Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 24

Agreeing to pretend to be lovers between just the two of them wouldn’t suffice they needed to make it public, letting everyone know, to truly achieve their goal.

Chu Xueyi was already fed up with those people.

The reason she hadn’t given it much thought today was because she had experienced similar situations during her university days in her previous life.

Sigh… there’s no helping it.

Being too beautiful and too outstanding just makes you irresistible, Chu Xueyi thought to herself.

Qing Shu, Chu Xueyi called out as they reached the entrances of their dormitories. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she looked rather embarrassed.

Even though we’re just pretending to be a couple, we’ll definitely need to do something… something that others will notice.

Chu Xueyi’s slender fingers twisted together like tangled hemp ropes, mirroring the turmoil in her heart.

You’re right, Ji Qingshu nodded. I remember everyone announcing their relationships on their phone’s WeChat Moments. Should we do the same?

But Xueyi… posting it online means it’ll definitely be screenshotted. If you become famous later… this might become a black mark on your record…

Before Ji Qingshu could finish her last word, Chu Xueyi leaned in, pressing a slender finger against her crimson lips.

The fingertip brushed against the soft, plump lip, the delicate sensation like fine velvet against her skin.

It sent a tremor through Chu Xueyi’s heart.

Damn it! This is terrible…

How had she never noticed how soft this woman’s lips were before?

Dating a prodigy like you, who’s destined to become Best Actress, hardly counts as a dark history.

Chu Xueyi imagined the expressions on Ji Qingshu’s fans’ faces—the ones who constantly bragged about their Best Actress idol and acted like they were too good for everyone else—when they found out Ji Qingshu was involved with her.

That would be priceless.

Chu Xueyi didn’t have any particular issues with Ji Qingshu herself, but she had plenty of grievances with her fans, who constantly compared her to their idol.

Is tearing others down really that interesting?! Don’t you know your precious idol has a secret crush on me?!

A prodigy?

Ji Qingshu found Chu Xueyi’s nickname for her a bit exasperating. Of course, she knew what prodigy meant.

But hearing it from someone else was completely different from hearing it from someone she liked.

Yeah.

As they chatted, Ji Qingshu had already unlocked her dorm room door. The room was spotless, almost sterile.

The window was half-open, letting in a refreshing breeze that gently swayed the gray curtains.

Who would have imagined?

This was actually a university dormitory room.

Given Ji Qingshu’s unique status and her family’s close ties with the university president, it was only natural for her to have such a luxurious room.

Rumor had it that her father had been a long-time benefactor of the Qingcheng Drama Academy.

Want to come in?

Ji Qingshu leaned against the doorframe, her long, raven-black hair cascading softly over her shoulders. When she looked at Chu Xueyi, her gaze lacked the aloofness and coldness she displayed during class.

Instead, her eyes held a gentle warmth, like a cup of soothing tea.

Mm, Chu Xueyi nodded lightly. Since they were already in this ambiguous relationship, she didn’t mind taking it a step further.

I refuse to believe I, a reborn person, can’t outmaneuver someone who hasn’t been reborn.

Even if Ji Qingshu was a cunning fox, Chu Xueyi was no less a dangerous predator.

Truth be told, Chu Xueyi never doubted she would come out on top.

Since you agreed, let’s take a photo and post it on WeChat Moments, Ji Qingshu said, pulling out her phone. The device looked slightly outdated, its model clearly not the latest.

Chu Xueyi recalled a rumor she had once heard.

If someone doesn’t upgrade their phone despite having the means, it suggests they’re sentimental and loyal.

Whether there’s any scientific basis to this belief is debatable, but… it carries an inexplicable sense of credibility.

Chu Xueyi unconsciously moved closer.

In her previous life, she had also made a high-profile public announcement. But the joy she felt when she clicked post was later matched by the heartbreak of seeing Su Shiyu embracing someone else.

The bitter ache that welled up from the depths of her heart left her breathless.

Ji Qingshu switched to the front-facing camera, but the two figures remained standing at an awkward distance. They looked less like a couple and more like unfamiliar classmates.

We seem a bit too distant… Chu Xueyi said, breaking the awkward silence.

Why is it so easy to immerse myself in a role when acting, yet so difficult to do so when facing her in private?

Ji Qingshu didn’t reply, but silently leaned closer. Her nose nearly brushed Chu Xueyi’s ear, and her free hand pressed against Chu Xueyi’s waist.

Chu Xueyi Warning! Warning!

This was definitely beyond the safe distance between women.

But even straight women often end up kissing when playing around like this, let alone someone like herself who was gay.

This was an epic-level test of willpower.

It was like deliberately placing a pile of honey in front of a bear or a pile of fish in front of a kitten.

Who could resist kissing?

Ji Qingshu’s hot breath sprayed from her nostrils, gradually invading Chu Xueyi’s skin and making her unbearably embarrassed.

Chu Xueyi couldn’t take it anymore. She took a step back, trying to escape this excessive intimacy that had crossed the line.

But Ji Qingshu leaned closer, trapping her with no escape.

Don’t move, Ji Qingshu said. I want to take a picture.

Chu Xueyi froze instantly, letting Ji Qingshu’s arm encircle her waist and her slender fingers grip the fabric of her lower back tightly.

Ah! This is going to kill me!

Why did I impulsively agree to pretend to be her girlfriend?

Couldn’t I have asked my best friend?

No, she’s trying to date a straight guy.

Chu Xueyi’s mind raced, and she realized with despair that Ji Qingshu seemed to be the only one who could cooperate with her.

Xueyi, look at me.

Your eyes need to look loving.

In reality, for official announcement photos like these, Chu Xueyi didn’t even need to show her eyes. Half her face would have been enough to send the gossip-loving audience into a frenzy of speculation.

But Ji Qingshu refused to settle for that.

She wanted Chu Xueyi to fall in love with her, little by little.

Even if it meant deception or seduction.

This request is truly… Chu Xueyi thought inwardly, helpless.

Still, she complied with Ji Qingshu’s wishes, agreeing to the pose.

Slightly embarrassed, she tilted her head and stared directly at Ji Qingshu. The distance was so close that Chu Xueyi nearly kissed her upper lip.

Is it normal to play with fire like this with a woman who secretly loves me?

What if I get burned? Chu Xueyi thought anxiously.

But it was too late. With a click from the phone, the moment was captured.

Only then did Ji Qingshu release Chu Xueyi.

She saw Chu Xueyi looking utterly flustered, glancing around nervously and fanning her face as if trying to dispel the burning heat in her cheeks.

How was my acting? Chu Xueyi asked, still pretending she hadn’t felt anything for Ji Qingshu.

I promised myself no dating in college! No dating!

Chu Xueyi, you can’t let yourself get drunk on this tenderness!