The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 1

The high-end apartment building, over thirty stories tall, had glass panels on its side that resembled a massive mirror. Several identical towers clustered together in the city’s central business district, where rents and property prices were exorbitant.

It was early summer, and the air conditioner hummed diligently overhead. A figure sprawled across the double sofa, clad in a pure white T-shirt and black sweatpants. Their legs were so long they had to drape one over the sofa armrest, leaving a significant portion dangling in the air.

On the wood-grain coffee table in front of the sofa, a phone vibrated incessantly. The intermittent buzzing finally roused the person on the sofa. She rubbed her hair, groped blindly across the table with her eyes still closed, and eventually located the phone.

Hello?

Captain Yu, got a minute later? I want to introduce you to someone, a familiar male voice said, tinged with both familiarity and a hint of mischief.

Yu Jing struggled to sit up, glanced at the caller ID, and snapped impatiently, Are you ever going to give up? I blocked your number, so you call me from another one?

Hey, hey, don’t hang up! This isn’t about getting you back on the team. I’ve got a job for you, Sheng Tian blurted out in a rush, finally pausing for breath. Even if you don’t rejoin, you still need to live, right? Your parents don’t care about you, and you bought that ridiculously expensive luxury apartment. You need to earn money to pay off the mortgage, don’t you?

Yu Jing silently surveyed her small apartment. Its prime location offered a sea view from the window, and the property management provided round-the-clock concierge service. The neighborhood was mostly populated by high-level employees from the adjacent software park, with hardly any elderly or children to be seen. Apart from the high cost, it was practically a paradise for single women. More importantly, this complex had been her former comrade Zhou Xiangyun’s favorite development. Before the official launch, Yu Jing had carefully taped the promotional flyers to the underside of her bunk bed, so they were the first thing she saw every morning.

Switching the phone to her other hand, Yu Jing’s right hand instinctively reached for the lighter on the coffee table. The cool, solid metal casing pressed against her palm, offering a clear, grounding sensation.

What kind of job? she asked curtly.

You’ll find out when you get here! Five-figure monthly salary, plus mid-year and year-end bonuses, full benefits—it’s a dream job you couldn’t find with a lantern, okay? Sheng Tian rattled off, then quickly added, fearing she might refuse, It’s an artist assistant position. You’ll get to meet tons of other celebrities! He emphasized the words other celebrities, making his ulterior motive crystal clear.

Yu Jing tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, thinking. As she pondered, she could clearly hear Sheng Tian’s shallow breathing through the microphone.

Sheng Tian was trying hard to persuade her. Although Yu Jing wasn’t quite ready to start working, she couldn’t bear to worry him any longer.

Address, Yu Jing said softly.

What address? Just pack your things now, and I’ll come pick you up from your neighborhood. The person on the other end sounded both flattered and eager. Hearing her ask, they immediately seized the opportunity to say what they wanted, hanging up before she could change her mind.

Yu Jing set down her phone, deftly twirling her lighter between her fingers a few times before finally getting up from the sofa. She took a quick shower, and within two minutes of stepping out of the bathroom, she was dressed in presentable clothes and heading downstairs.

As she stepped out of the building, the direct sunlight hit her, making her squint in annoyance. After so long living a nocturnal existence, sleeping during the day and waking at night, the sunlight made her feel like she had the potential to be a vampire—utterly photosensitive.

It took several dozen meters before Yu Jing’s eyes adjusted to the daylight. During the weekday afternoon, the residential area was mostly deserted, except for the occasional security guard on patrol who would stop to greet her.

Finally reaching the neighborhood entrance, she immediately spotted the dark green Jeep parked by the roadside.

Yu Jing walked over and pulled open the car door. A massive wave of rock music, like a raging beast, surged out at her. She hesitated for a moment before sliding into the passenger seat of Sheng Tian’s jeep.

Holy crap! I never thought I’d see you again in my lifetime! Sheng Tian exclaimed dramatically, glancing at her sideways. Her naturally long hair, grown out since she hadn’t been to a salon in ages, was tied back with a small elastic band. The haphazardly done bun left wisps of curly hair sticking out, drooping listlessly like her own weary demeanor. Her once sun-kissed, wheat-toned skin, tanned from training and missions, had been unnaturally bleached two shades lighter—a jarring contrast that made her look utterly out of place.

Snapping back to attention, Sheng Tian steered the jeep into the middle of the road and began making small talk. Captain Yu, do you know who you remind me of right now?

Who? Yu Jing asked, lifting her gaze to meet his. He hadn’t changed much, though he seemed a bit thinner. His round face, stubbornly slicked back into a pompadour, made him look younger than his age—the type who’d be described as a tough-looking kitten.

Who else? Sheng Tian sniffed. Remember that iron-willed butch from Sixth Team? She acted all high and mighty when she first joined, but after two days of your training, she turned into a complete softie, following you around like a lost puppy.

Yu Jing chuckled softly. She’s not a hardcore lesbian.

Huh? Sheng Tian feigned surprise, stopping at a red light and turning to look at her. But wasn’t she chasing after you back then? Does that make you the hardcore lesbian?

Hardcore lesbian my ass, Yu Jing finally snapped, her patience exhausted. She pointed at the now-green light. It’s green.

Sheng Tian shook his head as he drove. Whatever, that short, warrior-like haircut actually suits you. You look like a gigolo trying to latch onto a rich sugar mama.

Yu Jing sighed, tugging at the corner of her mouth in resignation. Back in college, she had briefly lived off the generosity of a minor celebrity. Zhou Xiangyun and Sheng Tian were the only two who knew about it. Strictly speaking, he was now the only one who did.

Life at the police academy back then was monotonous, filled with nothing but training. Her family situation was complicated the state covered her tuition, but she had to earn her living expenses in her spare time. She’d handed out flyers on the street, waited tables at tea restaurants, and eventually became a bartender apprentice at a small bar behind the school. One day, she intervened to help a stunning mixed-race beauty in trouble, only to later discover the woman was a struggling actress willing to pay for company.

Every Saturday, Yu Jing would sneak out of her dorm the moment her WeChat buzzed. If there was no message, she’d just go about her usual business.

For two years, they maintained this ambiguous, on-again-off-again relationship. It lasted until the Wild Tiger Special Forces came to their school for recruitment. After their trio was selected, Yu Jing and the actress tacitly agreed to part ways and forget each other.

Seriously, now that you’re back in the country, you’re not planning to rekindle things with that little starlet? Sheng Tian asked, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel to the beat of the music. He glanced at her only after finishing his question.

Rekindle what? Yu Jing shot him a glare.

…

Sheng Tian shifted in his seat, undeterred. She was so good to you back then! Buying you those ridiculously expensive sneakers without hesitation, and always bringing you piles of fruit and snacks whenever she came back, worried you weren’t eating well at school. What more could you have wanted?

Yu Jing turned away, whether annoyed by the loud music or Sheng Tian’s incessant chatter. She silently turned off the air conditioning and immediately rolled down her window.

The air outside was stifling, carrying the savory aroma of food from nearby restaurants.

A high school student in uniform rode past on a bicycle, leaving a gust of youthful energy in their wake.

After parking the car, Sheng Tian led her to an exclusive private dining restaurant. The pure black signboard bore two tiny white characters in the lower right corner Private Dining, stark and unadorned.

The restaurant prioritized privacy, operating on a membership-only basis, with entry strictly limited to those with a referral.

While the masses struggled to make ends meet, the elite establishments had already begun to pick and choose their clientele.

Yu Jing, clearly not part of the upper class, naturally disapproved of such elitist practices.

The simple exterior signboard belied the extraordinary interior.

Oil paintings, art pieces, and trendy collectibles were casually displayed on the walls and piled near the entrance. In the high-ceilinged hall stood a genuine ancient tree, its lush branches adorned with copper coins tied with red strings—a fusion of traditional Chinese customs and contemporary trends, deliberately emphasizing an incongruous sense of exclusivity.

They followed a server who introduced himself as the butler into a private room, where a woman was already seated.

Dressed in a pristine white pantsuit, she appeared to be in her thirties, her makeup flawless. She was frowning intently as she argued with someone on the phone.

How many times has this happened this year? Before we moved in, they promised top-notch security and property management. But how many times have people broken in since we moved in? This time they hid in the stairwell all night. Next time, will they be prying open our front door?

Enough, you’ve said this to me countless times. Don’t you have any memory? The woman, noticing their arrival, immediately apologized with a gesture toward her phone. She stood up, covered the microphone, and stepped out of the private room. As she passed Yu Jing, she deliberately tilted her head to study her face.

Sheng Tian pulled Yu Jing down to sit. This is my new girlfriend. She’s an agent, and one of her rising star clients needs a bodyguard with serious combat skills. You were the first person I thought of.

Yu Jing raised an eyebrow. This woman looks quite a bit older than you, doesn’t she?

Sheng Tian glared at her. Didn’t you tell me I should date older women? Anyway, forget about that for now. He patted her shoulder. That starlet just landed the lead role in a movie. First billing, and the box office has already hit… He dramatically held up three fingers.

Three hundred million?

Add another zero.

It sounded impressive. Yu Jing remembered how Li Zhi had auditioned for minor film roles several times, only to be rejected each time. After each rejection, Saturday nights became movie nights. They would lie in bed, doing nothing but staying up late, watching highly-rated films while cuddling. When Yu Jing was too sleepy to keep her eyes open, Li Zhi would deliberately kiss her awake.

Yu Jing shook her head, dismissing the inappropriate daytime fantasies, and asked about the matter at hand. What’s her name? How old is she?

Yi Lanyin. She looks quite young, but her experience speaks for itself. She’s probably two or three years older than us, though I’m not sure, Sheng Tian mused. He suddenly turned to her, giving her a thumbs-up. I saw her once before. She’s absolutely stunning—seriously! No wonder she’s a major star. Even I, with my partial face blindness, could tell how beautiful she is. If you ever meet her, you might just forget about that little star from your dream.

I never even— Yu Jing started to protest, but then decided it wasn’t worth making a fuss. She quickly changed the subject. How do you know so much about her?

In her eyes, Sheng Tian was the last person who would be interested in celebrity gossip. Outside of missions, his hobbies were stringing prayer beads, fishing, and browsing antique markets, constantly teetering between getting scammed and finding hidden treasures.

Sheng Tian scratched his forehead. Don’t worry about it. Just take this allergy medicine first. Their king crab is top-notch—it’d be a waste to come all this way and not try it. He pushed a neatly cut piece of medication across the table. Only after watching Yu Jing swallow it did he continue, It’s because you have peacekeeping experience abroad and you’re not a star-struck fangirl. Otherwise, do you think you’d get this opportunity? He turned to Yu Jing, staring at her dryly for a full minute before finally blurting out, Besides, Sister Zhou has been gone for over half a year. It’s time for you to move on and open your eyes to the world.

Yu Jing narrowed her brows, her sharp gaze sweeping across him. Sheng Tian immediately shrugged under the pressure. Even if you don’t want me to say it, I have to. The dead can’t come back to life, and the living have to keep living.

The atmosphere was tense, like a buried landmine waiting for the right person to trigger it.

Then the door was suddenly pulled open from the outside, and the fresh air dispelled much of the hostility in the room. The landmine, it seemed, was a dud.

Yu Jing assumed it was Sheng Tian’s girlfriend returning and quickly composed herself, preparing to greet her properly. But as she looked up, she was unexpectedly met by that overly familiar face, so beautiful it was impossible not to stare.

Mixed-race beauty wasn’t rare, but Li Zhi was different. Her small head and delicate features were paired with a striking, high-bridged nose. Her eyes were deep and her pupils a dark blue, like the boundless depths of the ocean. If one could get closer to her, they would discover even greater artistry—like when she tilted her face up to the sun in good spirits, her eyes would transform into the clear blue of a cloudless sky.

It was a pity she was wearing sunglasses right now.

She was wearing a white, form-fitting base layer beneath an oversized patchwork shirt, left unbuttoned to reveal her slender waist beneath the wide hem. Yu Jing whipped around to face Sheng Tian as if jolted by an electric shock, but when she met his innocent gaze, she suddenly remembered he had never met Li Zhi. Her sudden surge of anger obediently subsided.

Yi Lanyin had quietly settled into a seat near the entrance, her waterfall of long, wavy hair cascading over her face as she looked down at her phone, obscuring her expression. This was the polite aloofness expected of a top celebrity, but Yu Jing knew it was Li Zhi’s default mask for strangers and dull gatherings. Her striking, somewhat exotic features turned icy and unapproachable when expressionless.

After leaving the country with the Wild Tigers Team, Yu Jing had deliberately avoided the internet. Upon returning home, she had been consumed by the overwhelming grief of witnessing Zhou Xiangyun’s sacrifice. As a result, she was unaware of when Li Zhi had changed her name and uncertain whether she should even remain in the room.

Sheng Tian bowed deeply and greeted her first, Hello, Sister.

Yi Lanyin glanced at him, nodded briefly, and then returned her attention to her phone.

Confused by her reaction, Yu Jing shielded her face and mouthed silently to Sheng Tian, Why didn’t you mention the hybrid?

Sheng Tian shrugged innocently. Does it really matter?

Does it matter? Are you kidding me?! Yu Jing pressed her forehead against her hand, afraid to look up.

A few minutes later, the door to the private room was pulled open again, shattering the eerie silence.

Sorry, sorry, everyone must be starving! The man in the white suit pocketed his phone and entered, first glancing at Yi Lanyin with a mock-reproachful tone. Why didn’t you wait for me? He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze before extending his hand to Yu Jing. Captain Yu, right? I’m Liu Ruo. Sheng Tian has mentioned you often. Since our artist is free today, we thought it would be a good opportunity to have dinner together. You don’t mind, do you?

Yu Jing shook her head, offering a polite but brief handshake before quickly withdrawing her hand.

Now that everyone had arrived, what difference would it make if she minded?

The dishes had been pre-ordered, and the food began arriving in succession as soon as everyone was seated.

Liu Ruo asked her a few routine questions, then surreptitiously glanced at Yi Lanyin, who was sitting quietly by the door. Uncertain of her intentions, she nudged Sheng Tian’s elbow. Don’t just focus on eating yourself. Serve Captain Yu some food.

Sheng Tian had just raised his black chopsticks when she slapped his hand sharply. Use these. She handed him a pair of white serving chopsticks.

When Captain Yu and I are on missions in the wilderness, we’ve gone days without food and ended up eating with our hands. What’s with all this fuss about serving chopsticks? Despite his grumbling, he obediently took the ivory-white chopsticks and piled Yu Jing’s plate high with food.

After serving the dishes, he put on disposable gloves and began peeling shrimp. He gave the first one to Liu Ruo, placed the second at the edge of Yi Lanyin’s plate, and then peeled several more, stacking them atop the mountain of food on Yu Jing’s plate.

Just as Yu Jing’s fingers brushed against the medicine box, a pair of black chopsticks suddenly reached across from her diagonal front.

The taciturn superstar smoothly plucked a shrimp from her plate.