”

Tang Yiqiu glanced at her sideways, pulling her book closer. “Super professional, huh.”

Shi Huan didn’t care. Her finger slid down the spine of the book, tugging it. “Teacher Tang, read the book later. Look at me now. I can give you some candy~”

Tang Yiqiu was about to push her hand away but then noticed Shi Huan’s bulging pockets, her eyes showing a hint of anticipation. “You brought candy?”

“Yup. If you let me apply this for you, I’ll give you one piece. No, I’ll give you lots.” Shi Huan pulled out chocolates, counting about twenty pieces. “Want them?”

For Tang Yiqiu, who loved sweets and hadn’t had chocolate in a month, this was no small temptation. Her brow twitched, but could the great actress’s hand be touched so easily?

Shi Huan kept winking suggestively. Tang Yiqiu stayed composed, as if unmoved. “Eat less candy. It’ll hurt your teeth.”

“So you don’t want them, right?” Shi Huan stuffed half back in her pocket, unwrapped one, and popped it in her mouth. “Mmm, so sweet.”

Tang Yiqiu’s expression was a mix of emotions, calm but with a trace of regret. She could’ve had chocolate. Last time, seeing Shi Huan upset, she had Chang Qing give her all the chocolate. She never imagined Shi Huan would use chocolate to tease her—lifting a rock only to drop it on her own foot.

“Want a taste? I don’t mind doing it the way we talked about…” Shi Huan grinned slyly, her red lips tempting, like a fox spirit stealing souls.

Tang Yiqiu, true to her actress status, only glanced once before looking away, flipping through her book again.

Shi Huan peeked at the title: “The Puppet”. The cover showed a face in red and black, eerie and striking, with bold text: “We are you, and there’s only ever been you.”

This reminded her of the WeChat message Tang Yiqiu sent two days ago: “Can you have a little faith in us?” Honestly, Shi Huan still lacked confidence. She sighed, “Ugh, the book’s more interesting than me.”

When she finished the chocolate, Tang Yiqiu closed the book. Her slender fingers rested on the cover as she bargained, “All of them?”

Shi Huan’s eyes lit up. “All for you! I won’t keep a single one.”

Tang Yiqiu’s hands were beautiful—long, delicate, like the jade hands described in ancient books. Shi Huan grabbed the bottle, ready to pour it on Tang Yiqiu’s hand. Tang Yiqiu said, “Give me one first.”

“Half.” Shi Huan peeled the foil, split the chocolate, gave half to Tang Yiqiu, and put the other half in her mouth. “Hehe, now it’s you in me, me in you. So sweet.”

Tang Yiqiu’s brow trembled, but she didn’t argue. Watching Shi Huan’s suggestive look, she closed her eyes.

Shi Huan quickly poured the liquid from the bottle onto Tang Yiqiu’s hand. It must’ve been cold—Tang Yiqiu’s fingers twitched. Shi Huan pressed her fingers down, gently rubbing in circles.

The strange tickle was impossible to ignore. Tang Yiqiu glanced at her. “Stop playing.”

Shi Huan’s eyes gleamed triumphantly as she clasped Tang Yiqiu’s hand tightly. “Who would’ve thought our sweet actress would let me touch her, let me ‘unspoken rule’ her, all for a few chocolates.”

Her tone was lively, teasing. Tang Yiqiu flicked her hand away, turning her head coldly. But when Shi Huan looked again, she noticed Tang Yiqiu’s ears had turned red.

Ha, such a pure great actress.

Adorable.

After a while, Chang Qing returned with tea packets, handed a few to Shi Huan, and discussed lunch with Tang Yiqiu.

Shi Huan didn’t eat with Tang Yiqiu. Though fans online shipped them, they had to avoid suspicion on set.

Back at her spot, Wen Jing came over with her phone, grinning. “Huanhuan, Sister Li’s on the phone. Sounds like good news~”

When Shi Huan took the phone, Liang Junli laughed heartily. “Huanhuan, it’s done! The higher-ups agreed to release a statement, latest by tonight. I’ll arrange for you to post on Weibo. Got anything you want to say to your fans?”

Shi Huan was surprised. The higher-ups had been tight-lipped, refusing to step in since clarifying would mean admitting fault, risking backlash from fans.

Liang Junli explained, “This morning, Tang Yiqiu’s studio sent a lawyer’s letter suing Tao Ziyan for defamation. Right after the lawyer left, some officials showed up…”

“Officials?” Shi Huan was confused. “What for?”

Liang Junli lowered her voice. “Just between us, they’re checking the company’s taxes and artist contracts. They even took a higher-up away. If this blows up, the company’s in trouble. Gotta say, Tang Yiqiu’s got some serious backing.”

The Tang family was in business, at the top of China’s elite, with countless investments. Only a fool would cross them. Liang Junli shared cautiously, then bragged, “You should’ve seen me arguing with the higher-ups. I took them all on! Wang Ya was right across from me, couldn’t say a word. Felt so good.”

Shi Huan didn’t like Wang Ya either. When the scandal broke, Wang Ya had gloated in her face, saying she’d make Tao Ziyan a star to trample over her, full of arrogance.

“Sister Li, don’t worry. I’ll make you proud!”

Liang Junli, pleased, laughed. “This is all thanks to Tang Yiqiu. I’ll visit in a couple of days to thank her in person. Have you thanked her on set?”

Shi Huan nodded. She had—Tang Yiqiu even made her noodles and let her sleep over. It felt more like she was the one being pampered, but no need to share those details with Liang Junli.

Liang Junli gave a few more instructions and hung up. Shi Huan checked Weibo. Netizens were incredible—capable of ruining you or saving you overnight. Fewer people were cursing her now; many were saying, “Poor sister,” “Huanhuan’s been through so much,” “Finally cleared, I always believed in you.”

After over a year, Shi Huan barely remembered if she had fans. When the scandal hit, her Weibo had 500,000 followers. Some defended her, but the “justice warriors” drowned them out, and she stopped engaging with fans.

Wen Jing, holding a lunchbox, asked, “Thought of what to post?”

“Not yet.” Shi Huan set her phone aside. “I’ll wait for the company’s statement. Maybe I’ll cry from emotion.” If she did, she’d cry next to Tang Yiqiu, sobbing until Tang Yiqiu softened and wiped her tears…

So blissful.

…

Per the original plan, Chen Ling wanted to finish the “bed scene” in one day, but Tang Yiqiu’s kissing scene took a whole day, so they added another.

The shoot was at night. Ji Yuan and her blind date watched a romantic movie after dinner, a heartwarming tearjerker.

To heighten the emotion, Chen Ling rented a small theater. Shi Huan watched with her “blind date,” a popular star close to Chen Ling, quite humorous. They whispered a bit during the movie.

Qiao Xinyue said quietly, “We’ve got it good with the heater. Poor Teacher Tang’s been outside in the cold for over an hour.”

“Huh?” Shi Huan blinked. “Teacher Tang’s outside?”

“Yeah, didn’t you know?” Qiao Xinyue nodded. “She was out there when we came in.”

Shi Huan didn’t know. Besides kissing scenes, she often couldn’t match Tang Yiqiu’s acting and got affected, so Chen Ling never let her watch Tang Yiqiu’s emotional scenes.

Hearing this, Shi Huan couldn’t sit still. It was snowing when they went out, and it was freezing now. Tang Yiqiu was only wearing a black coat—how cold must she be? She hated the cold.

Luckily, it was a long shot, needing only the start and end. Seeing Shi Huan restless, Chen Ling stopped the camera, ready to talk to her, but Shi Huan bolted outside like a cannonball.

“Teacher Tang,” Shi Huan called.

Tang Yiqiu turned, surprised to see her, pausing her hand-rubbing and humming a response, hands in her pockets.

Shi Huan ran over, but Chen Ling approached from behind, his face stern. “Why’d you run out? Didn’t I tell you to prepare inside?”

“I… I heard Teacher Tang was outside.”

“Who told you?” Chen Ling frowned.

Shi Huan’s lips moved. Qiao Xinyue stepped out, apologetic. “Sorry, I told her. I thought she knew.”

She’d joined the crew a few days ago when the script changed, unaware of the rules. It was an honest mistake, so Chen Ling didn’t scold her. He looked at Shi Huan. “What does her being outside have to do with you? Running out like that—how are you going to shoot later?” He went to talk to the assistant director, saying they’d wrap up later.

“Got it.” Shi Huan felt deflated, blaming herself for losing control, mixing reality and the script.

She shuffled to Tang Yiqiu’s side. “Teacher Tang, are you cold? Did you bring clothes? Want my down jacket?”

Tang Yiqiu shook her head, saying she wasn’t cold, then glanced at Shi Huan fiddling with her zipper. “If you care, nail it in one take.”

“One take?” Shi Huan’s fingers froze, skeptical.

Tang Yiqiu nodded. “One take, half an hour. If you don’t, it’ll take longer, and I’ll wear even less.”

“Less than that?” Shi Huan missed the point, peering at Tang Yiqiu’s clothes. It looked thin—no sweater.

Tang Yiqiu’s eyes darkened, and she turned away, ignoring her.

“Ah, sorry!”

Chen Ling called to start shooting. Shi Huan clenched her fists, speaking faster. “I’ll nail it in one. It’s freezing, and you’re wearing so little—I feel so bad. In half an hour, I’ll make sure you’re warm in my bed.”

The half-hour shoot was the bed scene. Even enthusiastic, Shi Huan blushed a bit. “We’ll strip together later.”

Tang Yiqiu coughed lightly, covering her lips. “Not necessarily. Director Chen said if you don’t nail it today, we’ll wait until your acting matures and shoot the bed scene last.”

“Then I’ll make it certain! Wait for me!” Shi Huan said confidently.

She ran off too fast to see the blush on Tang Yiqiu’s face. Chang Qing, bringing hot tea to warm her, was stunned. “Did the cold burn your face?”

“It’s fine. I moved a bit and got warm.” Tang Yiqiu sipped the tea, steam rising, feeling a bit heady, so she unbuttoned one button.

Why warm up? Shi Huan was a walking furnace, enough to make anyone faint from the heat.