Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 44

Chu Xueyi, dressed only in her nightgown with her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, looked utterly captivating.

Ji Qingshu could feel her heart racing. She felt a pang of frustration—was she really this weak? Could she not even withstand a few seconds of such beauty?

I went out today too and bought you a gift, Chu Xueyi said. I’ve always been asking you for favors, and I feel really bad about it… Now that I’m staying in your dorm, there might be some adjustments needed in the future. I’ll need your help with that too.

Chu Xueyi wasn’t someone who only took from others. Even though she knew Ji Qingshu was pursuing her and what a return gift would imply—that she was reciprocating Ji Qingshu’s feelings—she couldn’t help but want to give something back.

Chu Xueyi opened the box.

Do you like it?

If you don’t, I can exchange it for something else, but… I spent a long time picking this out.

Chu Xueyi’s words carried genuine sincerity.

Ji Qingshu lowered her head to look. The bright incandescent light illuminated the platinum ring, its diamond refracting a dazzling, radiant glow.

The light made her dizzy.

Yet Ji Qingshu had been born into a wealthy family where money was no object. She should have been accustomed to jewelry long ago.

But as she gazed at the ring before her, she couldn’t help but adore it.

I love it. How could I not?

This ring carried a hidden meaning. After all, among countless couples, this was the quintessential token of love exchanged between them.

Then please accept it.

Consider it my return gift.

I know… to someone of your family’s status, Qingshu, this might not seem like a particularly valuable gift. But… I truly chose it with great care.

Chu Xueyi finished speaking and prepared to close the box and hand it over. However, Ji Qingshu didn’t reach out to take it.

Instead, she turned her palm upward.

Ji Qingshu’s fingers were slender and graceful, like jade carvings, with a hint of pink at the knuckles.

I’d like to try the ring on. Xueyi, would you mind helping me put it on?

When Chu Xueyi had selected the ring, she had naturally checked the size. Her fingers were roughly the same size as Ji Qingshu’s, though the latter’s hands always felt slightly stronger.

This was perfectly normal, given that Ji Qingshu practiced martial arts—making her, in a sense, a half-martial arts star. It was only natural for her hands to have some strength.

Alright.

Chu Xueyi took the ring out. The moment she cradled Ji Qingshu’s palm, she sensed something was off.

Wait a minute…

Why does this feel so much like a proposal?

Though Chu Xueyi sensed something was amiss, the arrow was already nocked and ready to fly.

Though Chu Xueyi felt deeply ashamed, her hand didn’t falter as she continued to hold the ring.

Yet the slight trembling of her fingertips betrayed her true feelings.

Watching the silver ring slowly slide onto her index finger, Ji Qingshu’s lips curved into a faint smile. So Xueyi is still shy, she thought. She doesn’t dare put the ring on her ring finger yet.

But that’s alright.

If Chu Xueyi wears it on her index finger today, she’ll wear it on her ring finger tomorrow.

Ji Qingshu was filled with unwavering confidence.

It fits perfectly, but I feel… this ring would look even better on your ring finger.

Chu Xueyi’s ears flushed crimson at these words, but she merely glanced up and glared at Ji Qingshu.

Don’t make it sound like a proposal. If this were a real proposal, it would be far too perfunctory. Ji Qingshu, would you even marry me with such a half-hearted proposal?

Chu Xueyi had only meant to tease casually, but she suddenly felt Ji Qingshu’s other hand grip her wrist.

With a gentle tug, Ji Qingshu pulled her into her arms.

Yes.

Xueyi, as long as it’s you.

I would marry you.

Ji Qingshu’s words were so intensely seductive that even the usually composed Chu Xueyi found herself overwhelmed.

What nonsense are you spouting?

I only agreed to enter the trial period, not to agree to any of this.

Chu Xueyi jerked her hand back, her face flushing even deeper as her heart pounded wildly.

I’m just talking about the future, Ji Qingshu said softly.

Anyway, Xueyi, you don’t dislike me, right?

Each word was delivered with such disarming sincerity that Chu Xueyi found herself utterly defenseless. She couldn’t deny it she had indeed fallen for Ji Qingshu.

Chu Xueyi… Chu Xueyi.

You barely escaped the wolf’s jaws, only to leap straight into the tiger’s mouth.

What have you done?

Chu Xueyi mentally berated herself, but mere self-reproach was useless. Humans always seemed destined to repeat their past mistakes.

Because her heart… it seemed to have truly surrendered.

Night fell, leaving only a solitary full moon hanging in the sky.

Yet Ji Qingshu remained awake, her fingers still caressing the ring.

She wished she could wear it even in her sleep.

Because Xueyi had personally placed it on her finger, she couldn’t bear to take it off.

But she knew that if she kept wearing it, she would inevitably lose it in her sleep—a foolish mistake she couldn’t afford to make.

As she was about to remove the ring, she raised her hand and gently kissed the cool platinum band.

It felt as if… under the moonlight, she was once again kissing her beloved beside her.

Chu Xueyi quickly received a message from the director, informing her to report for filming.

The film crew was undoubtedly at the film and television base, given that this was a historical drama. Therefore, the filming location wasn’t in Qingcheng but in an extremely remote small town.

This trip would take over a month, and Chu Xueyi had already made ample preparations. Her suitcase was stuffed to the brim.

Previously, her assistant had handled all these arrangements. But now that she had nothing, an assistant was out of the question.

I’ll see you off, Ji Qingshu said, watching Chu Xueyi struggle with her suitcase. Her palm slowly rubbed the plane ticket hidden in her pocket. She usually traveled in first class, rarely flying economy.

But… if she were flying economy with someone she liked, that wouldn’t be so bad.

Miss Ji wouldn’t mind.

No need, Chu Xueyi replied, shaking her head gently. It’s too much trouble.

She was only leaving for a month, not going on a half-year-long filming trip.

I want to see you off, Ji Qingshu insisted. Isn’t that what a proper girlfriend should do?

Ji Qingshu looked up at Chu Xueyi, her eyes filled with genuine sincerity.

How long had it been since Chu Xueyi had seen such a sincere gaze? It must have been a very, very long time.

But wouldn’t this be inconvenient for you? I know you’re not short on money, Miss Ji, and can easily afford a plane ticket, but what about your studies?

Ji Qingshu and Chu Xueyi were different people.

Chu Xueyi had already taken on numerous acting roles during her university years, partly for the money and partly for the fame.

But Ji Qingshu had always focused on her studies. After graduating, her debut role catapulted her to stardom, and she hadn’t faced a single setback in her career since.

It’s fine. Missing a day or two of classes won’t matter, Ji Qingshu said, shaking her head lightly.

Chu Xueyi opened her mouth to protest, but Ji Qingshu’s hand covered her lips. Her eyes held a determined glint, and her brows furrowed slightly.

Enough. Don’t say any more.

Even if you disagree, Xueyi, I’m going. I’ve already bought the ticket anyway!

Her tone was assertive, brooking no refusal.