Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 17

After morning classes, Chu Xueyi continued practicing in the afternoon.

The deadline for uploading the video assignment was fast approaching, leaving everyone with heavy workloads.

Chu Xueyi practiced diligently all afternoon, her throat growing parched. She planned to buy a bottle of mild water from the convenience store after leaving the training grounds.

But she had barely taken two steps when Ji Qingshu caught up to her.

Want some tea? Ji Qingshu asked softly. To play male roles convincingly, Ji Qingshu would bind her chest and tie up her long hair.

Yet even after stepping off the stage, the girlishness in her demeanor and speech remained unmistakable, a stark contrast to her stage persona.

How could someone be so terrifyingly talented? Even her male roles are eerily convincing!

A monstrous prodigy—a talent so infuriatingly enviable it makes my teeth itch!

Chu Xueyi bit her lip, realizing she had once again resented Ji Qingshu today. She immediately regretted her behavior.

Since ancient times, those who envy their benefactors have never been considered virtuous.

I don’t want to be the kind of villain who repays kindness with malice.

Thank you, she said.

Chu Xueyi had initially intended to refuse, but her throat was parched, leaving her no choice but to accept the thermos.

She had tasted the contents of this gray thermos on the second day after her rebirth. Taking another sip, she found the flavor largely unchanged—still the same soothing herbal blend for her throat.

Yet after only a few exchanges, Chu Xueyi abruptly stopped in her tracks, clutching the thermos as a thought flashed through her mind

Oh, dear…

Looks like a love triangle showdown is about to unfold.

Xueyi, could we talk privately for a few minutes? Su Shiyu asked, this time without flowers in her hands, dressed in a fresher, more casual style.

Chu Xueyi was astonished to notice that Su Shiyu’s outfit seemed tailor-made to her preferences.

In the past, Chu Xueyi had always admired Su Shiyu in those elegant, floor-length dresses—they exuded a gentle, intellectual charm. But Su Shiyu had always refused, citing impracticality.

As a result, Chu Xueyi had never seen her wear one.

Now, witnessing it for the first time, she felt none of the emotional turmoil she had anticipated. She realized that when something you’ve longed for becomes easily attainable, it loses its value.

Chu Xueyi grasped this truth almost instantly.

No.

Su Shiyu, I made myself clear last time. I… don’t like you anymore.

Desperate to shake him off, Chu Xueyi blurted out the words without thinking.

Her affection for Su Shiyu had stemmed from his initial warmth and eagerness to help her.

But even the strongest feelings couldn’t withstand the daily erosion.

With that, Chu Xueyi turned to leave, wanting nothing to do with anyone.

She would be a solitary queen, a Best Actress who had severed all emotional ties, dedicating herself entirely to her craft!

Seeing Su Shiyu blocking her path, Chu Xueyi decided to force her way through. But after only a step or two, he shifted, blocking her advance.

I’ve been thinking a lot these past few days, and I’ve talked to my friends. They said… I shouldn’t be playing games with you…

Su Shiyu’s tearful apology was like a pear blossom drenched in rain, but Chu Xueyi’s heart remained unmoved.

So, I’ve decided to make our relationship public. Xueyi, would you still be willing to forgive me?

Are you willing to give me another chance?

Su Shiyu took a deep breath, her voice earnest and sincere. The rims of her eyes were red-rimmed, and every word she spoke carried genuine sincerity.

She possessed a naturally gentle appearance, like a sunflower turned toward the sun. A simple smile or a pitiful expression could easily stir compassion in others.

In the past, Chu Xueyi had fallen for this act completely.

But now…

Having been hurt too deeply, her heart had grown numb, impervious to such tactics.

Su Shiyu, do you act this way with everyone?

Perhaps weary of being pestered, Chu Xueyi didn’t simply walk away this time. Instead, she leaned in with a malicious glint in her eyes.

In her previous life, the pain had overwhelmed her, preventing her from confronting the cheating woman and her lover. Now that Su Shiyu was repeatedly pushing her buttons, Chu Xueyi was determined to unleash the pent-up resentment she had suppressed for so long.

Let me tell you, there’s no chance.

After delivering her provocative words, Chu Xueyi turned to leave. But suddenly, Su Shiyu lunged forward and grabbed her arm.

Why? Why do you hate me?

Xueyi, at least give me a reason! If you think I’m getting too close to other girls or guys, I’ll keep my distance!

Su Shiyu’s eyes were rimmed with red.

Chu Xueyi felt his grip like a pair of burning tongs, impossible to shake off. She lowered her voice, emitting a warning growl from her throat, like a cornered animal defending itself.

Let go.

Chu Xueyi was exhausted, with no patience for this cat-and-mouse game.

Su Shiyu refused to release her.

Tell me, he pleaded, his voice tinged with despair.

The sting of abandonment was unbearable, especially given her precarious financial situation.

Xueyi, tell me!

Why do you hate me?!

His pale hand tightened until the veins bulged on its back, causing Chu Xueyi to wince.

Throughout the entire exchange, Ji Qingshu remained a silent observer. She could have intervened at any moment, but she chose to wait.

She wanted to gauge Chu Xueyi’s true feelings toward Su Shiyu. Was there still a flicker of lingering affection?

So, she held back from intervening, but the situation was rapidly spiraling out of control.

Ji Qingshu stepped forward, her right hand gripping Su Shiyu’s arm with surprising force, though her tone remained icy.

Su Shiyu, can’t you see Xueyi doesn’t want this?

Her voice was soft, but her grip was anything but gentle. Her parents had insisted she learn self-defense techniques, fearing she might be vulnerable without bodyguards or drivers nearby.

Su Shiyu was taken aback by Ji Qingshu’s unexpected strength.

Who are you to her?

She knew perfectly well who Ji Qingshu was, but she asked anyway, knowing everyone was aware of her ambiguous relationship with Chu Xueyi.

But who does Ji Qingshu think she is?

Just another rich second-generation brat who thinks his family’s money gives him the right to waltz into Qingcheng Drama Academy without a care in the world.

Su Shiyu’s words jolted Chu Xueyi awake. She spoke first, her voice trembling slightly.

She’s my girlfriend.

Ji Qingshu is my new girlfriend.

Chu Xueyi struggled desperately.

She sensed the person before her falter slightly upon hearing these words.

Seizing the opportunity, Chu Xueyi yanked her wrist free from Su Shiyu’s grasp.

How could you two move so fast…? Su Shiyu asked, genuinely surprised. Obviously, she was only a few days late.

The speed of their relationship was faster than a sky about to burst into rain.

That’s not all, Chu Xueyi retorted. We’re incredibly happy too.

She draped her arm around Ji Qingshu’s shoulder, deliberately rubbing her chest against him in a nauseatingly affectionate manner.

All to disgust Su Shiyu into leaving.

Having been an actress, Chu Xueyi could play this green tea role effortlessly.