Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 12

Everyone had rehearsed all day, feeling utterly exhausted. But acting wasn’t physically draining it was emotionally and vocally taxing.

Let’s go out and celebrate! Xueyi wants to treat us to thank everyone for yesterday, the class monitor announced, and the rehearsal space erupted in cheers.

Chu Xueyi hadn’t experienced this kind of camaraderie in ages. She was used to attending wrap parties or dinners hosted by directors—events she couldn’t avoid. Refusing would be disrespectful to the director and producer. So, she always felt uncomfortable, dodging men’s scrutinizing gazes and furtive touches.

But this gathering was different.

She found herself sitting next to Ji Qingshu.

Logically, she knew she should escape, but her body moved before her mind could catch up, and she settled into the seat first.

Ji Qingshu had a reserved demeanor, rarely offering warmth or pleasantries to others. Sitting beside him meant enjoying a quiet meal, undisturbed by chatter.

Chu Xueyi felt a faint sense of comfort and warmth creeping into her heart.

This damned sense of security, this damned tenderness, had led her to accidentally drink far too much!

Soon, she grew drowsy. But Qingcheng Drama Academy had a strict curfew, meaning staying out late was a serious breach of the rules.

Ji Qingshu and Chu Xueyi lived closest to each other, separated only by a thin wall. Calling them roommates wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

Just as she was about to reach out, a man suddenly approached from the side. He was also a cast member for their video project, which explained his presence at the gathering.

Qingshu, let me help Xueyi, he offered. It’s not appropriate for a girl to do it.

The man’s eyes betrayed an undisguised eagerness, the meaning of which was obvious to anyone.

Ji Qingshu frowned slightly. Chu Xueyi’s pursuit of Su Shiyu was common knowledge. How could this man possibly be unaware?

Why would he even try something he knew was impossible?

No need, Ji Qingshu replied. I can dislocate Zhao Chengjun’s lackey’s arm with one hand. I’m not as weak as you think.

Ji Qingshu’s tone was light as a feather, but her gaze could kill. The prey she had set her sights on was not to be touched by anyone else.

The boy stiffened.

He hadn’t expected Ji Qingshu, who had been slapped by Chu Xueyi earlier that day, to be so magnanimous.

Scratching the back of his head, he retreated awkwardly.

Helping Chu Xueyi out of the room proved inconvenient. Even opening the door was a hassle. Ji Qingshu pulled out her phone and made a call.

Soon, a man in a tailored suit arrived at the restaurant.

Miss, he said, bowing his head respectfully.

The others present were used to this. After all, they had been classmates for a while now, and everyone knew roughly how wealthy Ji Qingshu’s family was.

Open the door for me, Ji Qingshu instructed. She stood up and reached out to support Chu Xueyi. Before her hand could touch Chu Xueyi’s arm, the bodyguard’s hand also reached out, clearly intending to assist.

Ji Qingshu gently shook her head, declining the driver’s offer. She helped Chu Xueyi out of the private room, the driver diligently opening doors along the way.

Ji Qingshu gestured for the other guests to make way.

Finally, Ji Qingshu helped Chu Xueyi reach the black luxury car. Chu Xueyi showed no particular resistance to such vehicles, having long since acquired everything she had dreamed of in her youth after achieving fame.

She simply assumed it was her own car after all, they were all black and looked much the same.

The drive from the restaurant to the school dormitory was short, taking only about ten minutes. Yet Ji Qingshu thoughtfully rolled down the car window.

The cool night breeze rushed into the car, dispelling the lingering drunkenness and dizziness.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the dormitory building. As it was a women’s dormitory, men were prohibited from entering, so the driver couldn’t escort them further.

Perhaps because she had sobered up slightly, Chu Xueyi’s descent from the car with Ji Qingshu’s support was no longer the drunken stagger that would have sent her tumbling into roadside bushes.

She had regained some clarity.

The night wind whipped her long black hair across her face, forcing Chu Xueyi to brush it aside with her hand.

Thank you, Queen Ji, for taking me home…

Under the influence of alcohol, Chu Xueyi’s memories from her past life and her current one blurred together. The title she had mentally rehearsed countless times slipped out unbidden.

Ji Qingshu froze.

She stopped in her tracks. It was late at night, and only the streetlights at the dormitory entrance illuminated the scene, moths fluttering repeatedly toward the light.

You called me Best Actress?

Xueyi, you’re giving me too much credit.

Though her acting skills were indeed exceptional, and she did plan to compete for international awards in the future, being praised by someone she liked felt entirely different.

Stay humble.

Don’t let it go to your head.

What’s there to give credit for? You already are the Best Actress.

Chu Xueyi vaguely remembered that Ji Qingshu had brought her home. She took a step forward and主动 wrapped her arm around Ji Qingshu’s.

Do you know… how much I envy you? Envy your talent, envy your brilliance.

Ji Qingshu pressed her lips together, considering carefully. She ultimately decided to trust the old saying Drunk words are true words.

If I probe Chu Xueyi now…

Could I uncover her true feelings?

So, even though you like girls, you didn’t choose me—the one closer to you—because you envy my talent?

Chu Xueyi smiled.

After a brief mental processing delay, she answered the question.

No… I chase after what I like. You’re too cold. Dating you would be like getting frozen.

Chu Xueyi spoke truthfully.

That’s why she had longed for Su Shiyu, hoping he would warm her. Little did she know, even central air conditioning has its limits.

But I know, I know you’ve always wanted to kiss me… Even after I hit you today, you’re not angry.

And you’re even taking me home, Queen Ji… How can you be so kind?

Chu Xueyi took a step forward.

Her head was spinning. Gazing at the exquisite face before her, she felt an inexplicable urge to kiss it.

So, Chu Xueyi rose slightly on her toes, cupped Ji Qingshu’s cheeks, and pressed her crimson lips to the corner of his mouth, leaving a faint smudge like lipstick smeared from wiping too hard.

But I’m very generous.

Super, super, super generous!

So if you want to kiss me, I’ll let you.

Chu Xueyi grinned happily, her eyes sparkling like stardust as she looked at him.

Ji Qingshu’s fingers clenched tightly.

So, I’m being teased by a drunk, and she’s even complaining about how cold I am?

Still, the day hadn’t been a complete loss.

Ji Qingshu pressed her fingertip to the corner of her mouth, then drew it away. She saw a faint pink smudge of lipstick. Almost entranced, she gently touched her own lips.

It felt like a second kiss.

But it wasn’t enough. Ji Qingshu greedily licked her lips.