Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 32

Ji Qingshu froze, her entire body stiffening like stone. If this were just a rehearsal, Chu Xueyi wouldn’t need to act so intensely.

It was too real.

A light touch to her lips would have ended the scene.

Ji Qingshu knew she should remind Chu Xueyi, who had become too immersed in her role, but why didn’t she want to?

She didn’t know.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Ji Qingshu closed her eyes. After all, she had never been pure, and her heart had always been tainted. She responded to Chu Xueyi, returning her gentle pecks.

It wasn’t enough.

Not until the sound of water reached her ears and Chu Xueyi’s breathing grew ragged did Ji Qingshu finally open her eyes, as if emerging from a dream.

Reluctantly, she pulled away.

Xueyi, you seem to be getting too into character.

Even now, Ji Qingshu chose to feign innocence, refusing to take responsibility. She lightly wiped her lips with the back of her hand, smearing her lipstick completely.

Mm.

Chu Xueyi avoided Ji Qingshu’s gaze, unwilling to acknowledge the shameful thoughts that had just crossed her mind.

Seeing Ji Qingshu’s pitiful, tear-filled eyes, the pain of unrequited love, and the overwhelming desire in her gaze, Chu Xueyi had wanted to comfort her.

It was an utterly foolish impulse.

This was something that couldn’t be accomplished without genuine emotion.

But she had done it. What did that prove?

It only proved that she herself had been moved to the point of wanting to die!

I’m a little tired, Chu Xueyi said.

I’m going to brush my teeth and then go to bed.

Chu Xueyi didn’t comment on how well they had acted that day. Both had fully immersed themselves in their roles, which was proof enough.

But she didn’t realize that Ji Qingshu hadn’t been acting at all. Almost all of her emotions had overflowed from her true feelings.

In fact, she had even recommended the script to their teacher.

Sensing Chu Xueyi’s ambition to excel, Ji Qingshu had guessed she would audition for the lead role. But fearing she might scare Chu Xueyi off, she had used a smokescreen.

First, she had a man register for the male lead, then ruthlessly ousted him.

With this script, Ji Qingshu had successfully reeled in Chu Xueyi, the big fish. She watched Chu Xueyi’s ears flush crimson, like bl00d.

Silently nodding, Ji Qingshu’s lips curved into a soundless smile.

Xueyi, are you running away?

If it were just acting, you wouldn’t have reacted like this, would you?

Ji Qingshu couldn’t help but think gleefully to herself.

She stood up, the faint taste of fruit wine still lingering in her mouth. The aroma of plums lingered in the air, intoxicatingly sweet. If only… I had savored it more with my tongue earlier.

Now she could savor the lingering sensation of their touch even more.

Ji Qingshu felt a pang of regret.

But restraint was best. She absolutely couldn’t let Chu Xueyi sense her own dark desires, or she might scare Xueyi away.

Ji Qingshu’s slender fingertips brushed across the drawer as she moved to her cabinet—an unremarkable brown wooden cabinet beneath the television.

This space usually held mundane items like documents and batteries, but Ji Qingshu kept something else inside.

She opened the cabinet to reveal desiccants. Beside them lay a scented candle, but this was no ordinary candle.

Ji Qingshu had bought it abroad.

Rumor had it… that it could induce intensely sensual dreams. Ji Qingshu had tried it once or twice before, and perhaps because she was a naturally lustful person, she had experienced very erotic dreams.

She rarely used it, but today…

Forgive me, Xueyi.

Even if you only have a 1% fondness for me, I’ll amplify it to 99%!

Ji Qingshu didn’t smoke, so finding a lighter proved tricky. But she had prepared meticulously a brand-new lighter lay quietly near the scented candle.

She placed the candle on the nearby table.

With a click, the lighter ignited, a flame leaping forth to light the candle.

Ji Qingshu waited a while before Chu Xueyi finally emerged from the bathroom, her cheeks flushed with a damp glow.

Looks like she didn’t just brush her teeth, Ji Qingshu thought. She must have washed her face too.

Well, of course… her ears were practically burning red.

How could she face me normally without cooling down with cold water?

Ji Qingshu’s heart fluttered with warmth.

What’s that you lit? Chu Xueyi asked, glancing at the burning aromatherapy diffuser on the table. She seemed to understand, but secretly thought Typical rich girl. Even when sleeping in a dorm, she has to light aromatherapy. So particular.

It’s for sleep, Ji Qingshu explained. It contains herbal ingredients.

Chu Xueyi nodded without further thought. Go wash up. I’m going to sleep.

Okay.

Chu Xueyi watched Ji Qingshu head to the wardrobe to pick out pajamas before settling into bed. There were two blankets on the bed.

Chu Xueyi’s blanket, chosen by her parents, was a soft yellow with countless tiny ducklings printed on it.

She remembered the first time she changed the duvet cover and discovered the spare set her parents had packed—the one with the little yellow ducks.

Chu Xueyi’s lips twitched uncontrollably.

But after sleeping with it for a while, she got used to it.

The only slightly embarrassing part was having Ji Qingshu see it.

When Ji Qingshu helped her spread the blanket, she simply smiled and said, Xueyi, you’re still so childlike.

Chu Xueyi I’m dying of embarrassment…

Mom and Dad, next time, please choose a blanket with better taste!

Chu Xueyi burrowed under the covers. The autumn air was cool and refreshing, so she didn’t need the air conditioning and quickly drifted off to sleep.

Could this aromatherapy Ji Qingshu lit actually have some kind of sleep-inducing effect? Chu Xueyi wondered inwardly as she slowly sank into slumber.

But the dream that followed… was far from pleasant.

In her dream, she saw Ji Qingshu. Her features, usually cool and detached, now seemed ablaze with boundless desire.

This was a Ji Qingshu she had never seen before.

Xueyi…

Ji Qingshu leaned down, and Chu Xueyi could see her delicate collarbones and smooth, rounded shoulders—every detail sending her bl00d racing.

You’re drawn to me, aren’t you?

If it was just a simple rehearsal… why didn’t you push me away?

You know… a kiss this deep has already crossed the line for what actors should do.

We broke the rules.

In the dream, Chu Xueyi couldn’t speak or move. She wanted to shake her head, but her head was locked in place.

You don’t want to admit it?

You like me.

Ji Qingshu leaned closer, her lips almost brushing Chu Xueyi’s ear.

What’s so great about Su Shiyu?

She’s just a scumbag woman—faithless, heartless, and cold. What does she have that I don’t?

My family has power, and I’ve been secretly in love with you for so long. From now on, you can punch any sleazy director you want—the Ji Family will protect you.

You can drive any car you want. My garage is full of them…

This woman really knows how to flatter herself, Chu Xueyi couldn’t help but think. All her power comes from her family.

But… a flutter of excitement rose in her chest.

Am I falling in love? Chu Xueyi wondered, dazed.