The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 17

As Yu Jing stepped out of the restaurant and settled into the nanny car, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and glanced at the screen—damn it, Sheng Tian was still at the hotel, crying for food like a baby bird.

She answered the call, wedging the phone between her ear and shoulder as she started the car. Yi Lanyin, sitting behind her, tapped her shoulder. Finish your call before driving.

Sheng Tian’s voice on the other end was terse Come back. I’m hungry.

I’m sorry, I just finished eating, Yu Jing replied. If you’re hungry, just order room service. If you can wait a bit, I’ll come back and take you out to eat.

Sheng Tian paused for three seconds. Fine. I’ll eat while I wait.

She hung up and pulled the car out of the parking space.

In the back, President You and Yi Lanyin were chatting animatedly, clearly enjoying themselves. Yu Jing listened in as she drove.

You Ning spoke slowly, Lao Pei said your grandfather saw the entertainment news for a few days and got so angry that they locked him in the study the moment he came home. They won’t let him out until he signs the letter of intent. What a coincidence—this is right when those smear articles about you are all over the place. I bet Mr. Li is really taking this seriously. Those who published those articles are in for a world of trouble.

Yi Lanyin remained silent.

You Ning continued, And here’s something else you won’t like Mr. Li has dragged your family’s wild young master back from the States. He’s usually kept caged up, but now that things are getting serious, they’re unleashing the dog to bite.

Yu Jing glanced at the rearview mirror and noticed Yi Lanyin frowning deeply in thought.

She made a U-turn and casually turned on the car radio. As a lighthearted tune filled the car, Yi Lanyin leaned forward and said to You Ning, I don’t even know if I should be happy. It’s comforting that he acknowledges my work and wants to protect me, but at a time like this… She paused, picking at the skin between her thumb and forefinger. I’ve always believed I got where I am today through my own efforts and the support of my friends, without relying on him at all. I thought I was successful. But now that he’s suddenly softened, everything feels different. Do you understand what I mean? It’s like all the hardships I’ve endured have become a joke, and I’m forced to accept his kindness just because he’s my elder. Why should I?

You Ning leaned closer, patted Yi Lanyin’s back, and said, Bear the weight, shoulder the responsibility.

You know, I went back to H City for high school and got into university on my own. After graduating, I’ve been living off the allowance my mom gives me. I haven’t benefited one bit from being a Li, and all the obstacles in my life were put there by him. I just don’t understand, Yi Lanyin sighed deeply. My dad’s gone, so why does he still insist on controlling me like this? Li Rang listens to him better, yet he still wants me to take over the family business.

You Ning chuckled and patted her leg. You’ve had too much to drink. Li Rang isn’t Auntie’s biological son, after all.

Yi Lanyin leaned back in her seat. After a moment of silence, she reached for the water bottle hanging by Yu Jing’s driver’s seat, took a couple of sips of warm water, and turned to You Ning. I want to start my own studio, not one affiliated with a big company like Qihang. Would you be willing to leave Qihang and join me?

Yu Jing was about to turn around to check Yi Lanyin’s expression when Xiao Tao, sitting in the passenger seat, pushed her back. Xiao Tao kept her eyes fixed on the road ahead, whispering urgently, Don’t look, don’t look.

When You Ning didn’t answer, Yi Lanyin continued after about half a minute, I understand if you’re not willing. Qihang is preparing for an IPO, and as one of the founding members, you’ll accumulate a substantial amount of stock options over the next few years.

No, You Ning said, still smiling. I was just thinking about whether you or I should be the legal representative for the studio. She put her arm around Yi Lanyin’s shoulder and teased her softly, Or we could just put Yu Jing’s name down. If anything goes wrong, she can take the blame. She’s young and can handle the pressure.

At the red light, Yu Jing stopped the car and glanced in the rearview mirror.

Aiya, why are you crying? Are you really that touched? You Ning patted Yi Lanyin’s shoulder gently. I was just thinking your mom has money, so we could live the high life with you. Besides, now that you’re leaving, Pei Jiu won’t have the heart to run the company anymore. He’ll definitely go back to his esports. If I stay at Qihang, I’ll have to take on all the responsibility, and I don’t want that.

Yu Jing pulled two tissues from the armrest compartment. She hesitated for a moment, then shoved them into You Ning’s hand.

She knew Li Zhi was a crybaby. Family dramas, friendships, romances, even stories about pets and their owners—anything could easily make her burst into tears. After handing over the tissues, Yu Jing nervously cracked her knuckles, the joints popping loudly. Yi Lanyin, still sniffling, managed to scold her, Stop that! You’ll get arthritis when you’re old, and no one will take care of you.

Yu Jing immediately relaxed. Just then, the red light turned green, and the suffocating tension dissipated. She smoothly merged the car back into the flow of traffic.

Yi Lanyin was naturally taller than You Ning, but her slender frame made her seem like a delicate doll in You Ning’s arms, evoking a sense of pity. A single tear welled in her deep blue eyes, caught by her long lower lashes, hovering precariously and tugging at the heart.

You Ning gently pressed the tissue Yu Jing had given her against Yi Lanyin’s eyes, dabbing away the tears as she murmured soothingly, There, there, it’s okay. Seeing Yi Lanyin’s lingering distress, she smiled and offered, How about I tell you about Zoe and me?

Mm, Yi Lanyin nodded slightly, her nose red from crying. Tell me.

Do you know why Zoe and I broke up?

No. Neither of you would ever tell me the real reason. Yi Lanyin’s naturally commanding voice carried a hint of reproach, making You Ning’s heart soften.

You Ning tucked the remaining tissue into Yi Lanyin’s hand and folded the tear-soaked one into her own pocket. She said I didn’t love her enough. Like boiling water—I could only heat it to eighty degrees, but she wanted exactly one hundred.

So you broke up? Just like that?

Mm. You Ning nodded with a carefree shrug. It was better for both of us.

Private conversations between close friends often flow seamlessly from work matters to gossip, then to each other’s romantic lives, transitioning smoothly and ending abruptly.

After parking in the hotel’s rear parking lot, Yu Jing turned to check on Yi Lanyin, who had fallen silent.

You Ning, sprawled lazily in her seat, squinted at her. She’s asleep. No need to wake her yet. If you have urgent business, go ahead.

Yu Jing glanced at Xiao Tao, who reassured her, Sister Yi and President You are in good hands with me. Don’t worry. Your friend came all the way here—you should go entertain him.

You Ning chimed in, Exactly! He’s the one who drove me here. Say hello for me. I need to leave for the airport at eight, she said, struggling to lift her arm to check her delicate mechanical watch. You have to be back before eight. Otherwise, Xiao Zhi will get too drunk, and Xiao Tao can’t handle her alone. Plus, there are still so many fans waiting in the hotel lobby.

Yu Jing hesitated, then nodded toward You Ning, seeing Yi Lanyin sleeping soundly with her head tilted. Alright. I’ll take you to the airport after Teacher Yi wakes up. Before leaving, she took Yi Lanyin’s pale purple water bottle.

________________________________________

Sheng Tian turned on the TV but didn’t watch it, instead scrolling through his phone while waiting for Yu Jing.

When Yu Jing knocked, he lazily got up from the sofa, opened the door for her, and quipped, I’m so bored waiting for you, Xia Yuhe would have died of anticipation by now.

Yu Jing pushed past him into the room, first filling her portable kettle with water and plugging it in before responding, So, where do you want to go?

At this hour? Where else but a bar? Sheng Tian shrugged. Let’s grab a drink, and pour one for Sister Zhou too.

Yu Jing waited by the kettle. After ten, okay?

Sure. Sheng Tian had always listened to Zhou Xiangyun. Since her death, he’d clung to Yu Jing, as if afraid she might suddenly disappear too. It struck her then that Sheng Tian must be even more heartbroken than she was. Zhou Xiangyun had been an orphan, and on their first day of school, when some jerk criticized Yu Jing’s unfashionable clothes, Sheng Tian, a complete stranger at the time, had helped her beat the guy up. After they both got detention, Zhou Xiangyun had always treated him like a younger brother.

Seeing Sheng Tian’s unusually docile demeanor, Yu Jing felt a pang of tenderness. I’ll try to get back as soon as possible. Do you want to play the Switch? I brought it.

Better than nothing, Sheng Tian said lazily, stretching on the sofa. Timi’s giving me a headache. A change of pace would be nice.

Yu Jing retrieved the game console from her suitcase, connected it to the TV, and handed him the controller. Just play whatever’s on there. I packed in a rush and forgot the game card case.

Sheng Tian laboriously lifted his royal rear from the sofa to take the controller, then immediately sank back into the cushions. Tonight, ‘sister,’ I’m definitely helping you sneak into your sugar daddy’s room. Get ready for some fun.

Yu Jing was about to kick him when the kettle behind her let out a shrill whistle. She quickly grabbed the kettle and poured the freshly boiled water into Yi Lanyin’s small purple water bottle. After adding a splash of room-temperature mineral water, she grabbed two honey packets from the bar counter, squeezed them both into the bottle, and tightened the lid.

Stop talking nonsense! What if she has a boyfriend?

Sheng Tian slowly shifted his gaze from the television screen to Yu Jing’s face. If she has a boyfriend, you’ll quit on the spot, understand? Otherwise, you’ll look like a total pushover.

Yu Jing chuckled, waving the water bottle dismissively. Alright, I’ll do as you say.

Then ask her now! Sheng Tian propped himself up on the sofa. Call her right now. I’ll listen.

Yu Jing shook the honey water to mix it thoroughly before stopping. She’s had too much to drink. I’m going downstairs to check on her. You entertain yourself.

Hey! Sheng Tian tossed aside his game controller and stood up. I’m coming with you. If you’re too chicken to ask, I’ll do it for you.

Yu Jing’s most defining trait was her stubbornness she responded well to gentle persuasion but bristled at coercion. As a child, her patriarchal parents often dumped her on her unreliable uncle, Li Qiang, who filled her head with street smarts and a rebellious spirit.

In the past, Zhou Xiangyun had always led their mischief and triumphs. Now that Zhou Xiangyun was gone, Yu Jing suddenly felt an inexplicable urge to step up and take on the role of leader, seeing Sheng Tian so worried about her.

She lowered her arm, pressing the water bottle against her hip, and whispered to Sheng Tian, I’ll ask myself if I get the chance. Don’t say anything rash when you go down. After a pause, she added, I’m taking President You to the airport. Come with me so I don’t have to come back for you later.

Got it! Sheng Tian scurried over to the full-length mirror by the entrance, meticulously combing his hair. He stood up straight and flexed his biceps, tapping them. Rate my progress. How’s my training coming along?

Move aside, Yu Jing said dismissively, glancing at him before brushing past to grab the room card. I’ll give you a proper evaluation when you can do more pull-ups than me.

Sheng Tian grimaced and followed her into the elevator.

There aren’t many people on our team who can beat you at pull-ups, right? Aren’t you setting the bar a little too high for me?

Yu Jing’s lips curled into a bitter smile. Xiang Yun has always been trying to break my team record for women’s pull-ups… She was so close, just a hair’s breadth away.

Sheng Tian listened quietly, his head bowed, as if Yu Jing had pulled him into that dark memory with her.

Emerging from the elevator, Yu Jing led the way with a dark expression, Sheng Tian following closely behind.

Upon reaching the nanny van, Yu Jing first tapped on the window before slowly opening the door.

You Ning was facing her, while Yi Lanyin sat quietly curled up in the seat on the other side.

Seeing Yu Jing, You Ning ducked out of the van and opened the passenger door. She whispered to Xiao Tao, Tao, come out and stretch your legs.

While Yu Jing stood there in a daze, You Ning waved her hand in front of her eyes, as if Yu Jing were the one who had been drinking.

Go check on her. Let Xiao Tao and me entertain your friend for a while.

Sheng Tian, ever quick-witted, immediately nodded. Right, we’ll follow the leader’s instructions.

Xiao Tao, still groggy from getting out of the passenger seat, was quickly coaxed by Sheng Tian and You Ning to do stretching exercises by the parking lot wall.

The world fell silent. Yu Jing stood outside the van, gazing at Yi Lanyin through the open door.

Yi Lanyin’s thick hair lay draped over her shoulders. Her eyes were closed, and her right hand clutched tightly at the sleeve of her long-sleeved T-shirt, like a child clinging to security.

The longer you looked at a beautiful person, the more you discovered hidden charms you hadn’t noticed before.

Inside the car, the woman’s brow was lightly furrowed, her chin resting on her shoulder. The overhead reading light shone directly on the bridge of her nose, giving her an almost sacred, untouchable aura like a religious saint.

Yu Jing glanced back at the three people who had inexplicably started doing calisthenics, their camaraderie palpable.

She turned back and unconsciously shook the water bottle in her hand.

Perhaps the noise was too loud. Yi Lanyin suddenly stirred, her hand clutching her sleeve as she held it across her nose. With gentle eyes still closed, she murmured, Turn off the light, please?

Yu Jing couldn’t help but chuckle. She stepped forward, switched off the overhead light, and closed the electric door behind her.

Let’s go back to your room and sleep, okay? Yu Jing gently pried Yi Lanyin’s hand away from her face, placing it in her own. She carefully freed Yi Lanyin’s sleeve from her grasp.

Yi Lanyin frowned and opened her eyes, though it was unclear if she fully recognized Yu Jing. She shook her head, muttering, No, I don’t want to move.

Then I’ll carry you upstairs? Yu Jing, taking advantage of Yi Lanyin’s grogginess, began to tease her.

Alright, Yi Lanyin said, opening her eyes again as she pulled her hand free from Yu Jing’s grasp. Tomorrow’s trending topics will say, ‘Yi Lanyin drank herself unconscious while competing for resources.’ Then they’ll blur your face into a giant mosaic. She waved her arms around Yu Jing’s head, and Yu Jing, fearing she might bump into something, quickly moved closer, wrapping an arm around her. Yi Lanyin didn’t resist, lowering her center of gravity and drifting lightly into Yu Jing’s embrace. They’ll call you some unknown woman from outside the industry, who… Perhaps the topic troubled her, for she suddenly looked up at Yu Jing. What do you think they’ll say? What will they say about you?

They’ll say I’m your older sister, who couldn’t bear to see you drunk and came to pick you up herself, Yu Jing replied, shamelessly taking advantage of Yi Lanyin’s inebriated state.

Yi Lanyin reacted fiercely. You? My older sister? You’re shameless! Restless, she repeatedly bumped her fragrant head against Yu Jing’s chin.

Left with no choice, Yu Jing pinned her wrists with both hands and rested her chin against the crown of Yi Lanyin’s head. Amidst the chaos, Sheng Tian’s words flashed through her mind, and she blurted out, Are you dating anyone?