Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 30

When she said this, Shen Xi subconsciously looked up at her, only to meet Han Ning’s gaze—gentle yet filled with an aggressive intensity.

“Let’s go eat, I’m hungry.” After speaking, Shen Xi awkwardly pulled her hand away and quickly walked ahead. Han Ning immediately followed her, chattering behind, “Hey, aren’t you robbing me? What are you even robbing…?”

Shen Xi ignored her and walked even faster. Han Ning cheerfully kept up, and the two walked side by side. Ten minutes later, they arrived at a hotpot restaurant.

Since Han Ning was filming, she had to control her diet to stay in shape. She had only come because Shen Xi wanted hotpot. She wasn’t good with spicy food, so she planned to stick to the mild broth and make do with whatever she could eat.

After ordering, Shen Xi stared at her phone instead of chatting with Han Ning like usual.

It seemed like she was browsing something, but Han Ning noticed that her eyes weren’t even moving. Before Han Ning could say anything, Shen Xi put her phone down and looked up, meeting Han Ning’s gaze.

With her arms crossed on the dark brown table, she sat up straight like a well-behaved schoolchild. Her glossy lips slightly pouted, and she stared at Han Ning without blinking.

Annoyed? Sulking?

How cute…

How could Xi Xi be both beautiful and adorable?

Han Ning couldn’t help but smile. Resting her chin in her hand, she teased, “Are you a little hamster? You look just like an angry one.”

Saying that, she reached out and pinched Shen Xi’s cheek. Shen Xi’s brows shot up as she slapped Han Ning’s hand away with an annoyed “Tsk!”

Han Ning mimicked her expression so perfectly that Shen Xi was momentarily stunned before chuckling softly.

The waiter brought over their ordered dishes on a cart. Shen Xi’s eyes followed the food without blinking, clearly craving it.

Once the cart was pushed away, Shen Xi started tossing ingredients into the pot. Han Ning’s side was a mild broth, while Shen Xi’s was a deep red, spicy broth.

Han Ning frowned at Shen Xi’s pot and said, “Eat less spicy food. I can’t even imagine how spicy that is.”

Shen Xi, chewing on lettuce, rolled her eyes at Han Ning’s nagging and grumbled, “Mind your own business, just eat your mild broth.”

Scolded…

“Tch, so protective over food…” Han Ning rubbed her nose and gave her a pitiful look before focusing on her own meal.

The cabbage boiled in mild broth had nothing but a hint of saltiness and oil. Han Ning felt more and more like a rabbit as she ate.

Shen Xi gulped down her cola, wiped her mouth, and looked at the spicy red broth in front of her with satisfaction, squinting happily.

No need to ask—Han Ning could tell Shen Xi was thoroughly enjoying herself.

“The day Nan Yan finishes filming is the day I’m finally free!” Han Ning placed her chopsticks down and said with frustration, “I never want to eat vegetables again…”

Hearing Nan Yan’s filming was wrapping up, Shen Xi’s smile faded. She hadn’t figured out how to talk to Han Ning about her new drama. After thinking it over, she subtly asked, “What will you do after finishing Nan Yan? Take another role or take a break?”

They left their seats and walked outside as they talked.

Han Ning thought for a moment, glanced at Shen Xi’s profile, and remained silent for a while. When Shen Xi looked at her questioningly, she hesitated before shaking her head. “I don’t know… I’ll decide when the time comes.”

A sense of loss rose in her heart. She knew that once Nan Yan finished, it might not just mean her freedom—it could also mean her separation from Shen Xi.

Chen Rong was a great senior and was willing to guide Shen Xi. Following her could bring Shen Xi good opportunities and career growth. Why should Han Ning keep Shen Xi by her side like some kind of personal accessory?

Shen Xi sighed internally. She didn’t say anything…

Thinking carefully, Shen Xi realized that Han Ning had hardly taken a break since entering the industry. Even a machine couldn’t handle such a workload. It was understandable for Han Ning to take a break after finishing filming.

As for the filming of Thorny Rose, whether she and Han Ning would work together again would depend on fate.

The afternoon shoot started around two o’clock. Shen Xi wasn’t upstairs but stayed at the set, watching them film and getting some fresh air. For several hours, her eyes seemed glued to Han Ning.

Xu Lier had rested for a few hours but still felt unwell. She had a high fever and nausea yet refused to get an IV drip. Zhou Heyang tried persuading her, covering his face in frustration. “Come on, girl, you can’t shoot like this! Go get an IV, take some medicine, rest, and come back when you’re better.”

With the assistant’s help, she finally left the film set. Zhou Heyang shook his head. “If she doesn’t go, she’ll burn her brain out…”

However, with Xu Lier’s sudden absence, the upcoming scenes were left unfilled, making Zhou Heyang uneasy.

He turned and spotted Shen Xi standing behind him. His eyes lit up as he sized her up.

Feeling uncomfortable under his stare, Shen Xi instinctively took two steps back. “…What are you doing?”

Hearing this, Han Ning rushed over like the wind, stepping in front of Shen Xi protectively. She glared at Zhou Heyang, full of vigilance, like a mother hen guarding her chick. “Why are you staring at her like that?” She even patted Shen Xi’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t be scared!”

Shen Xi pursed her lips and smiled. Seeing Han Ning’s reaction, Zhou Heyang got annoyed and glared back. “What? You think I’d do something to her?” Then, as he looked at the two of them, an idea struck him. He clapped his hands. “Perfect.”

The two exchanged confused glances, unsure of what Zhou Heyang meant. But soon, Han Ning’s attitude changed—because what Zhou Heyang suggested was exactly what she wanted.

Since Xu Lier couldn’t film, and Zhou Heyang, being a perfectionist, couldn’t rest until the scenes were shot, he made a grand decision.

Shen Xi would be Xu Lier’s stand-in. They would only film her back and close-up shots without showing her face.

Seeing Shen Xi in costume, Han Ning couldn’t stop grinning. Shen Xi and Xu Lier were of similar height, with Shen Xi slightly slimmer. Under the loose school uniform, their silhouettes were almost identical.

“This… feels weird…” Shen Xi stepped onto the set. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail, a few wisps of hair falling over her forehead, giving her a youthful look.

“Not weird at all, you look great.” Han Ning laughed and pulled her over. Zhou Heyang was also satisfied. With the sun just right, he returned to his seat and started filming.

The scenes were filled with unspoken emotions, subtle yet intense, expressing love that couldn’t be put into words. Zhou Heyang became increasingly convinced that the real story had only begun with Shen Xi.

Liang Xun watched the scene unfold, his expression turning skeptical. “Are these two… for real?” he muttered.

Shen Xi’s heart was racing. She knew that in these scenes, she wasn’t acting—her reactions were entirely instinctive.

Everything went smoothly, and Zhou Heyang finally called, “Cut!” But he wasn’t satisfied yet. Looking at Han Ning holding Shen Xi’s hand, reluctant to let go, he made another bold decision.

“One more scene—a kiss scene.”

“Really?!” Han Ning’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Liang Xun sighed, rubbing his forehead. Yep, they’re definitely real…

“A… kiss scene? I can’t, Director Zhou…” Shen Xi hesitated.

“Don’t worry, it’s a fake kiss. Just a close-up.” Zhou Heyang explained the scene:
watching the sunset by the bridge, conveying emotions through small actions, and at the perfect moment, Zhou Yan would kiss Lin Nan.

Shen Xi envisioned the scene—sunset on the bridge, an uncontrollable moment, love silently blooming. Zhou Yan kissing Lin Nan, with the golden light framing them.

“Understood?” Zhou Heyang snapped his fingers in front of Shen Xi.

Shen Xi nodded. “Let’s start.”

“Great!” Zhou Heyang hurried back, eager to capture the scene before sunset.

As the camera rolled, Shen Xi watched Han Ning. Han Ning appeared relaxed, but inside, she was a nervous wreck. She subconsciously licked her lips and leaned closer. Shen Xi’s gaze fell on her lips as she reached out, hooking an arm around Han Ning’s neck.

The moment was just as Zhou Heyang had imagined—perfect.

“Cut! That’s a wrap! Great job, everyone!” Zhou Heyang beamed with satisfaction.

Shen Xi didn’t move. Han Ning didn’t move.

Behind them, the crew bustled around.

And in the next second, Han Ning froze as warmth touched her lips.

Shen Xi had really kissed her.