The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 10

Yu Jing nearly lost her composure in front of Yi Lanyin, but fortunately, Xiao Tao emerged from the restaurant’s back door just as she finished speaking.

You’re here! I came in through the front and searched everywhere for you. Zhou Ying finally told me you were back here.

Yu Jing pulled her car keys from her pocket, unlocked the car, and walked toward it.

I’ll go get the car, she told Xiao Tao. It’s getting windy, and it might rain soon.

Xiao Tao nodded at her, then turned to Yi Lanyin, her eyes sparkling. Sister Yi, the company’s hit the jackpot! President Pei personally promised to double everyone’s year-end bonuses—and Sister Yu and I get triple!

Yi Lanyin frowned, watching Yu Jing’s preoccupied figure walk away. After hearing Xiao Tao’s news, she asked, Didn’t Pei Jiu ask you to pass on a message to me?

He did! Xiao Tao gave her a thumbs-up. Sister Yi, you’re truly prophetic! President Pei told me to tell you that the old man has finally relented. The investment is his way of asking you to come home and see him.

Even with the matter settled, Yi Lanyin still felt uneasy.

She turned to Xiao Tao. Don’t you think Yu Jing’s been acting a bit strange lately?

Really? Xiao Tao blinked, then followed Yi Lanyin’s gaze to Yu Jing, who was pulling her car out of its parking space nearby. I don’t see it. She’s still the same, isn’t she? Her expressionless face makes her look like an assassin—just looking at her is intimidating. This bodyguard was worth every penny.

It was clearly a cold joke, but Yi Lanyin couldn’t bring herself to laugh.

Xiao Tao, go inside and get my bag. Tell Director Wang and Xiao Qing we’re heading to the airport. I’ll wait for you in the car. With that, she strode toward her nanny van. Yu Jing opened the electric door for her, but Yi Lanyin didn’t get in. Instead, she tapped on Yu Jing’s car window and asked, What’s wrong?

Yu Jing leaned out the window. Nothing’s wrong.

Yi Lanyin frowned and waved her down. Get out of the car.

Confused, Yu Jing climbed out of the driver’s seat, gripping the door as she asked, What is it?

Roadshow, Zhou Ying, plum juice, Li Jiqing, Pei Jiu, Yi Lanyin rattled off the words like a menu, pausing between each. When she mentioned Pei Jiu, she noticed Yu Jing’s brow furrow imperceptibly. She repeated, Pei Jiu. It’s Pei Jiu, isn’t it? What did he do to upset you?

Yu Jingxin’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly denied it. That’s not true. I’m not upset.

Yu Jing, Yi Lanyin interrupted, I’m asking you again what exactly did Pei Jiu do to upset you? Tell me, so I can explain.

Seeing her persistence, Yu Jing muttered something quickly.

Do you like him?

What did you say? Slow down, I didn’t catch that, Yi Lanyin said earnestly.

I said, Yu Jing blurted out, growing agitated, he likes you, doesn’t he?

Yi Lanyin froze, blinking in surprise. You’re upset because of that?

Yu Jing shook her head, reiterating her stance I’m not upset.

Yi Lanyin’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly. She gently nudged Yu Jing’s elbow, ordering, Get in the car.

Oh, Yu Jing replied, climbing into the car without another word.

Yi Lanyin sat behind Yu Jing. Once the doors were closed, she lightly tapped Yu Jing’s shoulder. Didn’t I tell you before? Your emotions are too obvious, whether you’re happy or angry.

Obvious? Yu Jing licked her lower lip, remembering. Yi Lanyin had indeed said that. The next line had been that Yu Jing would lose control and be swayed by her emotions. What about now?

Don’t you know? Yi Lanyin pressed.

What? Yu Jingxin turned her head from the front seat.

I said, don’t you know? I only keep female canaries. Yi Lanyin’s voice was naturally cool, and when she spoke with a hint of annoyance, Yu Jingxin felt like she was back in school, being scolded by a teacher.

Oh, Yu Jingxin replied sullenly.

Yi Lanyin, a gifted actress, perfectly mimicked Yu Jingxin’s earlier awkward yet self-conscious demeanor, even echoing her Oh.

Yu Jingxin awkwardly adjusted the rearview mirror, her eyes involuntarily darting to Yi Lanyin’s reflection. What does she mean by only female canaries? Does she keep others besides me? The thought was too unsettling to dwell on, each consideration only intensifying her anxiety.

Fortunately, Xiao Tao soon broke the awkward tension. She jogged over from the back entrance, Yi Lanyin’s small bag in hand, and exclaimed as she climbed into the car, This barbecue smells amazing! Next time we come back, the three of us have to eat here again!

Yu Jingxin started the car, while Yi Lanyin crossed her arms and gazed out the window.

When no one responded, Xiao Tao finally sensed the strained atmosphere in the car.

What’s wrong? Xiao Tao asked, puzzled. Did something happen after I left?

Yi Lanyin remained silent, so Yu Jing answered, Nothing. Teacher Yi is just tired.

Xiao Tao secretly glanced at Yi Lanyin’s expression and saw her roll her eyes at Yu Jing’s words.

This is bad.

Xiao Tao decided to take the initiative to lighten the mood. I just got back from the company. President Pei said they’re planning to open a personal studio for Sister Yi next year!

Yu Jing slammed her hand on the steering wheel, and Yi Lanyin tilted her head slightly.

Damn, this isn’t the right direction either.

Xiao Tao frantically brainstormed for a moment before giving up. She retrieved her peach-shaped bag from the passenger seat and pulled out a purple thermos.

Sister Yi, I brought honey packets. It’ll be ready in a minute.

She tore open a honey packet and carefully squeezed the honey into the thermos. After sealing the lid tightly, she shook the thermos vigorously and handed it to Yi Lanyin, who looked like she was under immense pressure.

Yu Jing glanced back at Xiao Tao, then pulled over at a convenience store. She reached her hand back from the front seat. Give it to me.

Yi Lanyin glared at Yu Jingxin, holding the cup. What do you want?

Yu Jingxin immediately got out of the car, opened Yi Lanyin’s door, and reached out her hand against the sudden chill wind. I’ll get you some hot water. This is cold, and the honey won’t dissolve.

Xiao Tao, looking like a sneaky little mouse, huddled nearby, secretly watching them.

Yu Jingxin’s white T-shirt was neatly tucked into her well-fitting black jeans, stray strands of hair brushed across her forehead, and a prominent vein pulsed in her arm. Her expression was restrained, yet she exuded a strange allure. Xiao Tao thought Yu Jingxin looked even more attractive when she was angry, like a cool, badass female warrior from a novel.

Yi Lanyin pursed her lips but obediently handed over the cup. Wait, she said, stripping off her shirt and tossing it in a crumpled ball to Yu Jingxin. If you catch a cold, it’s coming out of your paycheck. And if you infect me, forget about getting paid this month.

Yu Jingxin irritably shook out the shirt with one hand and draped it back over Yi Lanyin.

Don’t worry, Teacher Yi. I’m in perfect health.

She slammed the door shut immediately after speaking, clutching the pale purple thermos as she turned and walked away.

Xiao Tao cautiously leaned closer to Yi Lanyin. Sister Yi, what’s going on?

Yi Lanyin, arms crossed and seething silently, pondered for a moment before turning to Xiao Tao. Can you downgrade that little brat’s first-class ticket to economy?

Huh? Xiao Tao exclaimed, her surprise mixed with amusement.

I must have lost my mind, upgrading her ticket with my own money, Yi Lanyin muttered. Spotting Yu Jing approaching from the convenience store, she quickly turned away and continued to Xiao Tao, Keep an eye out during check-in later. I don’t want to sit with her.

Okay, okay, Xiao Tao chuckled. Though Yi Lanyin was older and projected an aloof, queen-like image in public, Xiao Tao, having worked with her for years, knew her temper well. When Yi Lanyin was truly angry, she never showed it. This outburst was merely a form of pouting—yes, this tsundere act was Yi Lanyin’s unique way of seeking attention.

Yu Jing opened the car door beside Yi Lanyin and offered her the thermos. Yi Lanyin turned her head away, refusing to take it.

Yu Jing leaned forward, offering the thermos again. Since Teacher Yi dislikes me so much, maybe I shouldn’t join you after all. I haven’t signed the contract yet, anyway.

Yi Lanyin sat rigidly, arms crossed in a defensive posture, glaring fiercely at her.

Xiao Tao quickly took the thermos from Yu Jing’s hand and frantically gestured at her, trying to smooth things over. What are you saying? When has Sister Yi ever disliked you? The day we signed you, she ran over a dozen promotional events. I was exhausted, but she insisted on driving to see you herself. The contract she gave you was drafted by her lawyer friend, not our company’s standard template—it’s way better than industry norms, you know?

Yu Jing frowned, studying Yi Lanyin’s glare.

Did you know it was me that day?

No, Yi Lanyin shook her head, her delicate brows furrowing tightly. If you want to leave, leave now. I can drive myself.

Yu Jing’s lips twitched involuntarily. She found Yi Lanyin’s current state oddly endearing—like a ruffled little lion cub, all claws and roars, trying to scare people away.

Then tell me, Yu Jing said, staring into Yi Lanyin’s eyes. After a few seconds, she added defensively, As an assistant, a driver, a bodyguard—anything.

No, Yi Lanyin replied, turning her head away. She took the water bottle Xiao Tao handed her, flipped open the lid, and took a small sip of warm honey water, refusing to look at Yu Jing again.

Seeing this, Yu Jing leaned further into the car, resting her arm on the headrest of Yi Lanyin’s seat and bending down to look at her. I can’t tell what’s real and what’s fake with you anymore.

Xiao Tao glanced up at Yu Jing, then back at Yi Lanyin beside her, and suddenly asked, Should I leave you two alone?

Yu Jing gently patted Yi Lanyin’s shoulder, but Yi Lanyin shoved her away forcefully.

Yu Jing, don’t take advantage of your youth to bully people.

Bully you? Yu Jing shook her wrist and stood outside the car, smiling as she leaned down to ask.

Yi Lanyin gripped the overhead handle with one hand to steady herself as she climbed out of the car. After slamming the door shut, she shoved Yu Jing in a fit of embarrassment and anger. If you’re not bullying me, why are you smirking? Go on, then! What are you waiting for? No one’s keeping you here.

Yu Jing stumbled backward from Yi Lanyin’s surprisingly forceful shove, given her gaunt frame. Regaining her balance, she stepped closer to Yi Lanyin. If I sign the contract, will you tell me all your secrets?

I never said that, Yi Lanyin retorted, her logic sharp and clear. I said, if you sign the contract, I’ll tell you why you can’t call me by my full name in public.

Then what about this? Yu Jing pulled a vibrant red flower from behind her back, its thorny stem wrapped in a newspaper printed entirely in English.

Yi Lanyin took a step back, her expression sour. Weren’t you leaving? Why buy a flower? she asked, but her eyes remained fixed on the small red bloom in Yu Jing’s hand, like a child yearning for a beloved toy.

To cheer up my boss, Yu Jing said, pressing the flower into Yi Lanyin’s hand. Teacher Yi, you’re sober now, right? Let’s go. I have a fifteen-minute detour to make, and I need to hurry—I didn’t grab my luggage.