Reborn into the Obsessive Love of a Dark and Twisted Shadow Queen - Chapter 9

Mm.

Chu Xueyi lowered her gaze to her shoes, her expression a mix of awkwardness and unease. She didn’t know how to respond to Ji Qingshu’s warmth.

After all, this girl usually wore a perpetual scowl around everyone else.

It was like a perpetually aloof cat, always looking down on others with disdain, yet wagging its tail for her alone.

This feeling was strangely unsettling, yet tinged with a hint of joy.

Let’s walk together then. I was just about to head out anyway, Ji Qingshu said, a faint smile playing on her lips as she reached out to take Chu Xueyi’s arm.

You have to take the initiative to make a story happen. Ji Qingshu had learned this after devouring several romance magazines late into the night.

The bond between girls was different from romantic love between men and women—it was as fragile as a sheet of paper, easily pierced with a single poke.

Love between girls could easily be mistaken for friendship, so it was crucial to show a little extra warmth to create the possibility of further development, to make it clear this was something more than just friendship.

But for now, Ji Qingshu only dared to disguise her affection as friendship.

Otherwise, she feared she might frighten Chu Xueyi.

Chu Xueyi’s arm was once again pressed against that warm, soft touch. After a moment’s thought, she realized maintaining this ambiguous relationship was no longer appropriate.

She straightened her posture slightly, her heels feeling as if they were nailed to the dormitory corridor floor.

Why aren’t you walking? Ji Qingshu asked, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Chu Xueyi took a deep breath, gazing at the woman before her—a face that blended pure innocence with captivating beauty, as if she were glimpsing the future Big Film Empress Ji, destined for dazzling fame.

This clingy behavior was truly rare for Ji Qingshu.

If she were still her twenty-year-old self, she might have been blind to the carefully crafted facade before her. But Chu Xueyi, who had weathered years of trials in the entertainment industry, had developed a keen ability to read people’s hearts.

She could see the undisguised affection Ji Qingshu tried to conceal.

So, even Big Film Empress Ji has her moments of acting slip-ups, huh?

Ji Qingshu, Chu Xueyi began, I know this might sound narcissistic, but you must realize I like women, right?

Ji Qingshu nodded, her hand still holding Chu Xueyi’s arm, silently acknowledging her confession.

So, we should keep a bit of distance between us, like between people of different genders. Otherwise… I’d be taking advantage of you.

Chu Xueyi wouldn’t dare directly accuse the future Big Film Empress Ji of taking advantage of her.

She had to phrase her warning more delicately.

It’s fine, I don’t mind.

Ji Qingshu knew she had been acting too warmly lately, but she wouldn’t have gotten so close without having a plausible excuse ready.

I’m just worried about you…

Ji Qingshu led Chu Xueyi forward, their footsteps echoing on the concrete steps as they descended to the dormitory entrance.

Only then did Chu Xueyi realize that the moment she stepped outside, countless classmates turned to stare, their whispers buzzing like bees. Clearly… the incident at the performance venue had blown up.

Damn it! I should have known this would happen when I got that text this morning. I should have worn a mask!

Chu Xueyi felt a pang of annoyance.

Chu Xueyi, Chu Xueyi… how could you forget the importance of wearing a mask at all times after being a major celebrity for so many years?!

I’m worried Zhao Chengjun might be plotting against you. Even though he was expelled, he’s definitely harboring resentment. People like that are the most dangerous…

Ji Qingshu narrowed her eyes, as if recalling a past incident, and pointed to the steps in front of the dormitory.

A few years ago, there was a similar incident here. A wealthy second-generation heir confessed his feelings to one of our senior classmates, but she politely rejected him.

Enraged and humiliated, he brought a bottle of sulfuric acid the next day and splashed the entire contents onto her face.

Though her life wasn’t in danger, as an actress, losing her face… it’s understandable why she might have lost hope.

As Ji Qingshu finished speaking, she noticed Chu Xueyi’s hair standing on end.

Taking a bold step, Ji Qingshu slowly slid her fingers between Chu Xueyi’s, then moved closer until their arms were pressed together.

Her voice carried unwavering resolve.

But don’t worry. I’m here to protect you now.

Ji Qingshu’s gaze swept lightly across the drama students who were still whispering and pointing. They instantly fell silent.

It was clear.

No one wanted to cross Ji Qingshu.

Two figures stood in the distance Su Shiyu and her friend. They had just finished their morning run, towels still draped around their necks, when they witnessed the scene.

As aspiring actors—or, more accurately, acting trainees—few at the academy neglected physical fitness.

Yet some lazy individuals existed.

These types often opted for cosmetic procedures like liposuction to remove fat and relied on various injections to maintain muscle definition.

Su Shiyu clearly wasn’t one of them.

There was a reason Chu Xueyi had fallen for her, but… most of the time, the good in a person’s nature couldn’t withstand the allure of evil.

Initially, Su Shiyu believed she could simply reject Chu Xueyi outright, avoiding any ambiguous relationship.

However, Chu Xueyi’s generosity proved overwhelming.

Gold necklaces, jade, diamonds, gemstone jewelry—anything she could get her hands on, she showered Su Shiyu with.

Eventually, Su Shiyu’s resolve crumbled. She chose to maintain an ambiguous relationship with the person she liked while simultaneously enticing Chu Xueyi.

So that’s why Chu Xueyi stopped being your lapdog. She found Ji Qingshu, huh?

Ji Qingshu and Su Shiyu, even as Su Shiyu’s close friends, understood the situation perfectly well.

At an ordinary university, a girl with even a little beauty could be crowned class flower or department flower. But at a performing arts university, especially one as prestigious as Qingcheng Drama Academy, that was impossible.

Qingcheng Drama Academy consistently ranked first alongside another top institution, and the competition between them was fierce.

The academy had produced waves of stars, actors, and artists, each wave surpassing the last.

Hearing her friend’s remark, Su Shiyu quickly denied it. No… it looks more like Ji Qingshu is the one clinging to her.

Hahaha… how could that be? Someone like Ji Qingshu would never cling to anyone!

It’s obvious they’ve grown closer. Ji Qingshu has simply lowered her guard and let down that stone in her heart.

Su Shiyu felt a pang of resentment. It was like watching a toy she had already claimed being given away to someone else.

Why?

She’s just someone I don’t like.

If she didn’t love him anymore, she didn’t love him anymore. At worst, she could pretend nothing had ever happened. A gust of wind would blow away all her lingering feelings.

But why?

Why did her gaze still fixate on Chu Xueyi?

The more Su Shiyu thought about it, the more agitated she became.

Just then, Ji Qingshu seemed to sense Su Shiyu hiding in the crowd. She tightened her grip on Chu Xueyi’s hand, tilting her chin slightly upward in a clear display of possessiveness.

But they’re only in a vague, ambiguous relationship, Su Shiyu thought, amused. Are they already fighting over who gets to be the official partner?

The pair quickened their pace, and Chu Xueyi was about to pass right by Su Shiyu. After a moment’s hesitation, Su Shiyu called out

Xueyi…

To her surprise, Chu Xueyi showed none of her usual eagerness. She merely trembled slightly, didn’t even turn her head, and continued walking away as if she wanted nothing to do with Su Shiyu.

Why? Su Shiyu wondered, baffled. We were fine before she got sick.