Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 19

The chaos had finally subsided.

However, Chu Xueyi’s heart remained as unyielding as a stubborn rock. Both Su Shiyu and Ji Qingshu had suffered setbacks in their respective pursuits.

Ji Qingshu sat in her dormitory, which was actually slightly larger than Chu Xueyi’s, featuring several rooms and comprehensive amenities.

She sat at the dining table in the living room, surrounded by empty wine bottles. At her age, she was already allowed to drink, and her tolerance was quite good.

In contrast, Chu Xueyi was remarkably weak. Just a few glasses of wine… and she would be completely unconscious.

Even though she’s about to graduate, why is she still acting like a child?

After a moment’s thought, Ji Qingshu dialed her friend’s number. The call went unanswered for a long time before finally being picked up.

What is it this time, my dear aunt? Chen Guiyu mumbled, burrowing deeper into her blanket. It was clear she had no desire to deal with Ji Qingshu every time this troublemaker called, it meant nothing but trouble.

Because Chen Guiyu’s figure bore a slight resemblance to Chu Xueyi’s, Ji Qingshu had repeatedly asked her to try on clothes. Chen Guiyu felt like she had become a human mannequin.

You’re not going to ask me to try on clothes again, are you?

I’m warning you, Ji Qingshu!

I won’t give in! I won’t be tempted by money! The previous times were due to my weak resolve, but now I’ve transcended worldly desires. Your measly cash won’t sway me!

Chen Guiyu was tired of the intermittent clothing trials and firmly rejected Ji Qingshu with righteous indignation.

Seriously? Her family had some money to spare there was no need for her to keep doing this kind of work.

It made her feel like Chu Xueyi’s stand-in and sidekick—in every sense of the word.

Before Ji Qingshu could respond, his friend had already launched a fierce counterattack.

He cleared his throat before continuing. The alcohol had given his voice a slight rasp, yet it retained a magnetic quality, making it strangely alluring.

Really?

But I have a new task for you this time. If you thought the last payment was too low, I’ll add another 2,000.

Chen Guiyu !

Ahem, ahem, ahem… She suddenly realized she wasn’t as unyielding as she thought. Bending her principles for a few extra bucks seemed perfectly reasonable.

Really? An extra 2,000?

With the agility of a leaping carp, Chen Guiyu shot upright from the bed. Who needs a nap now? Earning money is far more important!

As art students, their expenses were substantial. Yet, to focus on their studies, they couldn’t frequently take on small jobs outside.

Chu Xueyi, for instance, had completely abandoned her studies, dedicating herself to freelancing.

When she couldn’t find gigs, she worked part-time jobs, treating university as a mere formality—a veneer of prestige to claim formal training later in the entertainment industry.

After all, the entertainment world was a constant competition.

Looks were scrutinized, cosmetic surgery was debated, height was measured, and even speech patterns were compared.

And whether one had formal training from a prestigious performing arts school mattered immensely. Without it, or if you attended a lesser-known university, you’d be mocked as a nine-漏 fish—a derogatory term for someone who had slipped through the cracks of the education system.

Chen Guiyu’s network wasn’t particularly wide, so she could only occasionally land small roles to earn extra money.

Hearing about this potential opportunity to make money, she pounced on it like a cat catching the scent of fish.

Hmm, when have I ever lied to you? Ji Qingshu replied.

He then began outlining his plan. Since Chu Xueyi seemed hesitant, he decided to take matters into his own hands and make the decision for her.

Ji Qingshu’s excuse for asking Chu Xueyi to pretend to be her girlfriend was that she was constantly being pursued, which was incredibly annoying.

If I make Chu Xueyi face the same problem, she might agree.

Even though this method was undeniably underhanded and morally questionable.

I want you to find a few people to stake out Chu Xueyi tomorrow at the entrance of Rui Xiang Restaurant and confess their feelings to her.

Chen Guiyu listened silently to Ji Qingshu’s request, her inner gossip-loving spirit igniting with each word.

Wait, Qingshu… the entire academy is buzzing with rumors about you two being together. I know you’re interested in Chu Xueyi.

But why would you actively invite competition? What are you trying to achieve?

Are you trying to prove how popular Chu Xueyi is? But you’re even more popular than she is!

If the number of people who liked Chu Xueyi could form a line stretching from the school to the main gate, then… the line of people pursuing Ji Qingshu could stretch from the main gate all the way to the city center.

The reason for this was simple Ji Qingshu was a wealthy heiress.

Her suitors weren’t limited to Qingcheng Drama Academy she also attracted the attention of upper-class men who coveted her wealth and status.

No younger brother, no younger sister—the family had only one child.

It was practically a textbook case of the last heir scenario, ripe for exploitation!

While such thoughts might seem overly cynical, Chen Guiyu genuinely believed them.

The allure of money was no less potent than beauty—perhaps even more so.

Chu Xueyi possessed only beauty.

Ji Qingshu, on the other hand, had both.

Xueyi still won’t agree to me… so I had to resort to slightly more drastic measures. Don’t ask for details—just tell me if you’re in or out.

Ji Qingshu’s tone quickened slightly, clearly unwilling to delve deeper into the topic.

I’m in.

But this job requires shamelessness, which I lack. So, I’ll need more money.

Chen Guiyu had already decided to play the role of a ruthless middleman. Ji Qingshu didn’t hesitate, instantly agreeing to the increased price.

The fee doubled from 2,000 to 4,000.

Chen Guiyu felt a twinge of guilt receiving such a large sum, but to Ji Qingshu, it was no different than spending a few cents.

Moreover… she was confident that Chu Xueyi would eventually come around.

She hadn’t resorted to any truly malicious tactics, considering herself remarkably well-behaved.

In Ji Qingshu’s social circle, those who desired a boy or girl would pursue them relentlessly, showering them with money, phones, or even cars.

But… Ji Qingshu didn’t want that kind of love.

Love bought with money was too fragile, like a bubble that would burst on its own after a while, without even needing to be pricked.

Or, there were more extreme methods forceful pursuit, coercion, or manipulation. Some people from powerless families would be forced into relationships against their will, simply due to the other party’s influence.

Ji Qingshu wanted none of that either.

It was utterly dreadful!

And if her mother found out, she’d get a severe scolding.

After a brief discussion with someone about the time and location, Chen Guiyu lazily got out of bed, determined to recruit a few black slaves to do her work.

She, the cunning merchant, would sit back and reap the benefits.

Finding people wasn’t difficult for about twenty or thirty yuan, she could hire someone for the day. But finding someone with a tight lip, someone who wouldn’t reveal Ji Qingshu’s secrets later, required more careful planning.

Still, since she’d taken the money, she had to deliver. Chen Guiyu resolved to select the recruits by tomorrow afternoon.

Ji Qingshu’s only request was that they act with fervent intensity, so that… Chu Xueyi would fearfully hide behind her.