Mistakenly Married a Substitute Wife, Falling in Love with the Movie Queen - Chapter 3

The smile gradually faded under Sang Baili’s intense gaze.

Shen Shuangjing’s heart pounded in her chest as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. A sense of unease washed over her. “Does it look bad?” she asked.

She didn’t doubt her own sense of style, but she worried that Sang Baili might prefer the original owner’s style.

If that’s the case, I’ll need to charge extra. For emotional distress.

Sang Baili raised a delicate eyebrow, her eyes scanning Shen Shuangjing inch by inch as if seeing her for the first time.

It’s often said that a person’s aura is difficult to change. Yet, in the short time since their last meeting, the girl had undergone a complete transformation. Her newfound vitality and spirit were undeniable, even her shadow under the sunlight seemed less rigid.

Clean, radiant.

With just a touch of makeup, she radiated a striking beauty, her eyes like stars and the dimples at the corners of her lips particularly charming.

Sang Baili slowly lifted her gaze. “Changed your style?” she asked. “I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Shen Shuangjing’s lips curved into a smile. “New life, new look.”

Her gaze shifted to the flowers in Sang Baili’s arms. “Why did you buy flowers?”

“For you,” Sang Baili said. “We need to play the part completely.”

How thorough.

As expected of the Villainous Shadow Queen from the original novel, who excelled at everything she did. She had considered every detail, even the small gesture of giving flowers, leaving no room for gossip.

If anyone saw this, who wouldn’t believe they were a loving, devoted couple?

Shen Shuangjing felt ashamed of herself. Her research hadn’t been thorough enough. She didn’t know if Sang Baili liked roses or what she disliked. A stranger knew her better than she did.

The path to understanding her would be long and arduous.

Fortunately, she hadn’t come empty-handed. Heeding the sales champion’s advice, she had also bought a bouquet of roses.

“I prepared flowers too. For you. I hope you like them.”

“Thank you. The roses are beautiful.” Sang Baili accepted the bouquet, her expression softening.

Shen Shuangjing observed her for half a minute, confirming that she genuinely liked them.

Holding the roses, Sang Baili turned to ask, “Where’s your luggage?”

It’s hardly luggage.

Shen Shuangjing turned slightly to show her backpack. “I don’t have much. It’s all in here.”

“Alright, let’s put it in the car first. Then we’ll go get our marriage certificate.”

Shen Shuangjing rolled over on the soft bed, lying on her back with her shoulder-length hair spread out. She held the red-backed marriage certificate, stamped with an official seal, between her outstretched arms.

In the photo, she wore a white square-necked dress, its pristine fabric as white as snow, her features delicate and refined. Beside her sat Sang Baili, elegant in a sleek black dress, her chestnut-brown hair tucked behind her ears, her smile poised and intelligent.

Unlike Shen Shuangjing, who looked rather silly, her lips curved in a wide grin, revealing a row of perfectly aligned teeth.

Fortunately, her beauty compensated for her awkward expression. The photo captured the pair in harmonious black and white, creating a striking and balanced composition—beautiful and well-matched.

The abstract concept of marriage had suddenly become real.

She was actually married.

To someone she barely knew.

Her emotions were a tangled mess. After a moment of blankness, Shen Shuangjing’s eyelids grew heavy…

When she woke again, it was already dark.

The room was eerily silent, carrying a desolate emptiness as if the world were deserted.

Slipping into her slippers, Shen Shuangjing left the bedroom and found Sang Baili already at the dining table, dressed in soft loungewear and scrolling through work documents on her phone.

Four dishes and a soup steamed on the table, their savory aromas filling the air and whetting her appetite.

“I fell asleep,” Shen Shuangjing said, pulling out the chair beside Sang Baili and sitting down awkwardly, her surprise evident. “Did you make all this?”

Sang Baili put down her phone. “I didn’t make all this. I hired a housekeeper to come cook every day. Try some.”

Shen Shuangjing picked up a piece of steamed pork ribs, took a bite, and savored the tender, fragrant, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. “Delicious.”

“If you like it, eat more. There’s plenty in the kitchen. It’ll go to waste if we don’t finish it in a few days.” Sang Baili ladled herself a bowl of fish soup. “This housekeeper cooks in large quantities and makes exceptional Sichuan cuisine, but she’s returning to her hometown soon. Finding a new one and getting them adjusted will be such a hassle.”

“I can cook Sichuan cuisine,” Shen Shuangjing volunteered, chewing on her chopsticks. “I enjoy cooking. I can take over the meals from now on.”

Sang Baili tilted her head slightly, her gaze softening. “There’s no need. You’re my wife, not a housekeeper I hired.”

“That doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive,” Shen Shuangjing countered. “I genuinely enjoy cooking, and everyone who’s tried my food says it’s better than restaurant fare.”

Sang Baili’s hand, holding her chopsticks, paused mid-air for a split second before reaching out to pick up a piece of cumin-seasoned lean meat. “Have you cooked for others before?”

Shen Shuangjing’s expression stiffened momentarily. She lowered her gaze and smiled. “My grandmother.”

Having grown up in an orphanage, the “grandmother” she spoke of was the elderly director who had been her only family and constant companion throughout her life.

The thought of never seeing her again brought a slight sting to Shen Shuangjing’s eyes, casting a shadow over her mood.

She took a sip of water, clutching the glass tightly. “If you feel uncomfortable with it, just consider it my rent, okay? Otherwise, I’ll have nightmares sleeping in this luxurious villa for free.”

Though in reality, she slept soundly.

Sang Baili, sensing the quietness in her tone, subtly took the bowl from in front of Shen Shuangjing, filled it with fragrant fish soup, sprinkled a pinch of cumin, and placed it back before her.

Wiping a stray drop of soup from her hand with a wet wipe, Sang Baili said, “Then why don’t you try it tomorrow morning?”

Shen Shuangjing lowered her head to take a sip of the soup, then smiled. “It’s a deal. Just wait to be amazed.”

“Alright, I’m looking forward to it.”

With that topic settled, the two fell silent. Though neither was particularly introverted, Shen Shuangjing was preoccupied with her own thoughts, and Sang Baili refrained from pressing further. For a moment, the only sound at the table was the clinking of chopsticks against plates.

After finishing her meal, Sang Baili set down her chopsticks but didn’t rush to leave.

Watching Shen Shuangjing finish the remaining rice in her bowl, she said, “I’ve had Special Assistant Sheng prepare the furniture and daily necessities for the guest bedroom. If anything’s missing, just let me know.”

Shen Shuangjing nodded.

Once she finished eating, Sang Baili casually began clearing the dishes, stacking hers with Shen Shuangjing’s.

Shen Shuangjing pressed her hand against Sang Baili’s wrist. “Let me do that.”

Originally, Sang Baili covered all her living expenses—food, accommodation, everything. Shen Shuangjing contributed nothing except fulfilling her duties as a wife. She could only make up for it in small ways, doing what she could.

Their agreement was supposed to be equal, and she couldn’t let the Villainous Shadow Queen lose out.

Sang Baili’s raven-feather lashes lowered as her gaze drifted over the soft, slender fingers covering her wrist. She smiled. “We have a dishwasher.”

Shen Shuangjing didn’t know how to use it but was eager to learn. She followed Sang Baili into the kitchen.

After Sang Baili explained the operation, she told Shen Shuangjing to go rest, but Shen Shuangjing insisted on helping. So the two of them squeezed together at the spacious kitchen sink, washing dishes and putting utensils and dishcloths back in their places.

With the chores done, Shen Shuangjing felt more at ease and returned to the guest bedroom.

The original owner of this body had few personal belongings in her rented room. The original text revealed that she sent all her money home, prioritizing her family’s needs over her own—a classic case of being financially drained by her adoptive mother.

Shen Shuangjing carefully arranged her own necessities.

Opening the wardrobe drawer, she placed her thermal underwear inside and noticed a brand-new, unopened frosted bag.

Everything in the room was new, prepared specifically for her.

The clothes in the bag were clearly the same.

The Villain is surprisingly thoughtful.

Perfect in every way—beautiful, wealthy, and considerate—it’s no wonder the original owner of this body fell for her.

But Shen Shuangjing knew that the Villain’s thoughtfulness was a cultivated trait, like her naturally captivating eyes that seemed to charm everyone.

I mustn’t let myself get carried away.

Gratefully, Shen Shuangjing unwrapped the package and pulled out a lace nightgown as thin as a cicada’s wing.

?

What was this?

Her eyelid twitched, and her face flushed crimson, the heat rising from her neck to her cheeks, threatening to spread further.

The small piece of fabric could be held in one hand, its length barely reaching the upper thigh—a tantalizingly suggestive garment, brimming with ambiguous intent.

More ornamental than practical, it seemed designed for visual appeal rather than comfort.

Had Sang Baili prepared this?

What was her motive?

Wait… the motive seemed rather clear. It couldn’t possibly be because autumn was too hot, requiring cooler attire.

A question suddenly surfaced in Shen Shuangjing’s mind:

Was she expected to fulfill marital duties as a wife?

The agreement hadn’t mentioned anything about that.

But if not, why would Sang Baili provide such a soul-stirringly provocative nightgown, dripping with suggestive implications?

A subtle electric current seemed to course through her body, a delicate sensation that warmed her cheeks and palms.

Shen Shuangjing’s gaze flickered restlessly, her mind in turmoil. She unconsciously tightened her grip, crumpling the nightgown into a wrinkled mess.

It felt as if someone had whispered seductive words in her ear, causing her ears to flush uncontrollably, burning with an unspoken, ambiguous desire.

Boundless and inescapable, she felt herself sinking deeper into this sensual abyss.

I have no choice but to wear it, she thought, steeling herself.

After a fierce internal struggle, she finally relented. With trembling lashes, she deftly slipped into the nightgown, fastened the fragile, easily broken back strap, and stepped out of her room.

Her tall, slender frame made the already short nightgown even shorter, barely covering her porcelain-white, shapely legs. She walked stiffly, tugging at the hem with each step, as if trying to ward off an imaginary draft in the hermetically sealed villa.

The nightgown felt far cooler against her skin than it had looked.

Its deep V-neck and backless design featured black butterfly cutouts between her br3asts and hips, the sheer fabric clinging to her snow-white skin, subtly revealing her sensuality.

The black fabric couldn’t conceal her curvaceous figure; instead, the partial concealment made Shen Shuangjing resemble a white camellia bud, glistening with the pure, dewy freshness of dawn. Her youthful innocence and vibrant allure intertwined, creating a captivating beauty.

After standing in the master bedroom for what felt like an eternity, mentally preparing herself, Shen Shuangjing finally raised her hand to knock, exhaling deeply.

“Can I come in?”

“The door’s unlocked.”

Only then did she realize, in her flustered state, that she hadn’t needed to knock at all. The door opened with a gentle push.

Entering the room, she found it empty. A graceful silhouette flickered behind the frosted glass door. Less than two minutes later, Sang Baili emerged, her long hair still damp, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

The last word was barely audible, as if swallowed back the moment she saw Shen Shuangjing.

Under the harsh white light, the girl’s innocent yet sensual appearance created a visually striking contrast, sparking the imagination.

Apart from the blush on her cheeks and the redness of her lips, only the stark black and white remained, like a masterpiece of ink wash painting—a portrait of breathtaking, vibrant beauty.

Her delicate, snow-white skin shimmered like solidified milk jelly, even more refined than the soft black silk draped across her body.

If Shen Shuangjing’s pale face hadn’t flushed so deeply crimson, Sang Baili might have genuinely believed she was being seduced.

Especially that small, scarlet mole at the tip of the girl’s nose—a natural, coquettish charm that became strikingly distinctive after she stopped wearing heavy makeup.

Like cherry blossoms falling on a snowy night.

Sang Baili remained silent, her throat a little dry.

She was momentarily lost in thought.

Space and time seemed to freeze.

After a long pause, the woman who always exuded effortless control raised an eyebrow, her eyes shimmering with amusement. “You have a very nice figure.”

The tone was different, but the meaning was worlds apart.

Sang Baili deliberately drew out the last syllable, her voice laced with teasing, admiration, and probing—but utterly devoid of the lustful satisfaction of a plan succeeding.

Shen Shuangjing blinked in surprise, her eyes lifting from where they had been downcast since entering the room. Her face flushed crimson as she stared blankly at Sang Baili. “You didn’t arrange this?”

“Me?” Sang Baili’s voice rose in genuine surprise.

Her mind raced, and she quickly understood what had happened. “Not me. Special Assistant Sheng probably took it upon himself.”

So it was a misunderstanding.

Shen Shuangjing was so mortified she felt faint, her hands and feet trembling. “I thought… I thought it was your intention.”

Sang Baili cleared her throat softly, mentally noting Special Assistant Sheng’s name. “No, you could have just brought it to me and asked.”

If it were her, she would never have chosen this style. Even if she had, she wouldn’t have picked black. The combination of black and a revealing design was too overtly sexy, bordering on cliché.

A gentle, pure-hearted bean paste green would have been far more appropriate.

Shen Shuangjing bit her lip and whispered, “It wasn’t specified in the agreement. I thought I was supposed to fulfill wifely duties.”

Moonlight streamed through the half-open window, illuminating her eyes with a soft glow, as if her voice had been bathed in the gentle light.

Sang Baili wasn’t one for idle flirtation. Contrary to her romantic appearance, she never left room for others to fantasize, maintaining strict boundaries in her words and actions.

Yet, for some reason, seeing the girl’s overwhelming shyness and her earnest declaration of “fulfilling wifely duties,” Sang Baili felt an inexplicable urge to tease her.

So shy and innocent, like a blank sheet of paper untouched by ink—how dare she come here? Fortunately, Sang Baili was a virtuous woman. If she had fallen into the wrong hands, she would have been devoured whole.

She deserved to be punished.

Sang Baili reached out and gently brushed a strand of Shen Shuangjing’s hair that had been tucked inside her pajamas, her fingertips barely grazing her cheek.

The half-damp, long hair cascaded down, draping over Shen Shuangjing’s chest and shoulders. A few strands escaped to cling to her slender, graceful neck, her voice sounding as if it could drip water: “You’re being so obedient?”

Shen Shuangjing flinched visibly, hearing herself swallow hard. The fingers that had touched her felt soft, like chilled jelly.

Obedient…

It wasn’t as if she had a choice. If this was Sang Baili’s will, even if she managed to escape today, she knew she wouldn’t be spared in the future.

Sang Baili smiled, unrelenting. “No hesitation?”

Shen Shuangjing retorted quickly, “How could there not be?”

She had hesitated for a long time, almost giving up.

But it seemed she wouldn’t be at a disadvantage in this situation, and Sang Baili perfectly matched her aesthetic preferences. After agonizing over it, she had steeled herself and come.

Her face burned hotter. Even without a mirror, Shen Shuangjing could guess how red her cheeks were.

So fragrant.

Sang Baili stood too close, her post-shower fragrance pressing down on Shen Shuangjing, the air thick and damp, every cell enveloped and saturated with the intoxicating scent.

This isn’t a villain, she’s a fairy, Shen Shuangjing thought.

She felt like a female monk ensnared by a fairy, her pitiful willpower on the verge of collapse. Her mind was completely occupied by the fragrance, leaving her unable to think, her words driven purely by instinct.

The fairy spoke, her voice soft and teasing: “Do you know how to fulfill your wifely duties?”

Shen Shuangjing swallowed hard. “I don’t.”

The little figure in her heart had been so thoroughly teased that it lay prostrate on the ground, pitifully waving a white flag of surrender to the fairy.

The corners of the fairy’s crimson lips curled upward, her pale fingertips pressed against them, concealing the amusement in her smile. She feigned nonchalance, saying, “You came without knowing? That won’t do. To fulfill your wifely duties, this nightgown… isn’t enough.”

Shen Shuangjing’s face burned. She hadn’t even noticed Sang Baili had subtly taken control of the conversation. Too embarrassed to speak plainly, she stammered, “Maybe I… I should study more?”

Sang Baili couldn’t suppress a laugh, resting her forehead in her hand, her amusement unwavering.

Shen Shuangjing finally realized Sang Baili was joking. She maintained a calm and composed facade, but inside, her inner marmot was screaming incessantly like a wound-up toy.

Even beautiful villains are still villains. Cut them open, and you’ll find a black heart.

What twisted humor.

Her resentful gaze nearly materialized into a tangible force. Sang Baili paused, suppressing her laughter. “Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn anything. This is purely a business arrangement. You’re selling your skills, not your body.”

Under the bright daylight and clear skies, Shen Shuangjing dared not voice her anger at her employer’s teasing. She nodded obediently. “Okay.”

Everything Sister says is right.

Sang Baili tossed the damp towel over the chair back and retrieved an oversized coat for Shen Shuangjing.

She sat gracefully on the edge of the bed, her rounded toes curling upward, the arch of her foot elegantly defined. Pale blue veins traced across the porcelain-white dorsum of her foot, as delicate as fine porcelain, perfect for caressing and playing with.

“The only requirement during the agreement period,” Sang Baili said, “is that neither of us can be unfaithful to this marriage.”

Shen Shuangjing slipped on the coat, leaving only her long, slender legs exposed. “I won’t,” she promised.

Sang Baili smiled, her fox-like eyes glinting with nonchalance. “And one more thing: we can’t fall in love with each other. If either of us breaks the agreement, the other has the right to demand compensation at any time.”

From the beginning, all she had wanted was a wife who wouldn’t require any effort, who would give her peace of mind, whose heart was honest and pure, and who wouldn’t say a word after the agreement expired.

How could Shen Shuangjing possibly miss the underlying warning?

Shen Shuangjing declared her loyalty with resounding conviction: “Don’t worry, I’ll never fall in love with you. I’ll be the perfect contractual wife.”

Sang Baili paused, taken aback by her bluntness.

She pursed her lips, her eyes curving into a smile, though she wasn’t sure why she felt like laughing. “Mm, I trust you.”

In that moment, Shen Shuangjing felt a spiritual resonance, a deep understanding. The hearts of boss and employee, employer and contractor, seemed to beat in perfect harmony.

A flash of inspiration struck her.

Shen Shuangjing pulled out her phone and, right in front of Sang Baili, found her name on WeChat and added a note:

AAA Beautiful Boss Employer Great Client Long Live

A loyal note that would move any capitalist to tears. Sang Baili was sure to be deeply touched as well.

Sang Baili fell silent, momentarily speechless.

It wasn’t that bad, really.

But Shen Shuangjing’s expression practically screamed, “Praise me! Compliment me!” Her smiling eyes sparkled as she gazed at Sang Baili, eagerly awaiting her evaluation.

“……”

Sang Baili composed herself, extended a long finger, and deleted the last eight characters: “This will do.”