Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 23

Ji Qingshu had booked a truly impressive restaurant. Its exterior gleamed with gold and splendor, and the place buzzed with guests dressed in suits and elegant gowns, a clear sign of its booming business.

Let’s go in. I reserved a private room, Ji Qingshu said.

Chu Xueyi unbuckled her seatbelt, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. She missed the days when she wasn’t a major celebrity.

This is such a melodramatic thought, she chided herself.

But without the burden of fame, she wouldn’t have to wear masks and sunglasses every time she stepped out, guarding her privacy like a thief against paparazzi.

The driver, dressed in a black suit, opened the car door. Chu Xueyi stepped out naturally, only realizing after her feet touched the ground that she’d forgotten to thank him.

Having spent her previous life as a high-and-mighty celebrity, Chu Xueyi had rarely paid attention to her assistants and drivers.

She hadn’t walked more than a few steps when she sensed something was off—as if someone had been staring intently at her.

Before she could turn to see if Ji Qingshu had gotten out of the car, a crowd surged toward her from the side.

Xueyi, I love you!

The person who approached was a young man holding a bouquet of red roses. Chu Xueyi startled and took a few steps back.

Xueyi… I know you’ve been upset since Shiyu dumped you these past few days. It’s okay… just consider me.

Another girl rushed over, and Chu Xueyi felt like she was surrounded by zombies, a poor creature being hunted down.

What are you all doing? Chu Xueyi didn’t know what to say.

She didn’t recognize any of these people, but their Qingcheng Drama Academy uniforms made it clear they were students from the school.

Confessing our feelings, one of them replied.

The group pressed closer, nearly pushing Chu Xueyi into the busy street.

I… I don’t accept.

Nothing this absurd had ever happened in her previous life. Chu Xueyi was at a loss for what to do.

She had been chased by fans who had evolved into zombies before—their running speed would have made them elite monsters in a game.

But being treated like this before even becoming a major star was a first.

Ji Qingshu had just stepped out of the car when she witnessed the scene. The corner of her mouth twitched slightly.

Turning away, she reassured herself, It’s only 4,000 yuan. We couldn’t afford top-tier actors anyway. These guys might be a bit over-the-top, but they’ll do.

Let’s go, Ji Qingshu said. They must have found out your schedule and been lying in wait here.

With that, Ji Qingshu grabbed Chu Xueyi’s arm and pulled her into the hotel, moving quickly.

Though the pursuers had charged in aggressively, they gradually lost momentum, like deflating balloons.

That’s right… These guys probably don’t genuinely like me. They just think I’m pretty. But why are they all swarming me at once?

Something’s off… something’s really off here…

But Chu Xueyi couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.

Her mind followed Ji Qingshu as they fled into the hotel. Finally, the crowd didn’t follow. Chu Xueyi leaned against her knees, letting out a long sigh of relief.

But this couldn’t go on forever.

After settling into their private room, Chu Xueyi recalled the recent misunderstandings and awkward moments between them. Rather than stubbornly denying it, she decided to acknowledge their ambiguous relationship directly.

So, after Ji Qingshu finished ordering and pushed the menu toward Chu Xueyi, Chu Xueyi looked up and stared intently at Ji Qingshu, as if she were brewing something in her mind.

I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, and I still feel like too much has happened recently. If being with you, Qing Shu, could help me avoid these troubles, then… it might not be such a bad idea.

People always have to choose what’s best for themselves, and this might just be maximizing my benefits.

Chu Xueyi’s fingers gripped the menu tightly, crumpling the paper.

In the end, she hadn’t fulfilled the grand ambition she’d vowed to achieve upon her rebirth.

She’d promised herself she’d never get involved in romance again, so why was she willingly throwing herself into another pit?

And doing it willingly.

Ji Qingshu saw Chu Xueyi wavering, but she didn’t feel the joy she’d expected.

This entire scenario had been meticulously planned by her, including hiring people to relentlessly pursue Chu Xueyi.

Yet now that her goal was within reach, a faint ache lingered in her heart. Because… Ji Qingshu couldn’t deceive herself.

Chu Xueyi didn’t love her she merely wanted to use her to solve her problems. This was the very thing Ji Qingshu had dreaded, yet it was the only method available to her.

But this pang of discomfort lingered only briefly in her chest before being devoured by Ji Qingshu’s insatiable desire.

As long as she got her hands on him, any despicable means would do, as long as he leaned toward her.

It was far better than watching Chu Xueyi grow closer to Su Shiyu, a sight that felt like a thousand cuts to her heart.

Most people have experienced the pain of having a beloved toy forcibly taken away. But for someone with Ji Qingshu’s possessive nature, that feeling was magnified a thousandfold, ten thousandfold.

Then… shall we call it a deal? Ji Qingshu tentatively extended her hand. Her fingers were long and slender, and a black watch adorned her wrist, its gemstone-studded face resembling the celestial dance of sun, moon, and stars.

Mm, a deal. Chu Xueyi reached out and clasped Ji Qingshu’s palm.

At some point, Chu Xueyi gradually lowered her guard against the person before her, even though she hadn’t drunk any alcohol during the meal.

Yet she felt as if she were completely drunk.

Her heart felt light and airy, as if she were walking on clouds.

Even on the way back, Chu Xueyi felt the gentle breeze against her face, as if she would never have to see those annoying suitors or Su Shiyu again.

Why did she hate Su Shiyu so much?

Perhaps because she had once genuinely loved him.

People always remember their first love vividly, but she had fallen for a central air conditioner—someone who spread their affections indiscriminately. Chu Xueyi wanted to die just thinking about it.

Ji Qingshu, on the other hand, was entirely different.

She was cold and distant to the outside world, but with Chu Xueyi, she was completely different. This tenderness could be felt in the smallest details of their daily interactions.

Take their recent meal, for example.

Chu Xueyi had mostly eaten dishes she liked—nothing that would make her gain weight, no spicy food, and minimal garlic.

But not all of it had been her own order. Many of the dishes were ones Ji Qingshu had specifically instructed the waiter to prepare.

Yet… if Ji Qingshu continued treating her this way, Chu Xueyi feared she would fall hopelessly in love.

But humans…

are eternally dishonest.

The moment your brain begins to register even the slightest fondness for someone, your psychological defenses have already begun to crumble completely.

As the saying goes, A thousand-mile dam can be breached by an ant’s burrow.

Every flutter of the heart, every spark of affection, begins with a small, seemingly insignificant act.

This is something Chu Xueyi couldn’t perceive, something others often overlook—the fundamental condition for love to take root and blossom.

Ji Qingshu and Chu Xueyi arrived at the parking lot. The driver was about to get out and open the door when Ji Qingshu swiftly opened it herself, placing a hand above the frame to prevent Chu Xueyi from bumping her head.

This gesture, reminiscent of the attentive young assistant who used to accompany Chu Xueyi, felt unexpectedly warm and familiar.

After Chu Xueyi settled into the car, Ji Qingshu cracked the window open a sliver to let in fresh air.

Drive slowly, Ji Qingshu instructed the driver. We’re feeling a bit full.

Her attentiveness was overwhelming.

If they weren’t both women, Chu Xueyi might have suspected she was carrying Ji Qingshu’s child.

This all-encompassing, meticulous care was simply too much!