Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 39

A soft and sweet voice that she had never heard before rang in Han Ning’s ear. She was stunned for a moment, wanting to mock Shen Xi coldly, but her throat felt blocked…

Just like that, she was comforted?

Wouldn’t that make her look weak and spineless?

She wasn’t someone who could be easily swayed!

Shen Xi had to learn her lesson!

“Let go,” Han Ning said coldly, trying to calm herself.

But deep inside, she was thinking—Shen Xi, if you dare let go, just try…
“…I won’t…” Shen Xi shook her head, her voice filled with a spoiled tone. She gazed into Han Ning’s eyes, refusing to loosen her grip even a little, afraid Han Ning would break free and run away.

Han Ning forced herself not to meet her gaze, turning her head slightly to look out the window, remaining silent.

“What’s so interesting about the pitch-black night outside?” Shen Xi saw through her act and whispered in her ear, “Are you jealous?”

Her voice carried a playful tone, as if she was teasing her on purpose.

Han Ning flared up instantly, glaring at her. “I am not!”

“You are jealous.”

“You’re overthinking! I am not!” Han Ning, like an agitated kitten, suddenly broke free from Shen Xi’s embrace, slammed the door, and left without looking back.

Not long after she got home, Shen Xi’s call came through. Han Ning glanced at her phone, rolled her eyes, and quickly declined the call before hugging her cat and continuing her drama binge.

Her phone vibrated on the table on and off for about half an hour—calls from Shen Xi, along with more than a dozen WeChat messages. Han Ning read them but didn’t reply, ignoring them completely.

Late at night, she tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She suddenly sat up, talking to herself like a split personality:

“I am Han Ning, the hottest rising actress right now! I have both beauty and talent, my career is thriving, and my figure is top-notch—slim waist, long legs, and even…” She paused, pulling at her collar to check. “Well, not small… I have so many wife fans that they could circle the entire film city thirteen times!”

“Why does Shen Xi think she can control me? Do whatever she wants with me?”

“She calls herself a sweet rice dumpling, but honestly, I’m the real rice dumpling here!”

She pulled the blanket over her head, hugged her knees, and thought: I must have owed Shen Xi in my past life. Otherwise, why would I be so helplessly trapped in her grasp…
Even worse… why can’t I leave her?!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. She clenched her fists under the blanket and let out a frustrated scream: “Ahhhhh!!!”

Just as Shen Xi had once said, their relationship was never one-sided. It just got imbalanced sometimes. To restore that balance, she showed up at the film set early in the morning, fulfilling her promise to stay by Han Ning’s side at all times.

The script reading for Thorny Rose was already 70-80% complete. Next was the actors’ training, and filming would officially begin in a month. Any script changes would be made then.

So technically, Shen Xi had a free month.

Yet, she still appeared at the film set. Aside from Han Ning, everyone in the crew looked at her in confusion, letting out a collective, “Huh?”

Shen Xi simply smiled and explained that she wanted to experience the daily life of a film crew.

Han Ning treated her like a stranger, completely ignoring her. She just went about her work with Kou Kou. Three days passed, and they hadn’t spoken a single word to each other.

Back home, Shen Xi was getting anxious. Sitting on the sofa, holding Han Ning’s cat, she thought: The most important thing is to get rid of Kou Kou, her assistant. Otherwise, I won’t have a good excuse to stay close to Han Ning.

After a few minutes of thinking, she remembered Kou Kou’s birthday was coming up. She couldn’t directly give Kou Kou a break, but she could make her take leave…

Shen Xi pulled out her phone, booked a flight and a hotel, then called Kou Kou.

Seeing Shen Xi’s name on her phone, Kou Kou was surprised but answered immediately:

“Hello, Shen Xi? It’s late, what’s up?”

Shen Xi grinned. “I heard from Han Ning that you love traveling and have always wanted to visit Dali. Your birthday is coming up, so I got you a gift—a plane ticket.”

“Wow… really?!” Kou Kou covered her mouth, excitement and joy flashing in her eyes.

“Go have fun. You can go wherever you want. I’ll cover your travel and accommodation. Just take a leave from Han Ning.”

Hearing Kou Kou’s delighted squeal, Shen Xi knew she had won.

“Ahhh! Thank you, Shen Xi!” Kou Kou was overjoyed. After hanging up, she immediately applied for a one-week leave, using her birthday as an excuse.

Han Ning thought about Kou Kou’s hard work and approved the leave without hesitation, even transferring her some money as a bonus. Kou Kou was thrilled, rolling around in bed, too happy to sleep…

The next day, Shen Xi didn’t see Kou Kou anywhere. Han Ning was sitting alone on a bench at the training ground, waiting for the instructor.

When she turned her head, she saw Shen Xi approaching, taking on Kou Kou’s role completely—holding water, tissues, and even pain relief patches.

Shen Xi had suddenly come so well-prepared, like she had been briefed on the job. Han Ning quickly connected the dots with Kou Kou’s sudden leave.

Realizing this, she narrowed her eyes and thought—Shen Xi, you’ve really outdone yourself!
“Morning, Ning Ning~” Shen Xi sat beside her and whispered, “From now on, I’ll be right by your side. I won’t leave you for a second…”

“Kou Kou’s sudden trip has something to do with you, doesn’t it?” Han Ning scooted away and asked.

Shen Xi nodded, moving closer. “Of course, otherwise, how would I know you were coming here instead of the film set today?”

“Then you better work hard. Being an assistant is exhausting. Be prepared.” Han Ning smirked. “Go buy two coffees—one for me, one for Cheng Nian. Not too hot, not room temperature, just warm. Mine should be a medium roast Americano with fruity notes, no sugar. Cheng Nian likes dark roast with caramel notes, a little sugar.”

“Ah, thanks… but I don’t drink coffee, don’t include me~” Cheng Nian smiled, shook her head, and walked away.

Han Ning: “…”

Shen Xi looked at Cheng Nian, satisfied. Then she confirmed again, “So just yours—medium roast, fruity, no sugar. Want milk?”

Han Ning paused, then shook her head. “No, that’s fine.”

“Anything else I should do?” Shen Xi remained calm and composed.

“No, go buy it.”

Shen Xi returned ten minutes later, handing her a hot coffee. “Here, drink up.”

The bitter aroma of black coffee lingered in Han Ning’s nose. She frowned, regretting her decision. Shen Xi noticed and silently pulled out two sugar packets, offering them. “Need sugar, Ning Ning?”

Han Ning glanced at the sugar in her palm, let out a cold laugh, and said stubbornly, “No way!” Then, bracing herself, she gulped down half the cup in one go, internally screaming: This is worse than medicine!