Mistakenly Married a Substitute Wife, Falling in Love with the Movie Queen - Chapter 35

Early morning.

After a night of silence, the film set buzzed with laughter and chatter. The script supervisor, art department, lighting crew, and camera operators gathered in small groups, leisurely eating breakfast and gossiping. Their voices cut through the crisp air, past the hazy glow of streetlights, startling birds from the lush, green camphor trees.

The atmosphere was relaxed and carefree, like a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Tap, tap—

The sharp, rhythmic clicks of high heels on quartz tiles grew louder as Guo Yu strode purposefully toward them, radiating an undeniable aura of authority and presence.

The assembled crew scattered like startled birds. Amidst the flurry of footsteps and equipment adjustments, everyone quickly settled into their designated positions. The script supervisor meticulously checked her notes, the lighting technicians bent over their instruments, and the camera operators adjusted the light angles through the room’s windows. Even the lingering aroma of breakfast vanished instantly.

Shen Shuangjing tilted her head back to drain the last of her soy milk, then grabbed her black backpack and jogged over to the trash can to toss the empty pouch. She stopped beside the location where today’s scene would be filmed.

She had a shoot scheduled for tonight, so she came to the set in the morning to observe and learn.

Jiang Mei, the lead actress, stood nearby, studying her script. Hearing a voice, she looked up sharply. Shen Shuangjing greeted her with a warm, radiant smile like the morning sun: “Good morning, Teacher Jiang.”

“Morning,” Jiang Mei replied.

Jiang Mei’s features were strikingly beautiful, but her slightly upturned eyes and high cheekbones gave her an aloof air.

This aloofness wasn’t meant as a criticism; it was simply an objective assessment of her appearance. Rather than “aloof,” Shen Shuangjing felt “righteous” better captured her impression of Jiang Mei.

After confirming the shooting details with the cinematographer and script supervisor, Director Guo began filming the first scene of the day.

Guo Yu and Jiang Mei were both perfectionists when it came to filmmaking. Their collaboration was seamless, as if they had been destined to work together. Two workaholics, they would often scrutinize every detail of a shot, repeatedly reshooting until it met their exacting standards.

Shen Shuangjing admired their dedication to their craft. As she sat on a small stool taking notes, she couldn’t help but voice her admiration. Guo Yu, watching the playback on the monitor, calmly replied, “Don’t forget, I’ve been holding you to the same high standards all along.”

Shen Shuangjing’s memories flashed back to her first day of filming. As the Third Female Lead, she returned home late at night after a long day of work, finding her younger siblings already asleep and a plate of cold leftovers on the table.

The scene required her to mop the floor, wipe the table, and slowly eat the cold leftovers with a glass of water.

They shot the scene seventeen times. To maintain the scene’s realism, the food on set was always cold. The once-fragrant dishes had lost their freshness, becoming greasy and fishy, emitting an indescribable odor. Shen Shuangjing, who had been eating light meals recently, suddenly had to force down two plates of greasy, cold rice. Back at her hotel, she suffered severe stomach cramps and vomited everything up, unable to eat for three days.

Moreover, Director Guo would sometimes spontaneously decide to shoot a scene. On one occasion, Shen Shuangjing had just emerged from the restroom when an assistant dragged her to makeup and wardrobe, summoning her to the set.

Fortunately, she had memorized her lines in advance.

Director Guo was meticulous about her work, treating her actors as integral parts of her artistic vision.

The recent take had been flawless. Guo Yu nodded slightly in satisfaction, tapped the armrest with his “director’s baton,” raised his chin, and called out, “Good. Half an hour break before the next scene.”

Shen Shuangjing exhaled deeply, stood up, stretched languidly, and performed a set of energizing calisthenics in her down jacket.

After finishing her gymnastics routine, Shen Shuangjing felt refreshed both physically and mentally. She glanced at her watch—it was ten in the morning.

Turning around, she met Guo Yu’s thoughtful gaze.

“Do you want to learn too?” Shen Shuangjing offered. “I can teach you!”

“No need,” Guo Yu replied, his lips twitching slightly as he shook his head. “I’m too old—I’d probably strain my back.” He paused. “How’s your bonding with Xiao Xiao going?”

The script included a period where the female lead and the third female lead became friends. Guo Yu had advised Shen Shuangjing to spend time with Jiang Mei privately beforehand, believing it would make their on-screen interactions smoother during filming.

Shen Shuangjing plopped back down on her small stool, her lashes sweeping a gentle arc across her cheek as her gaze drifted. “It’s going well,” she said vaguely.

Jiang Mei was even more dedicated than Director Guo, constantly memorizing lines and studying professional texts. Shen Shuangjing struggled to find opportunities to talk to her. Yet despite these challenges, Shen Shuangjing’s “Operation Get Close to Xiao Xiao” was showing some progress.

“We talk every day,” she said.

Meaning she says “Good morning” to Jiang Mei.

“We reciprocate.”

Meaning Jiang Mei replies with “Good morning.”

“We walk together.”

Meaning she shows Jiang Mei the way to the restroom.

As Shen Shuangjing finished speaking, her dark, bright eyes betrayed her deep-seated guilt.

“Excellent,” Guo Yu said, patting her shoulder. “I’m looking forward to filming your scene together tonight.”

Shen Shuangjing chuckled dryly. “No problem.”

At noon, Shen Shuangjing first went to the nearest mall to buy two sets of pajamas. She had her assistant take them back to the hotel while she returned to the film set.

After picking up a boxed lunch, Shen Shuangjing headed toward her secret hideout.

Behind the filming location was an abandoned courtyard. Though small, it contained a vacant cottage with the heater always running. After confirming with the staff that she could use it, Shen Shuangjing had been eating and resting there during lunch breaks.

Before she could even push open the slightly ajar door, Shen Shuangjing heard muffled voices inside.

Someone’s in there?

Who’s taken over my secret hideout?!

Shen Shuangjing pushed the door open. Jiang Mei, seated at the table, happened to turn her head and their eyes met.

Jiang Mei, holding a script, froze for a moment. Her gaze shifted to the boxed lunch in Shen Shuangjing’s hand, and understanding dawned on her face. “Come in.”

Still holding the door open, Shen Shuangjing said awkwardly, “I should probably eat somewhere else. The lunch smells pretty strong.”

Jiang Mei pondered for a moment, her expression remaining calm as ever. “It’s fine. It won’t bother me. I’ve already memorized my lines; I’m just reviewing them.”

Shen Shuangjing didn’t stand on ceremony. The nanny van had been driven away by her assistant, and with nowhere else to go, she decided to quickly finish her meal and dispose of the takeout box. She slipped into the room.

The aroma of the food hung in the air. Jiang Mei, who had been reciting her lines, paused almost imperceptibly.

Her mind raced, calculating the time it would take to go to the cafeteria, get food, and return. She realized that time could be used to memorize a scene or read a few pages of Entering the Halls of Art, and decisively chose to abandon the idea of getting her own meal.

However, her stomach rebelled against her will. The burning sensation grew increasingly intense, nearly unbearable.

The door clicked shut. Jiang Mei looked up to find herself alone in the room.

The script lay face down on the table. Her neck and back were hunched forward, her jaw clenched tight, cold sweat beading on her forehead. She picked up her phone, her finger hovering over her assistant’s contact, but hesitated to press the call button.

This is probably just a minor thing, she thought. Like the previous times, I can probably just endure it.

The unlubricated door hinge creaked softly, likely from a gust of wind pushing the door open.

But Jiang Mei lacked the strength to stand up and close it. Her lashes lowered slightly, her face pale. Suddenly, a takeout box, a cup of warm water, and two antacid tablets appeared on the table within her field of vision.

Jiang Mei glanced sideways at the familiar long black down coat beside her.

Shen Shuangjing set down the items and leaned in to observe her expression. “Teacher Jiang, you don’t seem to be feeling well. I got you some food. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Jiang Mei took a sip of warm water, trying to calm herself. “Just the food will do. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Teacher Jiang,” Shen Shuangjing replied. “Just call me if you need anything else.”

With that, she walked to another table, sat down, tapped her phone’s side to unlock it, and began scrolling through messages.

Jiang Mei had encountered many types of people: those who flattered her, those who revered her, and those who tried to curry favor with her.

Shen Shuangjing, however, didn’t fit into any of these categories.

Due to her profession, Jiang Mei habitually observed everyone, assigning them appropriate labels. Shen Shuangjing was among those she had observed, grouped with words like “sunny” and “cheerful.”

From her observations, Jiang Mei noted that Shen Shuangjing maintained good relationships with the director, had even added the cafeteria ladies on WeChat, and radiated boundless energy throughout the day. By evening, among the exhausted, half-dead staff, she stood out like a beacon.

Shen Shuangjing possessed a pair of almond-shaped eyes, round and bright, as if they could speak volumes.

If she were to be described as the sun, it would be the winter sun—not as glaring and unapproachable as the July sun, but radiating a warm, pure light that drew people closer.

Jiang Mei picked up her chopsticks, noticing out of the corner of her eye the faint smile that had risen to Shen Shuangjing’s eyes and the corners of her lips.

This smile was different from her usual friendly one. Her lips curved into a shallow arc, then pressed together as if restraining the upward curve, like a beautiful statue suddenly coming to life. It was the unguarded, relaxed expression one only shows in the presence of close friends.

Shen Shuangjing was chatting with Sang Baili, fulfilling her duties as a model employee.

She sent Sang Baili a photo of the shopping bag from earlier.

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: Image.jpg

AAA Beautiful Boss: You bought it?

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: Yes!

AAA Beautiful Boss: Let me see.

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: Isn’t it a bit inappropriate in broad daylight? 😳 🙈 😳

AAA Beautiful Boss: …I meant the pajamas.

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: That’s what I meant too. 🐶 covers mouth and giggles 🐶 looks at you and says, “Wow, your mind is something else!”

AAA Beautiful Boss: …?

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: ^_^ I left the pajamas at the hotel. I’m still on set, but I’ll take photos for you when I get back tonight. Here’s something else to look at.

Shen Shuangjing found the lottery ticket she had scratched at noon and sent it to Sang Baili.

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: Check out the lottery ticket I scratched at the mall! I won fifty yuan—pretty impressive, right? Smug

AAA Beautiful Boss: You already posted this on Weibo, why send it to me again?

Shen Shuangjing was taken aback.

Big Whale Eats Little Whale: Sis, you actually surf Weibo? That’s so hip!

AAA Beautiful Boss: ……

On the other end of the phone, Sang Baili’s delicate eyebrows arched slightly. She smoothed a strand of her long hair with her slender fingers and chuckled softly, biting her lip.

What’s that supposed to mean? Does she think I’m not hip enough? Just a boring, stiff CEO who only knows how to attend meetings?

Prejudice, Shen Xiaojing. Pure prejudice.

After a moment, a voice message from Sang Baili popped up in the chat.

Shen Shuangjing first tapped “Convert to Text” and read it for a while, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks.

Just to be sure the text is accurate, I should listen to the audio.

She put the phone on speaker. The woman’s voice purred with magnetic allure, followed by a mischievous laugh.

“I just added you to my ‘Special Follows.’ Does that count as hip?”