Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 18

Wh… what’s wrong?

Despite secretly feeling smug, Ji Qingshu maintained an innocent facade, feigning ignorance as he asked Chu Xueyi.

Please, pretend to be my girlfriend. Otherwise, I’ll never shake off this clingy guy.

Chu Xueyi leaned in, whispering the coded request in a way that almost resembled an intimate ear-nibble.

Ji Qingshu understood Chu Xueyi wanted to avoid Su Shiyu’s persistence, but she also wondered what had caused their falling out.

Okay, Ji Qingshu replied, nodding without moving, agreeing to the charade.

You’re lying to me, Xueyi… Is there something you can’t tell me directly?

Why resort to hiring a fake girlfriend to brush me off?

Su Shiyu felt a pang of bitterness. She knew her exploitative behavior—treating Chu Xueyi like an ATM—would eventually backfire.

But not now!

Especially not now, when she had finally sensed a glimmer of warmth from Chu Xueyi.

We’re not pretending, Ji Qingshu said, noticing Chu Xueyi’s hesitation and the embarrassment of being about to be exposed. She took Chu Xueyi’s hand, her fingers sliding between Chu Xueyi’s.

The possessive gesture was reminiscent of a protective CEO with his girlfriend. Though Ji Qingshu wouldn’t become a CEO, she would later rise to become a universally acclaimed and revered Best Actress.

If you think our relationship is just for show, that’s rather narcissistic of you.

After a moment’s thought, Ji Qingshu turned around, her slender fingers cupping Chu Xueyi’s face. Without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed her.

Ji Qingshu had never formally studied kissing scenes.

She believed that learning came from observation. No matter how much a teacher lectured, it would be useless without genuine attention and careful study.

It was like painting words could never replace the experience of personally sketching the human form.

Even sitting on a bench in the academy, one could observe countless ways of kissing.

As drama students, their appearances were naturally above average, so few remained single for long. Surrounded by beautiful women and handsome men, it was difficult to suppress budding feelings and avoid sparks of attraction.

Ji Qingshu’s first real kiss felt utterly surreal, especially with someone she cared for. Her teeth grazed against soft lips.

She felt like she had fallen into a field of cotton candy—the sweet, fluffy kind—but she knew she couldn’t cross the line.

So, it was just a touch of lips.

Barely more than a cheek kiss, except her lips were pressed against Chu Xueyi’s soft mouth.

This scene was clearly meant for Su Shiyu’s eyes. No amount of words from Chu Xueyi could convince him only actions could prove the reality of their relationship.

You… you two…

Su Shiyu’s hands clenched tightly as he stared in disbelief. The high walls he had painstakingly built around his heart crumbled into ruins.

Su Shiyu, I know there was something between you two before, but now… Ji Qingshu’s voice grew firmer. Since Chu Xueyi has chosen me, please don’t interfere with us.

Ji Qingshu spoke with an almost possessive tone, as if declaring her claim. Even if this was just a performance, she was willing to play the part.

As Chu Xueyi watched the dejected figure walk away, the surrounding whispers grew louder.

Only then did she realize the absurdity of her actions.

Several classmates were still filming with their phones.

I’m… I’m done for!

Aaaaaah!

Chu Xueyi internally let out a marmot-like shriek. What difference was there between this and publicly kicking open her closet door?

She finally understood why movie protagonists, when teleported naked to a crowded street, always covered their faces.

This was practically social suicide. It would be better to bury her head in the sand and pretend it never happened—anything to avoid reliving this mortifying moment.

Stop filming, Ji Qingshu said coldly, swatting the phones out of the students’ hands.

Then, he dragged Chu Xueyi away from the scene.

I’m sorry, Ji Qingshu said, explaining, I was only focused on driving Su Shiyu away and forgot we were still at the rehearsal hall entrance. That’s why it caused such a commotion.

But in truth… she had done it on purpose.

Hmph!

Only a fool would passively wait in silence. If Chu Xueyi continued to misunderstand her feelings, Ji Qingshu would simply announce them to the world.

Chu Xueyi was the person she loved.

The ambiguous tension between them had already accumulated countless layers, leaving no room for others to even dream of competing.

It’s fine… After all, I was the one who asked you to be my shield.

However, Chu Xueyi hadn’t expected this shield to be so leaky, nearly getting herself killed by the arrow.

But…

Ji Qingshu extended a hand. Her hand was fair, slender, and delicate—clearly the hand of a young lady of high birth.

Xueyi, let’s make a deal.

You pretend to be my lover, and I’ll pretend to be yours. I have so many admirers, it’s become quite a nuisance. If I were in a relationship, they’d probably leave me alone, right?

Ji Qingshu indeed had many admirers. Her desk was often piled with pink love letters. But… no one actually dared to harass her in person.

The reason was simple anyone who tried would likely be kicked into next week by Ji Qingshu herself.

Chu Xueyi froze, stunned by the unexpected proposal.

She had resolved to seal her heart and lock away any romantic entanglements during her university years.

But if Su Shiyu continued to harass her, she wouldn’t be able to enjoy a proper university life.

She had vowed to completely forget him and live a better life. Perhaps a little quid pro quo with the Best Actress wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Wait!

Chu Xueyi… Chu Xueyi!

They say those with ambition don’t accept charity. What’s this about you accepting conditions from someone you used to envy?

Chu Xueyi felt conflicted and hesitant.

I’ll think about it, she said. Publicly acknowledging a relationship within the academy isn’t a small matter.

Seeing her hesitation, Ji Qingshu sighed inwardly. Why… is this person so hard to win over?!

Ji Qingshu recalled asking her mother what to do if she met someone she liked in college.

Her usually strict mother had chuckled, her chest shaking with amusement.

Hahaha… Qingshu, do you really need to ask such a question?

Ji Qingshu waited silently for her mother to finish laughing. She pressed her lips together, determined to get an answer because she already had someone in mind.

Undeterred, she persisted.

Mom, you haven’t answered me yet.

What’s there to answer? With a face like yours…

Her mother reached out with her manicured hand and gently pinched Ji Qingshu’s slightly gaunt cheek.

Anyone you actively pursue will agree.

Mom… you’re lying! Ji Qingshu thought resentfully.

Because the person in front of her was clearly refusing.