Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 22

The girl glanced at them once, then quickly averted her eyes, never suspecting their interaction was staged. She covered her face with both hands and fled the stage.

This is truly…

Chu Xueyi couldn’t find the right words. Flustered, she scrambled off Ji Qingshu and tried to chase after the fleeing classmate.

Don’t bother. I’ll call her, Ji Qingshu said, pulling Chu Xueyi back. As a classmate, it was perfectly normal for him to have her contact information.

Okay… fine.

Chu Xueyi knew she might not find the girl even if she chased after her. After all, she wasn’t the kind of villain from movies who could cling to the protagonist like a stubborn plaster.

If she lost her target, she’d never find her again.

Chu Xueyi sat down and began straightening her disheveled collar, fully aware that she looked like someone caught in the act of cheating, desperately trying to explain her way out of it.

But there was no other way.

She really had just been rehearsing a scene.

If I told you we were just acting out a scene from a movie, would you believe me?

Yes, I believe you, the girl nodded eagerly, though her trembling hands betrayed her nervousness.

Then… Chu Xueyi’s voice trailed off, subtly setting a trap. What if I said I was lying, and we were actually having an affair just now? Would you believe me?

Yes! Of course I’d believe you!

This classmate wasn’t particularly remarkable in class. She had only been specially admitted to Chu Xueyi’s elite class of rising stars because she had been a child star in her youth.

But… the world is full of Shang Zhongyongs—prodigies who fade with age.

Even this former child star couldn’t escape that fate. As she grew older, her features became ordinary, stripping her of the unique competitive edge she had as a child star.

After nodding so eagerly, the girl suddenly realized the absurd thing she had just said and quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

I just answered too quickly…

Her face flushed crimson, clearly unwilling to be drawn into the ambiguous relationship between Ji Qingshu and Chu Xueyi.

No, I think… you haven’t even listened to my explanation.

Chu Xueyi sighed. People always trust their eyes more than their ears.

As the saying goes, Seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving. That’s probably what it means.

Fine. If you think Ji Qingshu and I were having wild s3x in the theater… then we were. Just don’t go spreading rumors about it.

Chu Xueyi’s soul had witnessed much. Back when she was working on film sets, she often saw directors and actors hooking up.

If a director, his face flushed, told her he hadn’t sexually harassed any male or female actors, she wouldn’t believe him.

So now, Chu Xueyi understood the girl’s mindset perfectly.

But as soon as she finished speaking, a thunderous coughing erupted beside her.

Cough, cough, cough…

Both women turned to see Ji Qingshu, her face beet-red from choking on a mouthful of water.

Ji Qingshu’s public image was always that of a brilliant actress, aloof and favored by teachers. Who could have imagined her looking so utterly disheveled?

Water dripped from the corner of Ji Qingshu’s mouth as he coughed, his face flushed crimson.

Choked? Chu Xueyi asked, still willing to show concern for her partner. She pulled a tissue from her pocket and slowly walked over, patiently wiping the water from his chin.

Next time, don’t drink water when we’re discussing serious matters. If you get angry, you’ll just end up choking on it.

Ji Qingshu relished the gentle touch of Chu Xueyi’s hand on his chin, but with others present, he couldn’t stare at her too openly.

I would never think that way, he insisted.

But the whole school is gossiping about your relationship, Xueyi… So, are you two actually dating?

Clearly, everyone was speculating about one answer that the two had already entered into a romantic relationship.

No… Chu Xueyi replied curtly, but the girl before her clearly didn’t believe her.

She didn’t press further. If they wanted to misunderstand, let them. At least she could enjoy some peace during her final year of university, with fewer admirers to fend off.

After the chaotic afternoon finally ended, the two of them saw off the classmate who had accidentally stumbled upon their intimate moment, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Do you think she’ll go around spreading rumors about us? Chu Xueyi asked, her voice tinged with worry.

It doesn’t really matter, Ji Qingshu replied, stepping closer. After all, many people photographed us kissing outside the theater yesterday.

So, Xueyi… do you still refuse to pretend to be my girlfriend?

Chu Xueyi felt conflicted by the question. Part of her thought, Since we’ve already been misunderstood, why not lean into it? At least it would bring some peace.

But another part of her couldn’t ignore her own history. She knew all too well how prone she was to romantic delusions. In her previous life, she had foolishly devoted herself to Su Shiyu, completely blind to whether he truly loved her.

If the Golden Award for Best Actress had to be shared, Ji Qingshu deserved one half, and Su Shiyu the other.

One had harbored a secret crush on her for years, yet Chu Xueyi had never noticed. The other had pretended to love her for just as long, and she had remained equally oblivious.

Idiot! Utter fool!

Whenever these thoughts surfaced, Chu Xueyi wanted nothing more than to travel back in time and strangle her past self.

I told you I’d give you my answer in a few days, she said, her voice firm.

Chu Xueyi’s mind continued to waver, but then she remembered the resolute decision she had made upon her rebirth No more romance.

Focus on your career!

Have you forgotten all that, Chu Xueyi?

Alright, then I’ll say it too I’ll wait for you… No matter when, even if it’s already winter, as long as you agree, I’ll give you a deadline.

These words sounded far too much like a love confession.

Even the most clueless person could sense something was off.

Ji Qingshu, why are you being so good to me?

Waiting until winter… Could it be you have a secret crush on me?

Chu Xueyi asked knowingly, fully aware that Ji Qingshu had been secretly crushing on her for so long.

As soon as the words left her lips, the woman before her lowered her head in embarrassment, her face flushing even pinker, like a ripe peach.

N-no secret crush.

But her voice trembled, betraying her shyness and embarrassment.

As if to escape the question, Ji Qingshu took a few deep breaths and pulled Chu Xueyi into the luxurious car that had just pulled up in front of the theater.

It was obvious whose car it was.

Even though Chu Xueyi had struck a nerve, the other woman’s flustered reaction still filled her with a sense of satisfaction.

Watching Ji Qingshu clumsily drag her into the car, Chu Xueyi couldn’t help but feel the cabin was far too spacious.

But she quickly made up her mind. There was no need to wait a few more days.

As for why, it was all due to the series of malicious acts committed by her crazed admirer.