Thank You for the Invitation, I Successfully Held Hands with the Best Actress - Chapter 19

Ning Yu was nearly ready to throw her much-prided self-control out the window, her pink tongue repeatedly sweeping across her lips, leaving them glistening.

 

 

Mu Qiuyan tilted her head. “So, Miss Ning, why are you here?”

 

 

Ning Yu averted her eyes uncomfortably and rubbed her nose. “I just… happened to be passing by, just passing by.” But the moment the words left her mouth, she regretted it, cursing herself for being so clumsy—the excuse was utterly flimsy.

 

 

Mu Qiuyan crossed her arms, nodding in understanding. “Oh, so you were just passing by? Well, thank you for that, Miss Ning. Since you had the chance to play the hero and save the beauty, shouldn’t I show my gratitude somehow…” She leaned in even closer, her springwater-like eyes shimmering with an alluring warmth.

 

 

The delicate fragrance lingering around them grew more intense, the warm breath brushing against Ning Yu’s nose turning it slightly red. She felt as if she were trapped in a jar of honey, her feet rooted to the ground, her entire body frozen in place.

 

 

At such close proximity, it seemed she could even hear the other woman’s heartbeat and breathing. Ning Yu instinctively held her breath, her ears burning red, her hands and feet fidgeting awkwardly with nowhere to go.

 

 

“You…” Before Ning Yu could finish her question, the cool touch at the tip of her nose swallowed her words back down her throat.

 

 

Mu Qiuyan’s slender, pale finger pressed against Ning Yu’s nose, then slid up the bridge of her straight nose, back and forth like a teasing caress. Of course, Ning Yu didn’t think Mu Qiuyan was trying to seduce her—but her self-control always seemed to crumble in front of this woman.

 

 

“Kiss her, kiss her!” The ever-mischievous system suddenly piped up urgently. “As a proper scoundrel of an alpha, now that the night is dark and the path is deep, it’s the perfect time to act like a rogue.”

 

 

The system continued, “You can’t let a piece of meat right in front of you go to waste! What’s with the gentleman act? Kiss her, kiss her! As the saying goes, even death is worth it under the peony…”

 

 

Ning Yu: No, I don’t want to die, and I don’t want to be a ghost either. I want to live a good, long life.

 

 

She stood frozen in place, but Mu Qiuyan suddenly let out a soft laugh, her breath as fragrant as orchids. “Looking at it now, Miss Ning’s nose is quite outstanding. Did you have it done?”

 

 

Ning Yu’s eyes slowly widened: …That’s it?! That’s all?!

 

 

Mu Qiuyan’s fingers continued their restless tracing, light as a feather, tickling slightly. Ning Yu’s eyelashes fluttered incessantly, betraying the nervousness in her heart.

 

 

“Miss Mu’s words truly wound me,” Ning Yu licked her lips, feigning hurt, her bright eyes tinged with grievance. “I was born with natural beauty—where would you even find traces of plastic surgery?”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan’s finger paused, her expression clearly saying, You’re actually this narcissistic? But her hand still didn’t stop, touching, tracing, as if searching for something in the fragments of memory.

 

 

Seeing that the other woman showed no intention of stopping—in fact, she seemed to be enjoying it more and more—Ning Yu helplessly raised her hand and grasped Mu Qiuyan’s wrist, pulling it down.

 

 

“Miss Mu, you don’t need to keep feeling it. This is my real nose—no matter how much you touch it, it won’t collapse.” Ning Yu’s looks were exceptional; she often got approached on the street for her contact information.

 

 

“Miss Mu, doesn’t this count as teasing me?”

 

 

 

Her wrist was gripped tightly, the burning heat in the palm seemingly scorching her skin. Mu Qiuyan bit her lip and struggled slightly, pulling her hand away before taking a step back. She shrugged lightly, “I didn’t expect Miss Ning to be so sensitive. I thought you’d be accustomed to such things by now.”

 

 

Ning Yu coughed lightly, the warmth still lingering on her cheeks as she awkwardly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well… that depends on the person. When facing a boss-level opponent like Actress Mu, no amount of experience would be enough.”

 

 

“Offering myself would be making too big a deal out of it. How about you honor me with a meal instead, Actress Mu?”

 

 

Mu Qiuyan didn’t respond, continuing her leisurely stroll forward.

 

 

The chilly night breeze carried her calm voice: “Then, Miss Ning, am I just one of your conquest targets in this playgirl game?”

 

 

The blunt question froze Ning Yu in place. The distance between them gradually widened as the moonlight peeking through the clouds stretched their shadows. Mu Qiuyan turned her head, her delicate and serene profile seeming to blend into the radiant moonlight.

 

 

The dinner table held an oddly delicate atmosphere.

 

 

Ning Yu’s sharp eyes noticed that Ming Jue and Gao Mi had significantly reduced their social distance. Since sitting down, they’d been engrossed in conversation about work and life. Both being outgoing and talkative personalities, their lively exchange of topics created a vibrant dynamic.

 

 

On the other side, the pairing of Wen Mianmian and Li Yifan was equally harmonious—one gentlemanly and polite, the other patiently attentive—a seemingly perfect match.

 

 

Several potential CP combinations appeared to be blossoming before everyone’s eyes.

 

 

Damn it, what about her official pairing then?

 

 

What should we do? Mianmian and Brother Fan make such a good pair—the little white rabbit and the big bad wolf. So shippable!

 

 

Right? Brother Fan is so gentle and considerate. Someone with Mianmian’s slightly shy personality would suit a mature, stable type who knows how to take care of others. Let’s forget about President Ming.

 

 

One-sided crushes never work out. I think President Ming might have some interest in Gao Mi anyway. As for Mu Qiuyan, her family background can’t compare to the Ming Corporation’s.

 

 

Matched social status is forever the golden rule. The domineering CEO and the wealthy beauty are the ultimate pairing—power couples are my jam.

 

 

If these two pairs work, what about the rest? Zhu Wen and Xu Yi have zero chemistry, and Ning Yu… well, need we say more? Is our Actress Mu destined to be alone?

 

 

Queen Mu is perfect flying solo! Ning Yu followed her outside earlier but came back crestfallen, didn’t she? Serves her right if her dinner invitation got rejected, hahahaha!

 

 

The same meal created stark contrasts—some reveling in joy while others brooded in silence. Warmth and liveliness never belonged to everyone equally.

 

 

At exactly 10 PM, Ning Yu arrived at the garden gazebo but found no one there. Glancing around, she suddenly spotted a graceful figure standing on the stone platform by the fountain flowerbed.

 

 

The white strapless chiffon dress revealed arms as smooth and luminous as lotus roots, while her glossy shoulder-length hair—chestnut with reddish highlights and soft waves—cascaded freely. Her bare feet on the gray stone bricks accentuated the delicate curve of her ankles.

 

 

Humming a melodious tune, she danced lightly around the fountain, her movements as elegant as a swan spreading its wings across water. The moonlight breaking through the dissipating clouds cast a sacred, ethereal glow around her, making her nimble figure resemble a nocturnal fairy dancing through the night.

 

 

—Or not.

 

 

 

Ning Yu instinctively tightened the thin coat draped over her shoulders. Though it was summer, the night breeze carried a chill. What kind of person would dance alone in a deserted garden on such a cold night? Was there any explanation other than being out of their mind?

 

 

And here she was, not sleeping but coming to watch someone dance in the dead of night—clearly, her own sanity was questionable.

 

 

Ning Yu shook her head, utterly uninterested, and turned to leave. But then, a clear, ethereal voice called out from behind, “A-Yu, is that you?”

 

 

The voice was tender and melancholic, laden with unspoken emotions, so much so that Ning Yu nearly stumbled and face-planted on the spot.

 

 

Rubbing the goosebumps on her arms, she turned stiffly and saw Gao Mi standing atop the fountain, waving at her with a gentle smile.

 

 

Ning Yu: “…” This scene was straight out of a horror movie—like a ghost luring souls.

 

 

She blurted out without thinking, “Hey, are you human or a ghost?”

 

 

A light breeze drifted between them as their eyes met, filling the air with awkward silence.

 

 

Gao Mi suppressed the urge to let her temper flare and maintained her elegant, practiced smile. “A-Yu, you’re so funny. I was the one who left you that note earlier. Why are you standing so far away? Come here.”

 

 

A-Yu? Since when were they that close?

 

 

Ning Yu took a few cautious steps forward. “What exactly did you mean by what you wrote in that note?”

 

 

Gao Mi shrugged. “Exactly what it said. I have a way for you to get together with Mu Qiu-yan.”

 

 

“What way?” Ning Yu was skeptical.

 

 

Gao Mi beckoned. “Come closer. I have to whisper it to you.” She rested a hand on her delicate collarbone and swept her cascading hair back, revealing her slender neck.

 

 

Ning Yu’s instincts screamed danger. “Why would you help me?”

 

 

Gao Mi spread her hands. “Simple. I want to be with Ming Jue, but he seems particularly fond of Mu Qiu-yan. If you can successfully get together with her, my biggest obstacle disappears.”

 

 

Ning Yu frowned, now fully understanding Gao Mi’s role. Do you even realize how much you sound like a villain right now?

 

 

In the original story, with Ning Yu as the primary antagonist, Gao Mi’s slightly manipulative tendencies seemed almost harmless in comparison. In fact, her relentless efforts to break up Ming Jue and Mu Qiu-yan inadvertently strengthened the main couple’s bond—making her nothing more than a catalyst for their romance.

 

 

But her seeking an alliance with Ning Yu? That wasn’t in the book. After a moment’s hesitation, Ning Yu stepped closer to the fountain.

 

 

Seeing this, a hint of triumph flickered in Gao Mi’s eyes as she leaned down and whispered into Ning Yu’s ear, “Ming Jue’s birthday is coming up. He’ll definitely try to invite Mu Qiu-yan to celebrate with him. Your job is to stay by her side and make sure they don’t meet.”

 

 

Ning Yu scoffed. “Easier said than done. If they want to meet, am I supposed to physically stop them?”

 

 

Gao Mi smiled mysteriously. “You’ll understand when the time comes. I’ve planned this for a long time—it’s foolproof.”

 

 

“So, Miss Gao came prepared. I assume you have someone in the production team helping you?”

 

 

Gao Mi narrowed her eyes. “That’s none of your concern, Miss Ning. Once everything’s settled, I’ll make sure you get what you want.”

 

 

 

Ning Yu curled her lips and casually twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “You expect me to help you based on empty promises? Why should I? Because of the grand future you’ve painted? How do I know you won’t cut ties after using me? If there’s no benefit for me, I won’t agree.”

 

 

Gao Mi gritted her teeth. “If I get together with Ming Jue, no one will compete with you for Mu Qiuyan anymore. I know Ming Jue has been suppressing you—with her around, you’ll never have a chance with Mu Qiuyan. Cooperate with me, and I swear I’ll keep my word.”

 

 

“Same as before—if you want to collaborate, you’ll have to show me some sincerity, won’t you? Without any tangible benefits, I’d be at a loss.”

 

 

“Do you think I have no other choice? There are plenty of other guests—someone will work with me.”

 

 

Ning Yu shrugged indifferently. “Then go find someone else.”

 

 

“You—!” Gao Mi was fuming, realizing for the first time how stubborn and difficult this so-called “player” Ning Yu could be.

 

 

If she had any other options, she wouldn’t have chosen Ning Yu as a partner.

 

 

That Li Yifan was completely obsessed with Wen Mianmian right now, leaving Gao Mi with no one else to turn to.

 

 

As the two argued, neither noticed the water level in the fountain behind Gao Mi steadily rising, the central jet spurting occasional splashes.

 

 

Before long, the water overflowed, soaking Gao Mi’s feet. She let out an involuntary shriek and tried to step back, but her feet slipped, sending her lurching forward.

 

 

Her fall was abruptly halted as she crashed into a soft embrace. A sweet, fruity fragrance enveloped her, and an arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her safely back onto solid ground.

 

 

Her drenched feet touched the floor, and Gao Mi looked up at Ning Yu, completely stunned.

 

 

…Huh. She might be a little smitten.