Her Wild Rose - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Mine

The issue with Tian Qingqing was finally resolved, and both the production team and the cast members breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Even the skies over Lvteng seemed to show a bit of mercy. After three straight days of snowfall, it finally cleared up—offering a rare day of sunshine just in time, as the filming schedule was becoming tight.

“What a beautiful day today,” Lu Piaopiao commented, sitting on the production team’s bus. She was unusually dressed in normal Earth clothes and looked a bit uncomfortable with her ponytail, tossing her head repeatedly.

“It’s been snowing for days. If we don’t get out now, we’re seriously gonna grow mold,” chimed in Chen Zhi.

Among all the guests, only she was the most desperate to use this show to make a comeback. So far, the spotlight had all been on Tang Tang and Su Qian. Then the whole Tian Qingqing mess blew up in episode two. Chen Zhi had already cursed out her manager multiple times behind the scenes.

What kind of idiot signed her up for a show like this?

The afternoon sunlight reflected off the snow outside and streamed into the bus. Su Qian got up to help Tang Tang close the window beside her.

“You’re not that delicate,” she said.

Ever since the Tian Qingqing matter was resolved, Tang Tang had grown distant toward Su Qian—cold and lukewarm all at once. Su Qian couldn’t figure out her little mood swings, so she did her best to be extra attentive in the small day-to-day moments.

What could she do? She had chosen her person—so she’d just have to spoil her.

“Winter UV rays are just as harsh. If you’re not careful, you’ll look like an old lady when you’re older,” Su Qian explained gently.

Her voice, full of warmth and patience, made even Director Li Xiang and the other guests turn around in astonishment.

How do we get the Ice Queen Su back to this version of her? Please reply ASAP, it’s urgent.

“Everyone’s wearing ski suits! Are they going skiing?”
“I remember Su Qian read out the mission saying it involved professional movements. This totally looks like a ski trip.”
“I heard Chi Yu is guesting this episode. Whose DNA just activated?”
“Even though I believe in SuTang, it kinda looks like Su Qian and Tang Tang haven’t made up yet…”
“Ski resort + love rival = I can already imagine the whole melodrama.”
“Yeah like, falling down, waist grabbing, gentlemanly kisses… pure pink fluff.”
“You in front—be kind, please…”

…

Seeing the barrage of increasingly wild comments, Li Xiang couldn’t help but mentally pat himself on the back. How was he so smart to schedule today’s shoot at a ski resort? This was peak variety show gold.

Everyone followed the director off the bus. At the ski resort entrance stood someone already in full ski gear, waiting for them.

Tang Tang, bringing up the rear with her backpack, suddenly found that familiar pink figure looking strangely familiar.

“Chi Yu-jie? What are you doing on the show?”

As she walked closer, Tang Tang finally saw clearly who it was. Surprised, she stared at Chi Yu, not knowing what to say.

“What, not happy to see me?” Chi Yu took off her sunglasses and smiled as she held Tang Tang’s hand. After greeting the others behind her, her eyes remained practically glued to Tang Tang. “And drop the ‘jie’—you’re making me sound old.”

Tang Tang pursed her lips. Fair enough—she wasn’t wrong.

Chi Yu, though not very old, had been in the entertainment industry long enough that even Chen Zhi had to respectfully call her “senior.” She’d started as an extra in film studios as a teen and became Best Actress at sixteen with an art-house film. At twenty-two, she starred in a hit LGBTQ+ film with then-rookie Tang Tang. That film, After School, was the first same-s3x romance film in the industry.

The film ended up being a box office smash, and Chi Yu became a top-tier actress, combining both talent and popularity.

But after After School, Chi Yu slowly faded from the public eye. Aside from the occasional holiday blockbuster each year, there was hardly any news about her.

“Then I’ll call you Chi Yu,” Tang Tang said with a bright smile that hadn’t left her face since she saw her. Holding Chi Yu’s hand, she chattered away endlessly. “So, what brings you to a variety show today? Coming back to snatch work from us little nobodies?”

“As if.” Chi Yu chuckled and gently tapped Tang Tang on the arm—a gesture so intimate that Su Qian, standing behind them, practically ignited on the spot.

She hadn’t even touched her clumsy girl like that. Why should this woman get to?

“Huh?” Tang Tang’s round eyes paused in surprise, her curiosity piqued.

Since After School, Chi Yu had gradually exited the spotlight. Even with old friends like them, they mostly kept in touch via WeChat. Now she was suddenly appearing on a variety show, not for a comeback—who wouldn’t be curious?

“I came to scope things out for you,” Chi Yu said, leaning in and speaking close to Tang Tang’s ear while signaling with her eyes toward Su Qian. “You’ve got good taste, Tang Tang. She’s even prettier in person than on TV.”

…

Damn. Is this CP shipping at point-blank range?

Tang Tang helplessly rubbed her forehead. Why was she friends with such a chaotic person?

“We’re not together or anything,” she mumbled.
Even if we were, that was in the past…

Standing behind them, Su Qian obviously didn’t share their good mood. The moment she saw Chi Yu, a wave of jealousy hit her hard—like her “wife” was about to be stolen—and she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to assert her place.

“You jealous?” Gu Shuangran asked with a smirk, sidling up next to her while shaking the folded paper in her hand. “We’re drawing lots to split into teams. Wanna bribe me?”

What?

Not only had she “lost” her girl, now someone was blackmailing her?

Su Qian gritted her teeth. For the first time, she felt like the butt of a cosmic joke.

“Fine. What do you want?”

“Next time, if something similar happens, don’t help me.”

A wicked grin flashed across Gu Shuangran’s face, and Su Qian suddenly realized—this person was just as scheming as she was.

Of course she was. She did tarot readings, after all.

Su Qian grumbled internally, not realizing she’d just insulted herself in the process.

“Today’s ski trip marks our second destination in Lvteng,” Director Li Xiang began once he finished setting up the equipment. “It’s also the first full-group task of Girlfriends. Since skiing can be risky and most of you are beginners, we’ve invited amateur ski champion Chi Yu as your guest instructor today.”

“Everyone will now draw lots to form pairs. Those with the same number will go to the corresponding box in front and find your mission card.”

“Eh? Why is ours the snowplow turn? Why is there even a turn involved?” Tang Tang wailed the moment she saw her and Su Qian’s mission card. She turned to glare at Director Li Xiang behind the camera. “Director, are you doing this on purpose? Making two total amateurs learn how to turn?!”

“It’s fine, Tang Tang. I’ll teach you.”

Before Li Xiang could even reply, Chi Yu had already glided over with a grin. She helped Tang Tang step onto her skis and began guiding her through balance exercises.

“Okay but like, Chi Yu is so bold?”
“LMAO this is getting intense.”
“Wait a minute, have Su Qian and Tang Tang ever held hands on this show?”
“Now that you mention it… I don’t think they have.”
“LOL Su Qian, you’re seriously slacking.”

Meanwhile, Su Qian—being roasted online—was gritting her teeth as she watched Chi Yu laugh and chat with Tang Tang.

So this was what “senior actresses” were like now? Shamelessly stepping into other people’s relationships?

No way. She had to do something.

While everyone was distracted, Su Qian subtly pushed against a railing. With the help of momentum, her skis slid out from under her—and with a loud thud, she fell hard onto the snow.

“Su Qian!”

Tang Tang, closest to her, was the first to react. She ran over, kneeling down beside her in panic, checking her for injuries.

“Did you hit anything? Are you bleeding? Should we call an ambulance?”

Her questions came rapid-fire like machine-gun fire. She pulled off Su Qian’s glove and saw the bleeding scrape on her hand, holding it with a heartbroken look.

“I told you to be careful! Why won’t you ever listen?”

“It doesn’t look serious,” Chi Yu, ever the professional, said calmly. She could tell by Su Qian’s posture that the fall had been intentional. She didn’t call her out, just kindly suggested, “You should help her rest off the slopes.”

“Can you still walk?” Tang Tang asked, nervously helping Su Qian up, now unwilling to leave her side for even a moment. “Maybe we should still go to the hospital. You’re bleeding.”

“It’s just a scratch.” Su Qian was already enjoying Tang Tang’s care, though her expression made her look like she was about to pass out. “No need for the hospital. Just rest with me for a bit… please?”

“Can you really not walk?”

Tang Tang was genuinely worried. She didn’t even notice how anxious her eyes were when she looked at Su Qian.

“No… I can’t…”

Finally getting a chance to be supported by her “wife,” Su Qian fully embraced the role of the pitiful patient. She winced with every step and wore a look of exaggerated pain.

“Does it hurt that much?” Tang Tang pulled her even closer, gently resting Su Qian’s shoulder against herself. “Should I get a doctor?”

“No need,” Su Qian said, still looking pitiful. “Just you is enough. Let’s not trouble the crew…”

“Excuse me?? “Don’t trouble the crew”?? Aren’t you already causing trouble?!”
“LOL Su Qian didn’t say a word when she needed stitches during filming, and now she’s pretending to be fragile??”
“Call an ambulance! By the time it arrives, she’ll have healed already.”
“I’m telling you, this fall was staged—slow-motion replay exposes the truth.”
“Chi “I see it but won’t say it” Yu: Unbelievable…”

…

As the livestream viewers lost their minds, Su Qian, now lying down off-camera, hugged the hand warmer Tang Tang had given her and waited blissfully for her care.

Tang Tang gently placed a warm towel over her swollen ankle and suddenly sighed.

“Su Qian, don’t hurt yourself like this again.”

Her long lashes cast shadows over her pale face. “If you’re jealous or upset, just tell me. But don’t hurt yourself.”

“Then… if I tell you I’m upset, will you stay away from Chi Yu?”

Su Qian paused, her brown eyes flashing with sorrow.

Right now, she probably didn’t even have the right to be jealous.

“No,” Tang Tang said as she continued to gently massage her ankle, her voice firm. “Chi Yu is my friend. We’ve only ever been friends.”

So that’s how it is…

Su Qian lowered her head in silence. She had wanted too much.

…

The first day at the ski resort ended early due to Su Qian’s injury. The guests, frozen from being outside all day, decided to make a big dinner at the villa to treat themselves.

“Chi-senpai, I’ve liked you for so long. I went to so many cinemas just to watch After School,” Chen Zhi said excitedly. With a rare celebrity present, she wouldn’t miss the chance. She raised her wine glass. “This one’s for you. Feel free to drink—or not.”

“You mean After School?” Chi Yu replied, ignoring Chen Zhi’s flattery. She’d watched enough of this show to know exactly what kind of person Chen Zhi was. “If not for that movie, I wouldn’t have met so many talented juniors. Like Tang Tang—we still keep in touch every holiday.”

“She really is amazing,” Tang Tang chimed in with a smile. With a guest in today’s episode, it was her job as a regular cast member to share the spotlight. “Chi Yu-jie is also amazing at cooking. After we finish filming tomorrow, let’s all try her food!”

Holiday greetings.
Played on-screen lovers.
She’s eaten her food.

Su Qian sat silently next to Tang Tang, secretly stabbing voodoo dolls of Chi Yu in her mind.

Come on. Su Qian could cook, too!

Watching Tang Tang and Chi Yu chatting so warmly, Su Qian nearly marinated herself in pure jealousy.

Rolling her eyes, she picked up her wine glass and pretended her hand slipped—spilling wine all over herself.

“I’m heading out for a bit,” she said, staggering to her feet just as Tang Tang turned her head. She flashed a goofy smile. “You guys eat—go ahead.”

“Su Qian, you’ve had too much!”

Startled by her behavior, Tang Tang quickly rushed over to support her.

“It’s cold out,” she whispered, holding Su Qian close. “You’ll catch a cold.”

“I don’t care.” The fresh orange-scented perfume on Tang Tang made Su Qian feel much better. “I just want to go outside.”

“Come on, stop it,” Tang Tang, much shorter than Su Qian, struggled to steady her drunk weight. She apologized to the others and tugged her toward the stairs. “Let’s go back to the room and rest, okay?”

Finally reaching the stairwell, now out of the guests’ view, Tang Tang half-covered the camera lens and muttered under her breath:

“Today it’s hugging, tomorrow it’s carrying—you think I’m your moving crew or something?”

“I don’t think you’re a mover,” came the muffled reply from the shoulder resting on hers.

“Huh?” Tang Tang paused, not quite catching it.

“You’re not a mover,” Su Qian repeated.

Her hot breath brushed Tang Tang’s neck—and the next second, a soft, wet kiss landed on her earlobe.

Tang Tang’s eyes widened in shock. She lifted her head and stared into Su Qian’s drunken, hazy gaze.

“You’re Tang Tang,” she said hoarsely, “Mine.”