Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 45

Chu Xueyi was momentarily at a loss for words. The usually mild-mannered Ji Qingshu had suddenly become so earnest that she could only nod in agreement.

Oh well… she thought. It’s Miss Ji’s money to burn, not mine.

From start to finish, Ji Qingshu fussed over Chu Xueyi, carrying her luggage, hailing taxis, and generally being more attentive than her own former assistant, who had barely finished her internship in her previous life.

Too bad… Chu Xueyi couldn’t help but wonder if her former assistant in the timeline where she died was now struggling to find a new job. After all, kind-hearted beauties like her were rare in the corporate world.

After landing, a private car whisked them to the film studio. Chu Xueyi barely had to lift a finger during the journey, dozing off for a short nap before arriving at the set.

Chu Xueyi was playing a supporting role, and since she had secured the part through her own investment, she didn’t even need to audition. The director simply clapped his hands and welcomed her into the cast.

It’s getting late, he said. Why don’t you stay at my hotel tonight and head back to school in the morning?

Chu Xueyi glanced at the woman beside her. Despite her initial reluctance, she couldn’t bring herself to dismiss someone who had been so tirelessly devoted to her.

After all, they’d already shared a bed before, she reasoned.

But they’ve never shared a blanket.

Maybe I should check the hotel closet for extra blankets, Chu Xueyi mused inwardly.

Xueyi, are you worried about me? Ji Qingshu asked with a smile, her heart brimming with joy. The fact that Chu Xueyi was concerned about her health proved… that she must like her at least a little, right?

Yes!

Another step closer to success! Ji Qingshu thought triumphantly. Despite her inner elation, her expression remained composed, with only a slight upturn of her lips betraying her delight.

I… I guess so, Chu Xueyi mumbled, turning her face away, too embarrassed to meet Ji Qingshu’s gaze.

Why does this woman have to be so straightforward about everything? she grumbled inwardly, feeling a pang of annoyance.

The two walked through the corridor of the film studio, which had been constructed to resemble a Han dynasty imperial palace. Blue ceramic tiles formed the city walls, topped with massive vermilion wooden pillars that supported a roof of azure tiles.

The place exuded an authentic ancient atmosphere.

If it weren’t for the occasional crew members in shirts and jeans passing by with cameras, Chu Xueyi might have felt like she had truly traveled back in time.

Thank you for your concern, Ji Qingshu said. I am a bit tired. I’ll rest at your hotel tonight then. After all, I can’t refuse such a gracious offer.

Ji Qingshu took advantage of the slope and rolled down it without a hint of embarrassment.

This was a personal invitation from the person she liked—she’d have to be crazy to refuse.

Chu Xueyi ……

Ji Qingshu, don’t you think your tone sounds a bit… animalistic?

What, like a fox? Ji Qingshu asked.

She remembered how people often secretly cursed her parents, calling them old foxes and treacherous merchants. Over time, she had subconsciously begun to feel like a little fox herself.

No, more like a little puppy.

And the clingy kind.

The kind that won’t leave you alone even if you kick it away.

Chu Xueyi dared not voice that last thought aloud, only silently repeating it in her mind.

Fine by me.

Ji Qingshu suddenly stopped walking, lowered her head, and pressed her entire body against Chu Xueyi’s ear.

Being your personal puppy isn’t so bad.

Chu Xueyi’s face flushed crimson at those words. Does this woman have no shame?

Stepping over the blue stone steps, the group finally arrived at the filming location. Today was the opening ceremony, so there wasn’t much actual filming required—mostly just going through the motions.

Perhaps due to the addition of new investors, the ceremony felt particularly formal. A whole roasted piglet, tied with bright red silk ribbons, was prepared, adding a festive touch.

Ji Qingshu had always disdained such customs, but… since it was a program Chu Xueyi was participating in, she decided to stick around and watch.

Chu Xueyi had barely stepped inside when the director came scurrying over, his face beaming.

Ah, you’ve finally arrived! I’ve been waiting for you since morning.

In her previous life, Chu Xueyi’s acting career had been a grueling process submitting resumes, attending auditions, performing scenes, waiting for callbacks, and navigating the chaotic schedule adjustments of film crews.

Later, after she became a household name, these tasks were delegated to her agent.

But now, reborn into this life, Chu Xueyi was acutely aware that she was just a small-time actress with nothing to her name—barely even a foot in the door of the entertainment industry, more like a drama student.

Yet here she was, parachuting straight into this role.

Ji Qingshu must have pulled some serious strings.

Chu Xueyi wasn’t stupid the most obvious explanation was that Ji Qingshu had invested in this web drama.

Even with her god’s-eye view, even knowing from the start that this series would be a massive hit, making everyone involved rich beyond their wildest dreams, she couldn’t help but feel deeply moved.

The crew began distributing incense sticks. As the female supporting lead, Chu Xueyi stood beside the female lead.

The female lead was identical to her past life self—a rising star who frequently acted in web dramas. However, she had since drifted into mediocrity, never landing another breakout role.

Rumor had it that she was notoriously harsh to the crew on set.

Chu Xueyi hadn’t verified this herself, so she refrained from speculating further.

After all, her own reputation in the industry wasn’t exactly stellar. Everyone loved to criticize her for putting on a green tea act in public, then turning cold and throwing her weight around with the crew behind the scenes.

But this was actually a grave misunderstanding of Chu Xueyi.

She smiled at her fans every day, until her cheeks ached from the effort. When she finally had a moment off, she naturally wanted to let her face relax. Smiling constantly would give her wrinkles, after all!

Ji Qingshu remained seated at a nearby table throughout, her gaze undisturbed by the commotion. Her eyes were fixed solely on Chu Xueyi, who held the burning incense sticks.

Just then, the director’s voice cut through the air.

Investor, why don’t you come offer incense as well?

The director handed Ji Qingshu three long incense sticks. After a moment’s hesitation, she accepted them.

This web drama had a modest budget—a mere drop in the bucket for her. But to the rest of the crew, she was clearly a living money god.

The ring on Ji Qingshu’s index finger gleamed brightly.

As she took the incense sticks and moved to stand beside Chu Xueyi, the crew members couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Truly a match made in heaven.

Even the male and female leads, standing at the center of the group, seemed to pale in comparison.

Web drama actors rarely matched the star power of those in mainstream dramas, let alone someone like Chu Xueyi, who had quickly risen to become a rising star after graduation.

Her beauty was undeniable, even by the standards of the entire Chinese entertainment industry.

In fact, many cosmetic surgery clinics openly admitted that most clients sought to achieve Chu Xueyi’s natural, pure aesthetic.

In short, they all wanted to look like Chu Xueyi.