The Movie Queen’s Secret Stand-In Lover [Entertainment Industry] - Chapter 12

The meal was prepared faster than Yuan Zhi had expected. There were two meat dishes—braised spareribs and stir-fried cured wild boar meat with garlic sprouts—and two vegetable dishes: cold-tossed spinach and volcano-style mashed potatoes, along with a side of pickled vegetables and a bowl of soup.

Zhou Ning served Yuan Zhi a bowl of rice, then took a bottle of chilled mineral water from the fridge before finally handing her a brand-new apron.

“What? A napkin?” Yuan Zhi took the suspiciously patterned checkered fabric handed to her and asked in confusion.

“An apron,” Zhou Ning explained with a smile, pointing to the one she was wearing—identical in pattern but different in color. “This way, you won’t have to worry about staining your clothes.”

Under Zhou Ning’s eager gaze, Yuan Zhi reluctantly unfolded the checkered fabric and put it on. There was no denying it—Zhou Ning’s taste was truly awful. The apron’s pattern and material were both questionable at best. Aside from occasional acting requirements, Yuan Zhi had never worn anything this ugly in her life.

She glanced at her hands, which had just touched the new apron, and said, “I’ll go wash my hands. You can start eating first.”

“Alright,” Zhou Ning replied, but she set down the chopsticks she had just picked up and obediently waited for Yuan Zhi to return.

When Yuan Zhi came back from washing her hands, she looked at the nearly overflowing bowl of rice and said, “I can’t eat this much. Could you bring me another bowl?”

Zhou Ning was taken aback. She couldn’t even finish this little? The tableware she used was already in the house—Xiao Yuan had mentioned that Sugar Daddy had instructed staff in City A to prepare it overnight. The bowls were tiny; Zhou Ning usually didn’t even use them when eating alone, opting for plates instead. “Of course, of course!” She dashed into the kitchen and quickly returned with an empty bowl.

Yuan Zhi scooped about three-quarters of the untouched rice into the empty bowl, leaving only roughly a mouthful’s worth behind.

“Sister Zhi, do all celebrities eat so little to maintain their figures?” Zhou Ning asked curiously. This was way too little!

“Only when deliberately dieting to fit a role’s image.” But in Yuan Zhi’s case, it was because of her sensitive stomach—she couldn’t eat much. That night, after indulging in the pickled vegetables Zhou Ning had given her, her stomach had burned for hours. Yuan Zhi scooped a bit of mashed potatoes into her rice, then picked up a piece of tender, bone-free spare rib and took a small bite before nodding. “Your cooking really is excellent.”

“If you like it, I can make meals for you every day and deliver them to your studio in a thermal container,” Zhou Ning said cheerfully. “I already bought a delivery worker’s uniform—might as well put it to use.”

Yuan Zhi chuckled. “I’m rarely in City A. For example, tomorrow there’s an event in City Y that I need to attend.” She had hired Zhou Ning to be an ornament, not a nanny. She couldn’t pay for one job and expect two in return.

“City Y?” Zhou Ning suddenly remembered the unpaid wages the original owner had left at the supermarket. Though she wasn’t short on money now, that salary was still hard-earned by the original owner—she couldn’t just abandon it. Back then, she had lied to HR, claiming she was out of town—specifically in City Y. Plus, if she went to City Y to submit her resignation, Sun Lixiang and Zhou Feipeng would truly believe she was there now and would never think to look for her in City A.

“Hmm?” Yuan Zhi raised a questioning eyebrow at Zhou Ning.

Zhou Ning smiled and explained, “I just remembered there’s something I need to take care of in City Y. Thanks for reminding me, Sister Zhi—I almost forgot.”

“Hmm…” Yuan Zhi leisurely ate the refreshing spinach salad and said indifferently, “It’s inconvenient for me to take you along. You’ll probably have to go by yourself.”

Zhou Ning hesitated but ultimately kept her mouth shut. She hadn’t actually intended to ask her Sugar Daddy to accompany her in the first place! She wasn’t a child who couldn’t travel alone.

“But if you encounter any emergencies in City Y, you can contact me anytime,” Yuan Zhi added, her expression still calm. “If you’re afraid of traveling alone, I can also have Feifei accompany you for protection.”

“Thank you, Sister Zhi… but there’s no need to trouble yourself. I’ll be fine alone.” Zhou Ning was deeply moved. Although her Sugar Daddy’s meticulous care was most likely due to her resemblance to that certain someone rather than genuine affection for her, the beneficiary was still her, wasn’t it?

She secretly thanked the white moonlight who shared her looks—let’s just call her Xiao Bai from now on. If not for Xiao Bai, she wouldn’t have been able to enjoy such good treatment!

Come to think of it, if Sugar Daddy could be with Xiao Bai, she’d probably make an incredibly perfect lover, wouldn’t she? Beautiful and wealthy aside, she was also devoted, affectionate, steadfast, gentle, kind, and considerate. If Zhou Ning were Xiao Bai, she’d agree without hesitation.

She was also a little curious. Had Xiao Bai passed away, or had she moved on with her life? Otherwise, why would Sugar Daddy, who clearly hadn’t let go, choose to find a Substitute like her instead of reuniting with Xiao Bai?

Yuan Zhi had nearly finished eating. She set down her chopsticks, took a sip of water, and quietly watched Zhou Ning, who was already on her second bowl of rice—or rather, her third, counting the portion Yuan Zhi had given her. “You have quite the appetite,” she remarked.

“Still growing,” Zhou Ning replied sheepishly, continuing to shovel rice into her mouth.

“You’re already twenty,” Yuan Zhi said, the corners of her lips curling slightly. “Your growth plates should have fused by now.”

Zhou Ning munched on her food and mumbled, “What if they haven’t? What if I can still grow a bit taller? You can’t just give up on something with a limited-time opportunity.”

“Just eat quietly. Talking while eating might make you choke.” Yuan Zhi leaned back in her chair, silently watching Zhou Ning as memories began to surface. She had never seen that person at twenty years old—they hadn’t met since high school graduation. Counting carefully, it had already been nine years.

Zhou Ning glanced up and noticed her Sugar Daddy gazing at her with an unusually tender expression. Unconsciously, her eating manners became more refined. Right now, Sugar Daddy must be seeing her as Xiao Bai. The goddess of her goddess must be divine among divines—Xiao Bai probably didn’t eat as carelessly as she did.

For a long while afterward, Zhou Ning continued eating obediently and attentively, while Yuan Zhi sat across from her, watching in silence.

“Zhou Ning.”

Zhou Ning looked up in surprise—it was rare for Sugar Daddy to call her by name.

Yuan Zhi rested her chin on her hand, studying Zhou Ning’s face with a melancholic tone. “Do you think I’m pathetic?”

“Not at all,” Zhou Ning replied, having finished her meal as well. She gently cleared the table and said, “Even though I haven’t experienced it myself, I can imagine it. Some people just can’t let go, no matter how much they want to.”

“Do you have someone like that?” Yuan Zhi asked softly, her gaze as gentle as water.

Zhou Ning honestly shook her head, “Not yet. But who knows, maybe someday. I’m actually quite curious about what it feels like to deeply love someone.” She laughed heartily, “Maybe I’m just too carefree by nature, so I really want to experience what it’s like to have a heart and soul.”

Yuan Zhi smiled bitterly, gazing intently at Zhou Ning’s face before slowly raising her hand to caress it.

Zhou Ning was momentarily stunned but quickly broke into a radiant smile, leaning forward slightly to make it easier for Sugar Daddy to proceed. After all, having received so much money, she didn’t mind providing services like face-touching.

Yuan Zhi stood up from the dining chair, bent down, and gently cupped Zhou Ning’s face, studying it carefully with a bittersweet smile. If only this were really that person.

Zhou Ning noticed Sugar Daddy’s increasingly tender gaze and wisely wiped the smile off her face. She remembered Sugar Daddy once said she resembled Xiao Bai the most when expressionless. But Sugar Daddy was so close now—close enough for Zhou Ning to catch the sweet fragrance of her breath.

Summoning her courage, Zhou Ning stole another glance. Oh no, oh no! At this ultra-close distance, Sugar Daddy’s breathtaking beauty was magnified, stunning enough to make one’s heart tremble! What should she do? She suddenly felt incredibly nervous.

Yuan Zhi looked at Zhou Ning’s blank expression, her gaze softening even more. Under the light, the quiet and silent Zhou Ning truly resembled that person so, so much.

This was dangerous! Zhou Ning’s heart was pounding wildly. Sugar Daddy’s eyes looked so dreamy and seductive—was she really mistaking her for Xiao Bai and about to kiss her? Wasn’t this supposed to be just a chat? Her first kiss was still intact! Should she refuse later? With such beauty before her, her self-control seemed shaky at best! And if she didn’t refuse, should she reciprocate? Plus, they’d just eaten. Maybe brushing their teeth first would be better?

Hmm. Kissing was fine—just playing along with Sugar Daddy, treating it like a professional actor taking on a role that required a kissing scene! But anything further was off-limits. That was her bottom line.

Having made up her mind, Zhou Ning couldn’t help but wonder: Sugar Daddy acted in dramas all the time, so she must have done kissing scenes before. Her skills must be amazing, right? A tiny flicker of anticipation stirred in her heart. Come on then! Open the door to a new world for her inexperienced self! Zhou Ning pursed her lips, readying herself for the impending kiss.

Lost in these reckless thoughts, her nose suddenly began to itch. Sugar Daddy was too close and smelled too good. The fragrance tickled her nose more and more, the urge growing unbearable. Sugar Daddy’s face was right there—she couldn’t sneeze now! Clenching her teeth, she tried to hold it in, but her expression gradually twisted into something grotesque.

Yuan Zhi, who had just immersed herself in the moment, snapped back to reality under Zhou Ning’s contorted stare. Disappointed, she was about to withdraw her hand from Zhou Ning’s face when suddenly—a thunderous sneeze erupted from Zhou Ning, drenching her left hand like a sudden downpour…

Zhou Ning was horrified. She had tried her best to dodge backward to avoid Sugar Daddy’s face, but with her face cupped in place and the chair blocking her escape, her retreat was limited. She could only twist sideways at the last moment before the sneeze, now beyond her control, exploded out.

Good news: She had at least avoided Sugar Daddy’s face.

Bad news: She hadn’t managed to avoid Sugar Daddy’s hand.

“I’m sorry, Sister Zhi, I didn’t mean to.” Zhou Ning frantically pulled out tissues to wipe Yuan Zhi’s hands.

Yuan Zhi snapped out of her daze, withdrew her hand, and said with an unreadable expression, “I’ll go wash them.”

Zhou Ning clutched her head in frustration. Oh heavens! What kind of absolute failure was she? This was already the second time she’d startled her Sugar Daddy! And she’d only served her twice in total!

When Yuan Zhi returned from washing her hands, she said calmly under Zhou Ning’s extremely apologetic gaze, “It’s fine after washing. You don’t need to blame yourself over such a small matter.”

Wuwuwu—Zhou Ning almost wanted to cry. The kinder and more generous her Sugar Daddy was, the worse she felt inside. Recalling her experiences since meeting her Sugar Daddy—her residence had been arranged in advance, with all daily necessities prepared overnight without her needing to worry about anything. Her new phone was given by her Sugar Daddy, and the huge payment had been transferred upfront. To make her income legal, her Sugar Daddy had even thoughtfully signed an artwork transaction contract with her.

Oh heavens! How many bosses in this world could be so beautiful, kind, considerate, generous, and magnanimous?

And what about her? She was just supposed to be a simple vase, yet she’d already disgusted her Sugar Daddy twice.

“Can I sit here a while longer while waiting for my driver?” Yuan Zhi asked Zhou Ning as she sat on the sofa, phone in hand.

“Mm-hmm.” Zhou Ning followed to sit beside the sofa, gazing at Yuan Zhi with unease.

Yuan Zhi lifted her eyes slightly. “Is there something else?”

Zhou Ning hesitated, then shook her head. Her Sugar Daddy’s gaze held no warmth now—nothing like the incredibly tender, affectionate look she’d had when treating her like Xiao Bai earlier. After struggling internally, she finally ventured timidly, “Sister Zhi, are you busy now? If you have time, could you help me pick out some wigs? The kind that would suit your preferences.”

“This one is quite nice.” Yuan Zhi gestured with her eyes toward Zhou Ning’s head.

“It’s good to have backups.” Zhou Ning took out her new phone, opened an app, and handed it to Yuan Zhi with a smile. “This is a hairstyle simulator. Just point the camera at my face, and you can see how the styles would look.”

Yuan Zhi took the phone indifferently and aimed it at Zhou Ning’s face without expression.

Then—she burst out laughing, loudly and without restraint.

Zhou Ning suddenly removing her wig to reveal her bald head was already torture enough. But the worst part was the hairstyle simulator—the first default style was a mohawk! The second was a buzz cut! The third was dreadlocks!

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—” Yuan Zhi covered her face, laughing until tears streamed down. Good heavens! Someone save her! Zhou Ning’s mental pollution had intensified! Now that person in her mind not only had a bald image but also a host of bizarre new ones! Her former goddess, her beautiful first love, was now galloping wildly down the path of absurdity, probably never to return.

Amid her Sugar Daddy’s near-hysterical laughter, Zhou Ning leaned over curiously to look.

“Ah—” She hastily tapped the top-left corner of the phone. “Sorry, Sister Zhi, I forgot to switch the gender setting. Those were all men’s hairstyles just now—it’s all women’s styles now.” But since her Sugar Daddy was laughing so joyfully, maybe she’d accidentally done something right? Zhou Ning’s heart swelled with happiness again.

The gender had switched, and the hairstyle had indeed changed. But Yuan Zhi couldn’t stop laughing: “Hahahahaha…” What kind of prank software was this? Why were there so few normal feminine hairstyles? With Zhou Ning’s face eerily resembling that person’s, it only added to the bizarre image of them in her mind.

She could now vividly imagine that person with a topknot, an afro, a spiky hairstyle… The color palette was vast too—black, white, red, yellow, purple, green, blue, gray, even rainbow-colored…

Yuan Zhi had once believed her love for that person was unwavering, enduring till the seas ran dry and the rocks crumbled. She was wrong. She was just a shallow woman swayed by appearances. Amidst countless bizarre hairstyles, her love for that person wavered ever so slightly. Had that person appeared before her ten years ago sporting any of those hairstyles, she probably wouldn’t have felt the slightest flutter in her heart.