Mistakenly Married a Substitute Wife, Falling in Love with the Movie Queen - Chapter 44

In that moment, they became secret sharers…

Sang Baili hesitated for a moment before reaching out to hug her back, her hair brushing against Shen Shuangjing’s cheek.

The crystal chandeliers in the banquet hall sparkled, casting icy reflections off the champagne tower.

Over a hundred people attended the film crew’s year-end party. The schedule began with dancing, followed by dinner and a raffle.

Everyone had one chance to participate in the raffle, but those who danced would receive an extra entry.

The dance required no specific partners, only that participants not dance with the same person twice. Many single attendees paired up to register.

Shen Shuangjing asked several familiar staff members to dance, but they all politely declined, either already dancing with their partners or having made arrangements when signing up for the party.

Sipping her Dom Pérignon, Shen Shuangjing unconsciously scratched her neatly manicured nails against the glass.

The champagne’s exquisite flavor spread across her tongue, its sweet and bitter notes intertwining in a lingering dance of taste.

“Long time no see.”

Jiang Mei, the female lead of the film crew, approached, lifting her skirt slightly. She nodded toward the dance floor, extending an invitation. “Want to join me?”

Unaccustomed to such lively atmospheres, she had been observing from a dimly lit corner for a long time, pretending to be a mushroom, before spotting a girl who seemed to be alone.

“Sure,” Shen Shuangjing replied.

Noticing Jiang Mei’s nervousness, Shen Shuangjing smiled warmly and initiated conversation. “Are you here for the lottery too?”

Jiang Mei nodded demurely.

The allure of a high-end skincare set was irresistible.

Just as Jiang Mei finished nodding, gasps and commotion erupted near the entrance.

The woman who entered possessed striking beauty, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her eyes brimming with emotion. Thick, cascading curls framed her chest, and silver-set jade earrings swayed with each step, scattering delicate glimmers.

She wore a mint-green qipao in a modern Chinese style, its collar embroidered with subtle bamboo patterns, exuding both elegance and refinement while radiating a breathtaking, captivating allure.

She instantly drew nearly every gaze in the room.

“She already has a partner,” Guo Yu suddenly materialized beside them, addressing Jiang Mei. “Why don’t you dance with me instead?”

Jiang Mei looked puzzled. “But Director, Shen Shuangjing already agreed to dance with me.”

Guo Yu tugged her toward the center of the dance floor, explaining, “She only agreed because her partner wasn’t here. Now that her partner has arrived, everything changes.”

As Jiang Mei was pulled onto the dance floor, she glanced at Shen Shuangjing, still skeptical. “Director, how come you seem to know her partner arrived even before Shen Shuangjing does?”

Guo Yu cleared his throat. “Nothing escapes the keen eyes of this director.”

He winced. “Slow down! Stop staring over there and watch where you’re stepping—you’re stepping on my foot!”

While they were talking, Shen Shuangjing’s gaze shifted from Sang Baili, leaving her standing there in a daze.

Where had her towering dance partner gone?

But her attention was quickly drawn to the woman approaching her.

Sang Baili casually raised her palm, turning her head to reject the invitation of someone trying to flirt with her. Her eyes shimmered with a captivating, languid charm.

She stopped in front of Shen Shuangjing, nonchalantly brushing a stray curl from her shoulder.

“May I have this dance?”

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Shen Shuangjing was surprised by her arrival but, surrounded by onlookers, suppressed her curiosity and played along with the charade of unfamiliarity.

Setting her wine glass on the long table, Shen Shuangjing looked up again, her complex emotions now hidden. She lightly touched President Sang’s palm with her fingertips. “My pleasure.”

As they walked away, the crowd erupted into animated chatter, their expressions varied.

“Ahhh! It’s not a hallucination! I actually saw my long-retired goddess at the year-end party!”

“Ignorance! President Sang is an investor in our production team.”

“If I’d known President Sang would be here, I wouldn’t have booked a dance partner in advance. Now Shen Shuangjing gets to steal the spotlight.”

“Stop daydreaming. Whether you booked a partner or not has nothing to do with President Sang.”

“True, but why would President Sang choose Shen Shuangjing? I don’t know who to envy more.”

“Obviously because Shen Shuangjing is beautiful.”

“Nonsense! My goddess isn’t that superficial. She probably just picked someone at random.”

Shen Shuangjing held Sang Baili’s waist, their left and right hands clasped together. Her long, pale legs peeked out from the slit of her skirt, glowing luminously and catching the eye.

Her long hair was styled into a high bun, exposing her delicate nape to the air.

As they danced, swaying left, right, left, left, Shen Shuangjing’s composed facade finally cracked. “How did you end up here?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“I invested quite a bit,” Sang Baili replied, “so I came to minimize my losses.”

Shen Shuangjing’s eyes widened in realization. “You’re after the grand prize too.”

Sang Baili raised an eyebrow. “Too?”

Shen Shuangjing lifted her right hand overhead, guiding Sang Baili into a spin. In the brief pause, she pointed to herself with a grin. “Allow me to introduce myself. The person before you is Xiao Shen, one of your fiercest competitors for the grand prize you’re after.”

Her light makeup, illuminated by the stage lights, enhanced her radiant and refined beauty.

Sang Baili’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Then the competition will be fierce.”

She tilted her head to look up at Shen Shuangjing, her feet still moving to the rhythm. “But if I win the grand prize, I’ll give it to you.”

Shen Shuangjing’s dark, crystalline eyes flickered with shock and confusion. Her grip around Sang Baili’s lower back tightened with restraint. “Wouldn’t you be at a disadvantage?”

Their skirts tangled together as the classical music swelled to a crescendo.

Sang Baili, in high spirits, replied, “I’m more interested in the other prizes than the money.”

Shen Shuangjing couldn’t comprehend the world of the wealthy.

“If I win something you want, I’ll give it to you,” she offered. “What do you want?”

“I’m not sure,” Sang Baili said. “What are the prizes?”

As the dance concluded, Shen Shuangjing led Sang Baili to a black signboard.

Sang Baili crossed her arms and scanned the list, from the grand prize to the consolation prizes. “The hot pot and hand cream are nice. The health-preserving kettle would also be good.”

Shen Shuangjing began silently praying for good fortune: “Money will come from all directions…”

The music softened as the dance segment gradually drew to a close. Waiters in tailcoats entered in a line, carrying golden trays.

The highly anticipated dinner and raffle were about to begin.

Shen Shuangjing and Sang Baili found a table and sat down. Suddenly, Sang Baili received a work call. She gestured to Shen Shuangjing, then clicked her heels and walked out to the corridor to take the call.

The round table was laden with food. Shen Shuangjing sampled a slice of apple spread with cheese, its crisp texture blending unexpectedly well with the creamy softness. It was an unusual combination, yet surprisingly delicious.

She picked up Sang Baili’s chopsticks, took a slice, and placed it on her companion’s plate.

Suddenly, a hand pressed down on her shoulder.

“Shen Shuangjing, mind switching seats?”

Shen Shuangjing turned to see the second female lead of the film crew leaning over the table, her palm pressed against its surface, staring down at her.

Setting down her chopsticks, Shen Shuangjing gestured toward the other tables, her eyes clear and direct. “If you’re looking for an empty seat, there are plenty over there.”

The others at the table sensed the sparks flying and glanced over. The second female lead suppressed her impatience, her brows furrowing slightly as she said in a low voice, “I just want to sit here. Can’t you be accommodating? After all, I entered the industry before you. I’m your senior, and you should show me respect.”

Sang Baili, having finished her call, returned and said coldly, “No, we’re already sitting here.”

Seeing Sang Baili, the second female lead quickly offered her business card. “President Sang, I heard Sang Group Entertainment is planning a new project. Would you be open to discussing a collaboration?”

Having just terminated her contract with her previous agency, she urgently needed to sign with a new one to secure fresh opportunities.

The Sang Group, with its formidable resources, was the dream agency for countless actors.

Sang Baili’s gaze swept across her face, but she didn’t take the card. “For collaboration inquiries, please contact the official website.”

The second lead bit her lip, softening her tone. “President Sang, don’t you remember me? We acted in scenes together.”

Negotiating with the relevant authorities would take time, and during this gap, she wouldn’t be able to secure roles. Without exposure, her popularity would plummet.

She hoped Sang Baili would make an exception.

In her memory, Sang Baili was known for her kindness and support of charitable causes. Moreover, this request would be a mere flick of the wrist for Sang Baili, yet it could resolve her immediate crisis.

Her impression of Sang Baili wasn’t wrong, but Sang Baili had noticed the second lead’s habit of flattering those above her while looking down on those beneath her, leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

“I’ve acted opposite many actors. I can’t possibly remember them all.”

Her voice was as cold as water about to freeze.

The rejection was merciless.

Under the public gaze, the second lead was turned away, her face flushing crimson as she fled in disarray.

After taking a sip of water, Sang Baili lazily lifted her eyelids, folded her napkin into a neat square, and looked at Shen Shuangjing. “Sang Group Entertainment is selecting artists. Their character must be impeccable, even if their popularity is lower. After all, Sang Group has reserved ample funds for public relations.”

Shen Shuangjing was sipping champagne, the amber liquid staining her lips like a layer of sweet honey.

She tapped the gilded plate in front of Sang Baili, the crisp sound of her fingertip striking the rim. “Try this—creamy cheese paired with fresh apple slices. It’s delicious.”

Then, with a charming smile, she replied to Sang Baili’s earlier remark, “Sang Group is indeed formidable. No wonder it’s the company you manage, Sister. Artists signed with Sang Group are so fortunate. I hope they’ll live up to expectations, earn you a lot of money, and not disappoint Sang Group’s investment in them.”

Sang Baili: “……”

Shen Shuangjing hadn’t understood her meaning.

Could the allure of a single apple slice really surpass that of one of the country’s top entertainment companies?

Sang Baili speared a slice of apple smeared with cheese and took a bite, her expression blank.

Just an ordinary apple slice.

The lottery results were announced by the host on stage.

Except for the grand prize winners, who had to come forward to claim their prizes, everyone else could collect their gifts backstage.

Sang Baili’s lottery numbers were 21 and 129, while Shen Shuangjing’s were 6 and 91.

When the results were revealed, Sang Baili had won a cash red envelope of 8,888 yuan and a bag of chocolates.

Shen Shuangjing had won hand cream and a robot vacuum cleaner.

Neither of them had won the grand prize.

Jiang Mei, the grand prize winner, took the stage to give her acceptance speech. “I hope whoever won the limited-edition skincare set would be willing to trade prizes with me,” she said.

Shen Shuangjing was disappointed. She checked repeatedly to confirm that she hadn’t won either the grand prize cash red envelope or the skincare set.

Still, the dinner tonight had been delicious.

The trip hadn’t been a waste.

Sang Baili offered to give her cash red envelope to Shen Shuangjing, but Shen Shuangjing refused.

So Sang Baili transferred 10,000 yuan to her via WeChat.

“Since you don’t want your prize, I’ll just transfer the money directly to you,” she said. “Happy New Year in advance.”

The new year was only two or three hours away.

Shen Shuangjing, her cheeks flushed from the wine, rested her chin in her hand and smiled, her clear, bright eyes sparkling with tipsiness and pure joy. “Thank you,” she murmured.

She opened the hand cream set, revealing four tubes, each with a different floral scent. She kept two for herself and gave the other two to Sang Baili.

Sang Baili offered the bag of chocolates to Shen Shuangjing.

Shen Shuangjing pushed it back, saying, “You should keep half for yourself.”

Sang Baili paused, confused. We’ll just eat them together anyway, so why split them?

Though she couldn’t quite grasp the child’s logic, she decided to follow along.

She asked a waiter for two delicate gift boxes, divided the chocolates into two portions, and arranged them in the boxes lined with snow-white raffia.

She handed one box to Shen Shuangjing.

“Why do we have to split them?”

Shen Shuangjing replied, “It’s a top-secret secret.”

Everyone at the table leaned in, straining to hear.

The glass tabletop reflected their eager, forward-leaning figures.

They loved secrets more than anything.

But Shen Shuangjing wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

She stood up, cupped her hands around Sang Baili’s ear, and whispered softly against her earlobe, her warm breath brushing against her skin like willow branches skimming a spring lake.

“The secret is…”

The clamor of voices faded like a receding tide. Her words fell into Sang Baili’s ear, making them co-owners of the secret.

“From now on, we’ll both have double the good luck.”