The 'Involution King' Second Female Lead Quits [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: I’m jealous, and you’re jealous too!

For the New Year’s Eve countdown, Li Jianwei was able to make a mad dash to get back.

But for the Spring Festival Gala, she had to follow the arrangements to the letter. After the show, she even had to do some interviews, and by the time she got back to her hotel, it was already three in the morning.

She opened a video message from Shu Heng, and a smile bloomed on her face as she listened to the cheerful New Year’s greetings.

Since she couldn’t sleep anyway, Li Jianwei sat cross-legged on the bed and started replying to the messages that had piled up. She also began to pack her luggage, getting ready to fly home at dawn.

To her surprise, Shu Heng was still awake. As soon as Li Jianwei replied, a video call popped up from her.

“Happy New Year, Teacher Li! May you be prosperous and may all your wishes come true!” Shu Heng said with a smile. From the background, it seemed she was in her own room, wearing a fluffy cat onesie.

“Happy New Year to you too. May all go well,” Li Jianwei leaned against the headboard. “Why are you still awake? I remember you messaged me two hours ago saying you and Panda had already gone to bed.”

“That’s because Panda woke up halfway through, meowing nonstop, which woke me up too,” Shu Heng said, telling a white lie.

The truth was, Shu Heng had set a special notification for Li Jianwei. Her phone would vibrate and make a sound whenever Li Jianwei replied.

“Teacher Li, why aren’t you sleeping? You’ve been busy all night,” Shu Heng said, picking up Panda, who was lying beside her. She raised the cat’s paws and wiggled them. “Panda, say Happy New Year to Teacher Li.”

Li Jianwei’s smile deepened, and her voice grew lazier. “I’m not sleepy at this hour. My flight is at 7 a.m. tomorrow, so I’ll go to the airport two hours early and sleep on the plane.”

“Alright. I’m not tired either, so let’s chat!” Shu Heng said happily. “Do you want to watch Panda’s mukbang? I’m about to feed her.”

Li Jianwei naturally wouldn’t refuse a little cat’s eating performance.

And so, Li Jianwei watched Panda eat her canned food, Shu Heng watched Li Jianwei on her screen, and Panda would eat a few bites before looking up at her human. The two people and one cat formed a subtle and endearing cycle.

…

A New Start

With the new year came a new beginning. When Li Jianwei arrived home at noon, she enjoyed a delicious feast and then started her peaceful, laid-back life. That is, until her mother picked up a little orange tabby on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

Li Jianwei’s mom had never been interested in keeping cats or dogs, and she was always very busy, so the family never had pets. This time, she just couldn’t bear to see a tiny orange tabby thrown in the trash, so she brought it home to see if it could be saved.

The little tabby, temporarily placed in a cardboard box, seemed to have just opened its eyes. Its meows were faint and weak. This made Li Jianwei, a cat lover, leap from the sofa in a flash. She wrapped the kitten in a blanket, tucked it into her arms, and rushed to the nearest pet hospital.

When she learned that the kitten was simply hungry and had no parasites or other health issues, Li Jianwei, wearing a mask, let out a sigh of relief. She immediately bought a bunch of kitten supplies and returned home with her arms full.

The little tabby was truly tiny, judged by the vet to be only half a month old. It would need careful care to survive in the cold weather. Fortunately, Li Jianwei, being a cat lover, was well-versed in pet care theory. She often watched videos of cute pets and knew how important it was to keep the kitten warm. She also bought special kitten milk powder to prevent any absorption issues.

The little orange tabby seemed to have stronger vitality than some pedigreed cats. After being fed with a needleless syringe, its meows became louder, and it even managed to wobble around on its tiny paws.

The sight melted Li Jianwei’s heart. She immediately took a video and sent it to Shu Heng, sharing the kitten’s story.

[Shu Heng: That’s just awful! How could anyone abandon such a cute little orange tabby! Abandoning a kitten today will bring the wrath of the God of Wealth!]

[Shu Heng: Little tabby, let your big sister give you a kiss! You’ll definitely grow up safe and sound!]

[Shu Heng: Teacher Li, will you bring this cat back with you?]

[Li Jianwei: The little tabby is still too young. I’m planning to let it stay at home for now. If I have time later, maybe I’ll bring it over.]

[Shu Heng: Teacher Li, I’m an expert cat mom! I took care of Panda when she was little. If you’re worried, just have it shipped here by a professional company, and I guarantee I’ll make the little tabby plump and healthy!]

Seeing Shu Heng’s eager suggestion, Li Jianwei was tempted. After the Lantern Festival, her mom and dad would be busy again. Rather than leaving the kitten alone at home, it might be better to have it with her at Shu Heng’s place.

[Li Jianwei: Will the little tabby cause problems for Panda?]

[Shu Heng: Panda is very generous, and she’s not a bad cat.]

[Li Jianwei: Okay, then. Once the little tabby is stable, I’ll hire a shipping company to send it over.]

After deciding the kitten’s future, their conversation became more casual and sweet. The young miss was honest, expressing her longing with “I miss you so much.” Li Jianwei, in response, checked her schedule and promised to leave home on the thirteenth day of the first lunar month and fly directly to Shu Heng’s place.

[Shu Heng: Teacher Li, let’s give the little tabby a name. They say cats with names are easier to raise.]

[Li Jianwei: How about ‘Little Orange’?]

Such a simple naming method made Shu Heng, who was typing, pause and look at Panda. If Teacher Li were to name Panda, would she have called her “Little Black” or “Little White”?

Thinking this, Shu Heng shook her head and typed a more subtle suggestion.

[Shu Heng: Today is the fifth day of the first lunar month, the day we welcome the God of Wealth. How about we name the little tabby something related to that? It’ll be a nice commemoration.]

[Li Jianwei: How about ‘Wealth’?]

If Shu Heng were to be completely honest, she’d say the name “Wealth” wasn’t much better than “Little Orange.” The only thing it had going for it was its excellent meaning. But then again, since the name was chosen by Teacher Li, anything was acceptable. “Wealth” was a great name.

[Shu Heng: [clapping hands] That’s a great name! From now on, the little tabby is named Wealth!]

…

Jealousy and Career Choices

Li Jianwei was set to start filming in late March, which theoretically gave her a full month to relax at Shu Heng’s place before work. However, little Wealth’s arrival kept both Li Jianwei and Shu Heng busy. They had to transition the kitten from pure kitten milk powder to wet food, and then arrange for the feline triple vaccine and deworming.

Panda and little Wealth got along famously. Panda would occasionally groom the kitten, and when the automatic feeder made a sound, she would even gently carry little Wealth over to eat together.

“Could Panda be treating little Wealth like her own baby?” Shu Heng wondered, stroking her chin as she watched the scene.

“Has Panda ever had kittens?” Li Jianwei asked.

Shu Heng shook her head. “I had Panda spayed when she was old enough. She also spends most of her time indoors and only likes to wander outside a little during this season. She doesn’t know any male cats.”

“Then their relationship is just good,” Li Jianwei concluded. “It’s nice for two cats, one big and one small, to have each other.”

After feeding the two cats their lunch, Li Jianwei and Shu Heng lay on the bed for a midday nap.

“Teacher Li, do you plan to be in Director Zhang’s new drama?” Shu Heng, not feeling sleepy, wiggled around on the bed and finally lay on top of Li Jianwei.

“I’ve read the script, but I’m still considering it because I might not have the time,” Li Jianwei said honestly. “I’ll be on set in late March, and even if filming goes smoothly, it won’t be finished until August.”

“Director Zhang plans to start filming at the end of the year, and the pre-production work—script readings and training—will take two to three months.”

“I can’t go from one project to the next without a break. I need at least two months to adjust and also take on some smaller projects to maintain my exposure.”

Shu Heng calculated the time. “So, if it starts filming early next year, Teacher Li, you could play the female lead?”

Li Jianwei nodded. “Director Zhang’s skill is unquestionable. If the schedule works out, I’d really like to challenge myself in a new genre.”

“I understand, Teacher Li. I’ll handle the rest,” Shu Heng’s confidence soared. It was just a matter of starting a few months later. It shouldn’t be a big problem; all they had to do was put in a little extra effort.

“Did Director Zhang ask you to ask me this?” Li Jianwei raised an eyebrow and stroked the back of Shu Heng, who was resting on her chest.

“Director Zhang did want to ask, but I volunteered to help,” Shu Heng chuckled, her eyes full of mischief. “Sister Qin said she could get me a chance to play the female second lead. If you’re in it, Teacher Li, we can film together!”

Li Jianwei’s sharp eyebrows arched. “Director Zhang is very strict, especially with a military drama. Filming won’t be easy.”

“I know, but it’s just a month of military camp life. I think I can handle it!” Shu Heng said, winking at Li Jianwei. “Teacher Li, you know what my body is like, right? I’m not one of those actresses who is too hard on herself. I have muscles, and I work out for an hour every day.”

To prove her point, Shu Heng grabbed Li Jianwei’s hand and placed it on her own stomach, letting her feel her faint but noticeable abs.

Li Jianwei didn’t say anything. She just took Shu Heng’s wrist in her hand and placed it on her own abdomen. There, four distinct abs were visible. To maintain that level of muscle, one hour of daily exercise wasn’t enough.

“Teacher Li, are you doubting my ability to endure hardship?” Shu Heng felt the difference and chose to blame the other person to avoid her own insecurity.

A hint of helplessness flashed in Li Jianwei’s eyes. “I just wanted to tell you that there’s no need to force yourself into challenges you don’t like just because I might be in it.”

“Didn’t you have a hard time filming Full Moon Over the Western Tower? You had backaches and sore muscles every day for a three-minute continuous shot.”

Upon hearing this, Shu Heng became flustered. She propped herself up with her hands on the bed, trapping Li Jianwei between her arms. Her tone was serious. “Teacher Li, how do you even know that? Are you secretly collecting information about me?”

“I’m on good terms with your martial arts choreographer. She mentioned to me that she met a very serious actress who trained for a month for a single three-minute shot,” Li Jianwei replied, a mix of truth and lie.

The martial arts choreographer had only mentioned Shu Heng in passing, but Li Jianwei had proactively asked for more details. The choreographer’s evaluation of Shu Heng wasn’t that she was serious, but that she was a stubborn little girl. She had trained for a month and endured the hardship just because someone in the crew had privately said she was delicate. Shu Heng had held her breath and trained hard just to rightfully demand an apology from that person.

“Hmph, since you know my skills from the instructor, why are you still questioning me?” Shu Heng puffed out her cheeks, trying to look angry.

But in Li Jianwei’s eyes, Shu Heng just looked like an adorable, fluffy cat, making her want to reach out and pet her.

“If you’re in Director Zhang’s movie, you might have a backache for half a year,” Li Jianwei couldn’t help but poke the little cat’s puffed-out cheek. “I think you’re more suited to other roles, like a diplomat.”

The young miss’s features were bright and elegant. With the right makeup, she exuded a trustworthy, dignified aura, perfect for a diplomat. Li Jianwei’s own features, on the other hand, were more defined and strong, making her more suitable for military roles, creating a synergistic effect.

Ultimately, if the young miss was truly willing to endure hardship and was determined, her abs shouldn’t be faint, they should be clearly visible.

Li Jianwei’s soft-spoken words were incredibly persuasive. Shu Heng, who had been determined to act with Teacher Li, began to waver.

“But I want to film with you, Teacher Li! As long as I’m with you, I feel like I can overcome any difficulty!” Shu Heng insisted, her heart still leaning towards Li Jianwei.

“Hmm… what about a different role, then?” Li Jianwei thought hard. “For example, the female third lead. You could be a medic, which would make the training less demanding.”

“But the female second lead is your partner, Teacher Li! I think a sniper is really cool, and I could protect you,” Shu Heng whispered, her resolve wavering even more.

“Although our relationship isn’t public yet, I don’t want you to give up too much for me,” Li Jianwei said seriously.

Shu Heng: “But I’m doing this for my girlfriend. I’m more than willing.”

“I know. I just want our relationship to be a gradual, long-lasting exchange, not one where you give too much all at once,” Li Jianwei said, cupping the young miss’s face. “You can also see it as me being unable to reciprocate an equal amount of effort right now. I worry that it might affect our relationship and prevent us from lasting.”

If Li Jianwei had initially harbored some selfish motives towards Shu Heng, she had now completely abandoned them and was considering their future together from all angles.

Li Jianwei didn’t believe in free lunches. She could provide Shu Heng with the emotional support she needed in exchange for some resources that weren’t particularly important to the young miss. But if the young miss were to dedicate half a year of her life to Li Jianwei, then a little emotional support wouldn’t be as valuable to her anymore.

Li Jianwei didn’t want the young miss to suffer, and she also wanted to avoid giving her the unhealthy notion that she had to suffer to be close to her girlfriend. She worried this would lead Shu Heng to think that being with her was too tiring.

“Then… then I’ll discuss it with Sister Qin. I’ll try for the female third lead?” Shu Heng couldn’t resist the words “long-lasting.” She felt she was madly in love with Teacher Li and didn’t want to be apart from her for even a second.

“Good. Discuss it slowly. Don’t force it. Going with the flow is the key to a sustainable relationship,” Li Jianwei lifted her head and gave Shu Heng a kiss, leaving the young miss dazed. Shu Heng eventually curled up in her arms and fell asleep for her midday nap.

…

“What?! No! I won’t allow it!” Shu Heng, as a stakeholder and the pre-selected female third lead, raised her voice. “Director Zhang, I’m not questioning your abilities, but I really think Zhou Zhao is no good. He’s only good at putting on a show!”

“I filmed a variety show with Zhou Zhao before. He got out of breath like a dog just from climbing a mountain a few hundred meters high. How can he play a tough special forces soldier?!”

“Yes, I promise you, I saw it with my own eyes! And I heard that Zhou Zhao loves to change his script. I strongly advise against having someone so flashy and insincere join the main cast!”

“Director Zhang, you wouldn’t want a script you’ve painstakingly worked on to be ripped apart by a hollow actor, would you?”

Shu Heng’s words were logical and well-founded, and she was also an investor who held one-third of the shares. Director Zhang had to seriously consider what she said.

“As for the female lead, you can rest assured. I’ve already confirmed with Teacher Li that her focus next year will be on your film. She absolutely won’t bail on you at the last minute.”

“You can decide on the other roles yourself. I’m not a professional,” Shu Heng’s tone softened. She hung up the phone five minutes later.

That awful Zhou Zhao! He must have heard that Teacher Li was likely to be the female lead, so he shamelessly applied to be the male lead, trying to get into a fan-shipping relationship with her! She would never allow it! Teacher Li belonged to her and her alone! Not even Panda could compete with her, let alone Zhou Zhao!

…

After hearing that he was rejected, Zhou Zhao’s expression was beyond ugly.

“What’s going on? Didn’t Director Zhang plan to personally invite me to be the male lead before the new year? Why did he reject me after I recommended myself?” Zhou Zhao demanded of his agent.

“I… I’m not sure. Maybe the investor has already decided on the male lead?” The agent was also confused.

Lately, Zhou Zhao hadn’t caused much trouble, and his reputation was quietly improving. Why would Director Zhang, who had previously shown interest in him, reject him?

“Impossible,” Zhou Zhao denied. “I did my research before applying. Director Zhang sent audition invitations to many male actors. If he had already decided on the male lead, why would he go through all that trouble? Besides, Director Zhang is notoriously straightforward and hates being fake.”

“You… you told me to keep an eye on that fantasy romance drama…” The agent wanted to bring up old matters but quickly stopped when he saw Zhou Zhao’s grim face. He changed the topic immediately.

“I’ve looked at the fantasy romance drama adapted from a popular novel. The male lead is a celestial lord, and the female lead is a little demon who cultivates to become an immortal. The character’s highlights are mainly on the male lead, which fits your requirements well.”

Zhou Zhao’s expression softened slightly. “What’s the female lead’s status?”

“She’s a new talent the company is trying to promote. This is her first time playing a lead role,” the agent said, clicking on a photo. “Based on her current popularity, she’s considered a second-tier actress. If she’s lucky, she could become a little more popular with this show.”

Zhou Zhao was about to get angry but reined in his temper when he saw the new actress’s photo. A rookie who had just debuted, only twenty-two years old. She probably didn’t know about some of the unwritten rules of the industry. Such a fresh, innocent girl seemed perfect for him.

“Let’s talk to them. If the salary is right, I can lower myself to do it,” Zhou Zhao said.

In a way, Zhou Zhao was also good at sizing up situations and knew how to choose to maximize his own interests.

…

Li Jianwei’s acting skills had been improving with time, so when she asked for three days off, the director readily agreed.

“Are you going to spend the Dragon Boat Festival with your family, Teacher Li?” the director asked, a little curious.

“You could say that,” Li Jianwei didn’t answer directly. She just focused on packing, eager to get back to her hotel.

Shu Heng was her future family, and spending her birthday with her was like spending the festival with family.

This time, however, Li Jianwei didn’t choose to surprise her. She shared the good news with Shu Heng as soon as her leave was approved.

Shu Heng was overjoyed upon hearing the news. She kissed Panda, then little Wealth, making sure to show affection to both.

But she didn’t show any affection to Li Jianwei, who was thousands of miles away. It was then that Li Jianwei understood why Shu Heng used to get jealous of the little cat. The little cat was cute, no doubt, but as her girlfriend, she should be loved more.

…

Shu Heng couldn’t keep things to herself. After having a wonderful birthday, she complained to Li Jianwei the next day about Zhou Zhao’s actions.

“I just don’t get it. I asked Director Zhang to remove him from the list of male lead candidates, but he still tried to squeeze his way in. He even offered to do a ‘guest appearance’ without a salary, so I couldn’t ask Director Zhang to refuse again.”

Shu Heng said, punching the air in frustration. The dramatic movements caused her little camisole strap to slip, revealing her collarbone and the marks of many kisses below.

Just as Shu Heng had developed a habit of eating soft, white steamed buns, Li Jianwei had also developed the habit, and she was even more passionate about it.

When Li Jianwei heard this, a hint of a dark glint flashed in her eyes. “How many scenes does he have?”

Although Zhou Zhao hadn’t been causing trouble in front of Li Jianwei, it didn’t mean she hadn’t been taking action against him behind the scenes. Using her memories of the future, Li Jianwei had successfully made several investments, accumulating assets in the nine-figure range.

As an investor, Li Jianwei had basically blocked all the resources that would have benefited Zhou Zhao, instead letting people from her own company take them. This included, but was not limited to, a mainstream variety show that would earn public praise, a high-quality art-house film’s male second lead role that was sure to win an award, and a brand ambassador deal with a well-known domestic appliance company.

However, the Zhou Zhao in her memory didn’t participate in this military drama. Was he unable to find any good resources, so he was lowering his standards?

“I asked Director Zhang about that. He’ll probably be filming for half a month, but his scenes in the final cut won’t be more than five minutes,” Shu Heng recalled.

“Does his character have any interaction with yours?” Li Jianwei asked cautiously.

Shu Heng shook her head, feeling a little jealous. “He doesn’t interact with me, but his character has thirty-eight words of dialogue with you, Teacher Li, and there’s a scene with ‘implied’ eye contact!”

“Teacher Li, you have to be careful of Zhou Zhao! I suspect he’s trying to maliciously create a fan-ship with you for marketing!”