Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 40

Since her rebirth a few months ago, Chu Xueyi had been diligently honing her acting skills. After completing her video assignments, she genuinely felt that her performance had improved significantly.

No wonder she’s the Best Actress, Chu Xueyi thought. Practicing with her really does lead to tangible growth.

But Chu Xueyi’s ambitions in this second life extended far beyond mere acting proficiency.

She craved fame—explosive fame!

Ahem, it’s not like Chu Xueyi lacks humility.

Come on, she’s been reborn! What’s impossible now?

Shortly after her rebirth, Chu Xueyi had drafted a detailed plan. She wasn’t aiming to star in every blockbuster drama.

In this life, she needed to carefully protect her reputation. To ensure she’d still have roles after thirty, she couldn’t just chase fleeting popularity she needed roles with lasting impact.

Lasting impact, she mused.

That means playing the childhood sweetheart of an entire generation.

Like The Legend of the White Snake. Though the series aired two or three decades ago, its lead and supporting actors still reap the rewards of its enduring classic status.

A massive wave of attention and money.

That’s exactly what Chu Xueyi wanted. Heh heh, who wouldn’t want to be a revered senior figure?

Thus, Chu Xueyi decided her first role would be a supporting character in a web drama—a fiercely independent woman who dared to love and hate, earning the tears of countless viewers.

The female supporting role’s scenes were relatively few, requiring only about a month of filming.

This meant Chu Xueyi would have to take a month off from school.

In her previous life, Chu Xueyi had frequently skipped classes during her school days, often submitting casual and perfunctory excuses.

Looking back now, she realized the accusations of her being a diva weren’t entirely unfounded.

Having made up her mind, Chu Xueyi first searched online for casting calls for the web drama Between the Brows, Snow.

The drama’s popularity had surged after its completion. While it hadn’t reached the explosive fame of A Hundred Flowers in Full Bloom, Chu Xueyi’s current connections meant she stood a decent chance with a bit of competition.

With this in mind, Chu Xueyi submitted her already prepared resume and portfolio through the email address provided by the production team.

Now all that remained was to wait for a response.

However… Chu Xueyi thought, one should always have a backup plan.

Though she loathed the idea of exploiting Ji Qingshu, she saw no other way.

After all, she was just a common person—a hopelessly mundane one, who had even begun to covet the Ji Family’s power.

Thus, Ji Qingshu was roused from sleep by a faint tickling sensation on her cheek.

Her room was mosquito-free, thanks to the constant burning of incense. Even the largest and most aggressive mosquitoes couldn’t withstand such a physical assault.

Xueyi?

Ji Qingshu reached out to grasp the offending hand, her eyes fluttering open with a hint of confusion.

What’s wrong…

Ji Qingshu was still half-asleep, her face bare of makeup. In this state, she looked pure and docile, her usual coldness toward outsiders completely gone.

I… I recently came across a web drama I’d like to audition for.

Qingshu, do you know anything about it? Chu Xueyi finally asked.

So what if I’m being despicable? So what if I’m being shameless?

Love will betray me, but money never will. My career is paramount, and I’ll stop at nothing to achieve it.

What drama is it? Ji Qingshu yawned slightly, already waking up considerably.

The person I admire wants to act in a drama. How could I not help her?

Between the Brows, Snow.

I’m only aiming for a supporting female role.

Chu Xueyi had an especially deep connection to this drama. After all, it was the first blockbuster she’d activated with her golden finger after her rebirth.

The title alone made it clear this was a historical romance drama.

Ji Qingshu pondered for a moment. Clearly, she hadn’t heard of this drama before. She raised her eyes to meet Chu Xueyi’s gaze.

Those ink-black eyes seemed to pierce through her, making her want to vanish into thin air.

Xueyi, if you’re aiming for a big-budget production, I can recommend something. Whether it’s partnering with A-list stars or working with renowned directors, whatever you want…

Ji Qingshu didn’t finish her last few words before someone’s hand covered her mouth, silencing her completely.

Even though the conditions you’re offering are quite tempting, Chu Xueyi said, her cheeks puffing out slightly like an annoyed kitten, I don’t want it this way.

Qingshu, we’re not officially dating yet. I can’t rely on your connections like this. If I did… how would I ever repay you?

At that point, she’d probably have to give her heart and soul just to settle the debt.

It’s fine, Ji Qingshu said, pulling Chu Xueyi into her arms. Her voice was gentle as she continued, Xueyi, you know what I want.

I’m just an ordinary person. If… if you don’t mind, I’d really like to take care of you.

Ji Qingshu didn’t see this as anything shameful. She desired the person before her and would find every way to express it.

Before getting permission, she remained dormant.

But once granted, she’d be no different from a starving ghost finally allowed to feast freely.

Xueyi, will you agree to be my kept woman?

Chu Xueyi gently pinched the corner of her robe. This Ji Qingshu is really using both carrot and stick, hitting me from all angles!

Chu Xueyi shook her head.

Ji Qingshu, I’ve noticed you’re completely tainted by the stench of money now. Too bad… I’m not that kind of woman.

Chu Xueyi unconsciously leaned closer, propping herself up on Ji Qingshu’s gray silk-like quilt. The fabric was smooth and slippery, almost like silk.

As expected of a young miss—she lives and eats only the best, Chu Xueyi thought to herself.

It must be such a hardship for her to eat in the cafeteria with us.

Fortunately, the Qingcheng Drama Academy cafeteria was decent enough, unlike the high school cafeteria, which was so awful it barely had any oil or flavor.

Even the peak of culinary perfection—corn and potatoes—were starting to lose their appeal. And those two were delicious even steamed plain!

Besides, if you keep insulting me with money, I’ll give you a bad review! You’re still in your probationary period, you know!

Chu Xueyi pinched Ji Qingshu’s cheek.

Only then did Ji Qingshu belatedly realize the gravity of the situation and dare not take it lightly.

Alright, I was wrong, I was wrong…

Though it’s said a woman’s knees are worth gold, immediately dropping to her knees could still be a way to please a beauty.

I’ll keep an eye out for that web drama you mentioned. If you want to audition, no need for any roundabout methods—I’ll take you to the set myself.

Chu Xueyi !

As expected, Ji Qingshu’s ability to reject harassing directors and choose her roles freely in the industry stemmed largely from the Ji Family’s influence.

Thank you for your help.

Chu Xueyi paused, feeling a bit awkward about asking for such a favor.

Though their relationship was ambiguous, she believed in keeping things separate.

She had always preferred being the one to spend money on her girlfriend, not the other way around. So… she needed to choose a thoughtful gift.

That way, Ji Qingshu’s sincerity wouldn’t be wasted.