Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 20

As their rehearsals deepened over the past few days, the bond between Chu Xueyi and Ji Qingshu grew increasingly intimate.

For the first time, Chu Xueyi realized that Ji Qingshu was nothing like the aloof figure portrayed in the media. He showed no trace of coldness, treating her with warmth and even extending polite courtesy to their classmates.

Their scenes together were heavily romantic, as the film centered on a forbidden love between a wealthy young lady and her male servant. The unspoken tension between them would only intensify as the story progressed.

There’s a bed scene we need to film, the Class Monitor said, adjusting her glasses. Though she was studying acting herself, she was responsible for pacing the entire video project. Since this is just a student assignment, the dialogue has been cut, but we still need a silhouette shot.

Since you two are so close, just discuss it and figure something out.

It was clear the Class Monitor had witnessed the scene at the theater entrance the previous day, subconsciously assuming Chu Xueyi and Ji Qingshu were already a couple—or at least in the peak of an intensely ambiguous phase.

They should be thanking me for this arrangement, the Class Monitor thought to herself.

With her instructions given, she eagerly packed up her things and left the rehearsal hall. After all, she couldn’t spend all day on acting.

There were other things to do.

By now, most people had already left.

The Class Monitor said this part of the script only has a few actions written down. How are we supposed to act it out? Chu Xueyi asked.

Although Chu Xueyi had seen the original film, she couldn’t recall specific details from three days ago. She only remembered the film’s general themes and a few iconic scenes.

Moreover…

Chu Xueyi recalled that the version she watched only showed a vague silhouette during the bed scene.

I remember the bed scene in this movie being quite steamy, Xueyi… didn’t you research it beforehand? Ji Qingshu leaned against the chair, clearly confident about the scene. Since it was just a silhouette, they didn’t even need to rehearse.

I haven’t seen it.

I thought it was just the bed curtains swaying…

Chu Xueyi felt awkward discussing this, unsure how to look at Ji Qingshu. She felt strangely embarrassed, especially knowing Ji Qingshu secretly harbored feelings for her.

Oh.

Then you probably saw the censored version.

Ji Qingshu placed the script on her lap, her shoulders shaking with laughter. She didn’t laugh often, but being with someone she liked seemed to lift her spirits considerably.

Chu Xueyi No way?!

How is this even possible?!

So… Ji Qingshu, have you seen the uncensored version? Chu Xueyi pressed close to Ji Qingshu, clearly fascinated by the full content. How could I, as an actress, not have seen the uncensored version of the film I starred in? That would be so embarrassing!

Yes.

Xueyi, do you want to watch it?

Ji Qingshu considered for a moment. While watching something like this together would be a little awkward, it was also a rare opportunity to deepen their connection—a gift from fate she didn’t want to waste.

Of course!

After all, that bed scene lasts several seconds and includes close-ups. We need to take it seriously. Chu Xueyi’s expression was utterly serious.

Having reduced her opportunities to earn money this lifetime, she was determined to elevate her acting skills to the next level, ensuring her path to becoming Best Actress remained secure.

Ji Qingshu remained silent, and Chu Xueyi assumed she hadn’t downloaded the film. This is terrible… I just made such a big claim.

Never mind then. I didn’t really want to watch it anyway, Chu Xueyi said, turning to leave. But Ji Qingshu suddenly grabbed her wrist, staring intently at her. Hearing Chu Xueyi’s defensive words, Ji Qingshu found her utterly adorable.

I have it.

But… I don’t think it will help you understand the scene better, Xueyi.

That scene is purely about lust. There’s no need to study it.

Once you’ve thoroughly grasped a character’s personality, portraying them becomes effortless. Movies don’t need to be identical to novels, and the same goes for the videos we’re making.

So, Xueyi, do you want to rehearse this scene with me?

Since the little cat dislikes being forced, Ji Qingshu decided to guide her slowly. After speaking, he blinked his eyelashes gently.

Seeing Chu Xueyi’s ears flush crimson and her stammering, unable to form a coherent reply, Ji Qingshu chuckled softly.

I know our relationship has crossed some boundaries. If you’re uncomfortable, I won’t push it. Besides, when we film this scene… the Class Monitor said we only need to get a little closer. There’s no real need to rehearse.

In truth, Ji Qingshu was dying to act out the scene, but he knew he couldn’t show it. Any hint of eagerness would scare away the little rabbit before him.

With that, Ji Qingshu stood up. The sky was already darkening, and he needed to rest briefly before they went out for dinner.

Ji Qingshu had been planning to change into an elegant long dress.

After all, she played the male lead on stage every day. Sometimes, Ji Qingshu even worried that wearing a chest binder so often might shrink her br3asts.

But just as Ji Qingshu stood up, Chu Xueyi practically teleported in front of her. The woman’s gaze was resolute, as if she had made a momentous decision.

I think I’ll rehearse with you too, Chu Xueyi declared.

Chu Xueyi had never doubted her upper hand in this emotional game. Please, if we’re going by age… Ji Qingshu should be calling her older sister. After all, her true soul was several years older.

Could she really be manipulated by someone with a younger psychological age? Come on, that’s ridiculous!

It wasn’t entirely Chu Xueyi’s fault for her blind confidence and pride. She genuinely possessed the acting skills to twist those around her into knots.

Hearing that Chu Xueyi would rehearse with her, Ji Qingshu’s ears twitched with amusement. Her heart swelled with delight. Looks like the little cat keeps falling into my traps lately.

For her, this was always a win-win situation.

Though she wasn’t particularly keen on Chu Xueyi watching videos of intimate scenes, it would actually help improve her acting skills.

Watching this in the main hall isn’t appropriate, Ji Qingshu said.

Come with me.

Ji Qingshu tugged Chu Xueyi away from the main hall, leading her to a temporary dressing room. The room contained only a bare wooden plank bed.

A faint, dusty scent hung in the air.

As soon as Chu Xueyi entered the room, she couldn’t help but sneeze several times.

She covered her nose with her hand, the gesture utterly adorable, like a little squirrel cupping its face.

Ji Qingshu rummaged for her phone and finally found the original film. Since she was playing the male lead from the novel, she watched his scenes whenever she had time, striving to mimic his performance.

She wanted to avoid embarrassing herself in front of her beloved.

This was truly a subtle display of competitiveness.