The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 18

Are you seeing someone?

The car’s cramped interior made their breaths feel hot and heavy as they pressed together. The temperature slowly rose, while the air conditioning’s cold air brushed against their warming skin, leaving them both flushed and alert.

Huh? Yi Lanyin murmured in confusion, struggling to pull herself out of Yu Jinghuai’s embrace. She gently brushed aside Yu Jinghuai’s reaching arm, pondered for half a minute, and then slowly said, I’ve noticed you’re completely different from before, Yu Jing. She paused, meeting Yu Jing’s gaze directly. You never cared about me before—whether I was single or married, you never showed any curiosity. So, what’s your motive for asking this question today?

Her bright, sculpted face flushed pink, yet her eyes remained clear and lucid.

And you know how much I used to wish you’d say ‘See you tomorrow’ when we parted? But whenever you left the hotel, left me, you always seemed so happy.

Yu Jinghuai leaned sideways to look at Yi Lanyin, utterly bewildered by how the conversation had veered from Are you seeing someone? to See you tomorrow.

Her lips parted slightly as she finally decided to defend herself. I was young back then. I was just happy to be back at school, playing games with Sheng Tianxiangyun. It doesn’t mean I wasn’t happy when I was with you. Besides, you set those three rules for me. How could I dare to be curious? Curiosity would have gotten me replaced, right? She spoke for a while before realizing her words didn’t sound much better. She pressed her lips together and fell silent.

The conversation came to an abrupt halt. Yi Lanyin’s mouth twisted slightly as she suddenly lunged forward, wrapping one arm tightly around Yu Jing’s neck and roughly ruffling her hair with the other. Just as Yu Jing placed her hand on Yi Lanyin’s back, Yi Lanyin abruptly slammed her head down. Even Yu Jing’s iron-hard skull was momentarily stunned. Recovering quickly, she tugged Yi Lanyin’s arm to pull her down, then gently massaged her forehead with the palm of her hand.

As she rubbed, she scolded her, Are you stupid? Doesn’t that hurt?

Yi Lanyin closed her eyes and remained silent, obediently nestled in Yu Jing’s arms, letting Yu Jing massage her forehead before tenderly blowing on it.

After releasing Yi Lanyin’s head, Yu Jing lifted the water bottle hanging from her shoulder, flipped open the lid, and held it to Yi Lanyin’s lips. Open your mouth. Ah~~

Yi Lanyin stubbornly kept her lips sealed, growing irritated. She even burrowed deeper into Yu Jing’s embrace. Yu Jing could only hold her tightly, her hand holding the water bottle awkwardly extended outward, forgetting to lower it.

The fiercely struggling woman gradually softened in the familiar embrace, her thrashing subsiding.

With her eyes still closed, Yi Lanyin rested her hands on Yu Jing’s shoulders and whispered, If I leave Qihang and start my own studio, would you still be willing to come with me?

Of course, Yu Jing replied without hesitation.

Yi Lanyin lowered the water bottle, her free hand hovering in the air before finally failing to return the embrace.

Yi Lanyin opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Yu Jing’s. She smiled. You know I’m rich, right?

Yu Jing frowned at her. Before she could respond, Yi Lanyin pulled away, tugged at her clothes, smoothed her pant legs, and then casually picked up the water bottle Yu Jing had placed on the seat. After taking a couple of sips of honey water, she tightened the lid.

Let’s get Xiao Tao and head upstairs.

She seemed perfectly lucid, as if her earlier distress had been an act.

Yu Jing opened the door and stepped out, placing her hand above the frame as she leaned in to say to Yi Lanyin, Money is important, but it’s not the most important thing. With that, she gripped Yi Lanyin’s wrist and pulled her out of the car.

The three people standing nearby turned at the sound of the car door closing.

You Ning glanced at her watch, propping her arm up. It’s still early.

It wasn’t clear what she meant by early.

Yu Jing released Yi Lanyin’s wrist, straightened up, and addressed You Ning, who was approaching them. I’ll take President You to the airport now. Xiao Tian’er, you can ride shotgun.

Xiao Tao hurried over to Yi Lanyin, retrieved her bag from the car, and picked up Yi Lanyin’s phone from the dashboard, tucking it into her own bag. She then supported Yi Lanyin, who was standing quietly beside her, and looked at the others.

Sheng Tian rushed over to greet Yi Lanyin warmly. Hello, Sister!

Yi Lanyin’s expression softened. I’m sorry, I’ve had a bit too much to drink. If you’re not leaving tomorrow, I’ll treat you to dinner after filming, okay?

Yu Jing had never seen Yi Lanyin show such kindness to a strange man. Standing to the side, she felt a strange sense of discomfort.

Yi Lanyin possessed a naturally aloof demeanor and the air of a privileged young lady. Strangers might find her intimidating, but Sheng Tian wasn’t afraid of her. He had always felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with her, a connection Yu Jing couldn’t quite put her finger on—something just felt off.

Sheng Tian stepped forward and shook his head at Yi Lanyin. I know you’re busy. Don’t worry about it. Thanks, Sis. He glanced back at Yu Jing, who was standing awkwardly beside him, and added, Captain Yu and I are heading to the airport later and then straight to a bar. If you could give Captain Yu the night off, she might not even come back tonight.

Yu Jing’s eyes widened. Sheng Tian’s words made it sound like she was planning something scandalous—they reeked of manipulation.

As expected, Yi Lanyin looked up at her, her gaze filled with suspicion and confusion.

Do you need it? she asked Yu Jing.

What? Yu Jing instinctively retorted.

The night off, Yi Lanyin pressed, her brow furrowed.

Of course not, Yu Jing shook her head, pulling Sheng Tian behind her. Half the night is enough. I’ll definitely be back by then.

Then where will Xiao Tian’er stay? Yi Lanyin countered.

At my place, of course. My apartment has two bedrooms, Yu Jing replied matter-of-factly.

No, Yi Lanyin immediately refused. Even if you’re close, you’re still a man and a woman. I need to memorize my lines tonight. Just text me when you get back, and I’ll open the door for you.

After completing his task, Sheng Tian watched the drama unfold with amusement. You Ning, standing beside him, whispered, Does Yu Jing often go to bars?

No, no, no! Sheng Tian shook his head vigorously. She used to work at a bar and hates the environment—too chaotic and noisy for her.

Relieved, You Ning settled back into the car to wait for her ride.

Yu Jing considered the situation. Since Yi Lanyin and Xiao Tao were sharing a room, her room would be free. She nodded in agreement. Alright, I don’t need Teacher Yi to open the door for me. I’ll just get a room key from the hotel later.

Yi Lanyin gave her a dismissive glance. Mm-hmm. With that, she brushed past Yu Jing and You Ning, who was already back in the car, to say goodbye.

Sheng Tian strode over, bumping her shoulder and winking conspiratorially. See? I kept my word.

What are you talking about? Yu Jing pushed him away with a disdainful wave of her arm.

Getting you a room with my sister!

Yu Jing frowned, lowering her voice to scold him. I’ve wanted to say this for a while how well do you even know her? Stop calling her ‘sister’ like you’re so familiar.

What do you mean we’re not close? Sheng Tian draped his arm lazily over Yu Jing’s shoulder. Back in college, I ate so much of your good stuff! And who bought all that good stuff? Your sister, of course! So yeah, we’re close—very close.

Yu Jing listened, her lips pressed into a thin line. She grabbed Sheng Tian’s wrist, catching him off guard, and executed a perfect over-the-shoulder throw that sent him sprawling with a yelp. She gripped his wrist tightly, like a chick in her hand. If I don’t shut you up with my hands, that mouth of yours will never learn to stay closed, will it?

Sheng Tian frantically begged for mercy, Hey, hey, don’t let go, Captain Yu! Please! When Yu Jing refused to release him or help him up, he quickly shifted his target, wailing dramatically, Sister! Sister! Make her stop! Control Yu Jing! This is a society governed by law—does she want to end up in jail?

Yu Jing, standing close, immediately released him. Sheng Tian stumbled backward, nearly falling until Yi Lanyin, who had turned to look, gently steadied him by the back.

Hiding behind Yi Lanyin, Sheng Tian pointed accusingly at Yu Jing, emboldened by her presence. This isn’t the jungle, you know! If you lay another hand on me, I’ll call the police and have you arrested! Understand?

Yu Jing took a deep breath, clenching her fists until her knuckles cracked. Finally, she bit her lip and glared at Sheng Tian. If you keep dragging this out, you’re going straight back to B City.

Sheng Tian was about to retort when he glanced at Yi Lanyin’s inscrutable expression, then back at Yu Jing. A sudden inspiration struck him. Hey, why don’t I just take the boss to the airport? My sister’s had too much to drink—how can you, as her assistant, just run off? He shrugged and strode over to Yu Jing, extending his hand.

What do you want? Yu Jing stepped back defensively.

The room key. You sleep in my sister’s room, and I’ll take yours. Didn’t we agree on that earlier? Sheng Tian smirked, his expression daring her to challenge him.

Weren’t you going to drink? Yu Jing asked.

When can’t I drink? You’re not dead, and I’m still breathing, Sheng Tian muttered, patting her shoulder twice. Hurry up, you’re such a slowpoke.

The moment Yu Jing handed over the room key, she still couldn’t quite grasp how this absurd situation had spiraled out of control.

Following the two women into the room, Yu Jing sat awkwardly on the sofa.

Even after Yi Lanyin and Xiao Tao had each gone to their respective bedrooms to shower, Yu Jing remained on the sofa.

She had initially assumed Xiao Tao and Yi Lanyin shared a bedroom, but it was now clear that each had their own. Then where would she stay?

Yu Jing cautiously glanced at Yi Lanyin, who had just emerged from her bedroom and was standing in front of the refrigerator. Fresh from her shower, Yi Lanyin exuded a fragrant floral scent. Her hair was wrapped in a large drying towel, and she wore a soft, light blue robe. Leaning against the refrigerator door, she seemed torn between which… product to choose.

She appeared lucid, the faint pink flush on her cheeks likely from the hot shower.

Not wanting to interrupt Yi Lanyin’s focus as she rehearsed her lines, Yu Jing turned to stare blankly at the coffee table in front of the sofa.

Yu Jing, Yi Lanyin suddenly called out, startling Yu Jing into snapping to attention in a perfect military stance. What is it?

Yi Lanyin gave her an odd look. Can I eat you?

No, Yu Jing replied, shaking her head with a forced smile.

Come take a look at what you want to drink. Tomorrow I have action scenes all day, and since you have experience, I’d like you to help me review them.

Yu Jing slowly shuffled toward the refrigerator, asking as she walked, Aren’t you supposed to be the Empress? Why do you have action scenes?

Yi Lanyin straightened up from the refrigerator, one hand on her head and the other on the door. Not only do I have action scenes, but I also have campus scenes. Have you never heard of ‘time travel’?

Yu Jing frowned. I thought your movie was supposed to be serious. She reached the refrigerator and grabbed a can of beer. The ice-cold can, fresh from the fridge, felt like a revelation even in the air-conditioned room—a reminder that life’s purpose was to experience such blissful comfort.

You’re the one who’s not serious, Yi Lanyin retorted, pushing past Yu Jing to grab her own can of beer. After closing the refrigerator, she continued, You’ll be sleeping on the sofa tonight, right? No objections?

Of course not, Yu Jing said with a wry smile. I should thank Teacher Yi for taking me in. After Sheng Tian leaves, please cancel the lease on my room. It’s too expensive.

As if she hadn’t heard Yu Jing, Yi Lanyin carried the beer over to the coffee table. She set the can down and pulled off her hair-drying towel, running her fingers through her half-dry hair before tossing the towel over the sofa back. You’re moving out in two days anyway. Why bother with a refund?

Yu Jing rested her hands on the sofa back, watching her. If she’s not staying here, where else would she go? Was Yi Lanyin planning to discard her after using her?

Yi Lanyin ignored her, sinking comfortably into the sofa. She casually popped open the beer can, glanced up at the thoughtful Yu Jing, and murmured, Come here.

Clutching her own beer, Yu Jing sauntered over and planted herself in front of Yi Lanyin. Are you going to fire me? she asked, trying to sound nonchalant as she averted her gaze to the nearby floor lamp.

Yi Lanyin had been about to bend down and retrieve the employment contract—stamped with the company’s red seal—from the coffee table drawer. But Yu Jing’s question made her change her mind. She crossed her arms, frowned, and stared at Yu Jing for nearly half a minute before resuming her earlier light tone. Then… let’s see how you perform from now on.

Yu Jing set down her beer can and turned to face the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing into the night for a long moment before turning back to Yi Lanyin. How do I need to perform to meet your standards?

It sounds like you really want to stay here with me, don’t you? Yi Lanyin asked, a cryptic smile playing on her lips as she held the beer can.

She sank deeper into the gray-brown sofa, her half-dry hair draped across her chest, making her bare face appear exceptionally pure and innocent.

Yu Jing suddenly remembered—perhaps Yi Lanyin was displeased that she had verbally taken advantage of her earlier.

You need someone, and I need a job. If I don’t make any major mistakes, why not just make do with me? Yu Jing asked, her usual icy expression fixed on Yi Lanyin. Didn’t we get along well enough before?

Before.

Yi Lanyin narrowed her eyes from the sofa, her pale, slender fingers tracing the metallic rim of the can. Finally, she smiled serenely and tilted her head to look up at Yu Jing. When are you planning to leave this time? Saving up enough to travel the world? Seeing Yu Jing’s momentary surprise, she added casually, You mentioned wanting to travel the world after retiring, with… the other two members of your Iron Triangle.

Yu Jing didn’t understand Yi Lanyin’s meaning. She was about to ask when Xiao Tao, dressed in adorable dinosaur pajamas, came running over. Yu Jing quickly fell silent. Seeing both of them with beers, Xiao Tao rushed to the refrigerator. After taking a satisfying sip of ice-cold beer, she finally spoke, Why are you standing so far away? Come sit down!

With that, she pulled out her phone from the dinosaur pajama pocket, opened the food delivery app, and tilted her head to ask Yi Lanyin, Sister Yi, want some duck snacks? To celebrate our successful start!

Yi Lanyin didn’t move from the sofa. She lifted a hand to shake her long hair off her shoulder. You guys go ahead.

Ah, you’re dieting, Xiao Tao said, regretfully putting down her phone. Then I won’t have any either. We’ll suffer together! She smacked her lips and glanced at Yu Jing, who was standing alone to the side. Little Sister Yu, we’re inviting you to sit down too!

Yu Jing reluctantly moved her long legs over and sat on the very edge of the sofa. She picked up her beer and took a small sip before leaning over Xiao Tao to ask Yi Lanyin, Weren’t we supposed to watch action scenes? When are we starting?

Xiao Tao was the first to react to Yu Jing’s words. She sprang up from the sofa, dashed to the entryway, grabbed her peach-shaped purse, and rummaged through it to retrieve a script.

Here, Xiao Tao said, flipping through the script for Yu Jing. The scenes marked with orange stickers are the action sequences. Take a look.

Yu Jing took the script and casually flipped through it before settling down to examine the details more closely.

Meanwhile, Yi Lanyin finally deigned to rise from the sofa. She casually tied her hair up with a jade hairpin from the coffee table, tightened the sash of her bathrobe, and in a flash, lunged at Yu Jing. With a swift motion, she swung her fist and landed two sharp blows on the sofa cushion behind Yu Jing’s ear. Yu Jing didn’t even raise a hand, but Yi Lanyin executed a graceful dodge before pinning Yu Jing’s left shoulder with one arm. Running away again?

Yu Jing quickly flipped through the script until she found the scene Yi Lanyin was acting out.

You, she began, holding up the script and stumbling over each word as she read aloud, you viperous woman… not just… not just big-chested and long-haired… but also sharp-witted.

Cut! Xiao Tao clapped her hands between their intertwined bodies, her eyes burning with intensity. How was that?

Yu Jing set down her script and whispered to Yi Lanyin, who was radiating palpable hostility, This isn’t realistic! There’s a natural strength disparity between men and women. Even if your character is highly trained, she couldn’t effortlessly restrain a struggling man with just one hand, especially when he’s a spacetime agent.

Yi Lanyin slowly rose from Yu Jing, one leg braced between Yu Jing’s thighs, the other half-kneeling on the sofa. Looking down imperiously, she said, Then teach me.

Her tone was utterly devoid of politeness.

Yu Jing grabbed Yi Lanyin’s wrist and smoothly pulled her aside, reversing their positions to restrain Yi Lanyin. Like this, she demonstrated, looping one arm tightly around Yi Lanyin’s neck from behind while her other hand formed a chokehold around her throat. This looks more believable.

Xiao Tao nervously patted Yu Jing’s veined arm. Ease up a bit! Don’t actually choke Sister Yi.

Yu Jing quickly withdrew her hands, quietly defending herself. It looks tight, but I wasn’t even touching her.

In an instant, a slender wrist snaked out from beneath Yi Lanyin, her fingers clamping tightly around Yu Jing’s wrist. Her gaze locked onto Yu Jing’s, piercing and unwavering. You venomous woman, she hissed, pausing dramatically for two seconds, her eyes flicking suggestively downward. Not just big-chested… After Yu Jing’s face flushed crimson, Yi Lanyin drawled, …but long-haired and quick-witted too.

Yu Jing had always been flat-chested, as if all her nutrients had been diverted to her height. After a brief, bud-like growth spurt during puberty, they had never developed further. Li Zhi knew this, and her sarcastic jab stung Yu Jing deeply.

Determined to retaliate, Yu Jing snatched up the script lying on the sofa, squinted at a few lines, then tossed it aside. Regaining control of Yi Lanyin’s hands, she retorted, Unlike you, who surrenders in three minutes. You should exercise more when you’re not busy.

Xiao Tao frowned. Is that line in the script? I don’t remember it. Let me check. She reached for the script, but Yi Lanyin grabbed her hand. It’s an ad-lib, she murmured, quietly explaining for Yu Jing’s benefit.

Yu Jing released her and carefully stepped back.

You seem to have practiced the choreography extensively, Yu Jing remarked earnestly. I think the movements are quite beautiful.

Our Sister Yi’s movements aren’t just beautiful—she’s even more beautiful herself! Xiao Tao grabbed Yi Lanyin’s beer can from the sofa, handed it to her, and then turned to Yu Jing. Have you ever seen anyone more beautiful than Sister Yi?

Yu Jing replied softly, Beauty is subjective. If you ask me, I think Leonardo DiCaprio looked handsome in his younger days. She was deliberately trying to provoke Yi Lanyin.

But Yi Lanyin didn’t take the bait. She took a small sip of beer and patted Yu Jing’s arm. Go take a shower in my room. There are disposable toiletries inside.

Yi Lanyin’s magnanimity made Yu Jing belatedly realize she had been acting childishly. After a moment’s hesitation, she stood up, retrieved a set of pajamas from her suitcase next door, and, before entering Yi Lanyin’s room, asked with feigned politeness, Is it okay?

Xiao Tao sat cross-legged on the sofa, staring at Yi Lanyin, who was studying her script beside her, looking genuinely surprised.

Mm, come in, Yi Lanyin said, looking up from her script. After speaking to Yu Jing, she casually patted Xiao Tao’s head. If you want to eat, go ahead and order. I won’t be tempted. If you wait too long, you won’t be able to sleep tonight.

No! Xiao Tao shook her head vigorously. I want to fight alongside you and lose weight at the same time. Last year when I went home, my parents started pressuring me to get married. She frowned and complained to Yi Lanyin, Do they think boyfriends just fall from the sky? They act like finding a relationship is so easy. I’m still single, you know.

Yi Lanyin smiled and patted the top of Xiao Tao’s head. Don’t rush. What’s meant to be will come.

Then… Xiao Tao paused, as if debating whether to voice her question. Finally, she took a deep breath and lowered her eyelids. Little Sister Yu—

Before she could finish, Yi Lanyin quickly flipped a page of her script and looked up. I’ll tell you everything later. Please don’t ask now, okay?

The answer was too obvious.

Xiao Tao shrugged, pulled her dinosaur-head hat over her head, and looked at Yi Lanyin with her hands curled into claws. Sister Yi, look at me! Do I look like a Tyrannosaurus Rex?

Not really, Yi Lanyin replied, refocusing on the script. After a moment, she murmured, More like a little peach spirit, a peach pretending to be a dragon.

Yi Lanyin occasionally came up with these brilliant, offbeat remarks. Xiao Tao, huddled in a corner, stifled a giggle.

Once she’d finished laughing, Xiao Tao leaned closer. Is Little Sister Yu’s contract signed yet?

No, Yi Lanyin replied. We’ll wait until I’m independent. Otherwise, we’d have to pay Pei Jiu her breach of contract fee.

Xiao Tao nodded, then asked, Why didn’t you ask me?

Ask you what? Yi Lanyin looked up from the script, meeting her gaze calmly.

Ask if I want to come with you! Xiao Tao’s tone was tinged with bitterness.

Where else would you go if not with me? Yi Lanyin said matter-of-factly. I asked them because they might have other plans. But you and I? There’s no need for a special question. No matter how much Pei Jiu demands for my breach of contract, I’ll definitely take you with me.

Xiao Tao’s face lit up with a radiant smile. She raised her little claws again, playfully tugging at the curl of Yi Lanyin’s hair. I am the world’s most~ ferocious peach dragon! I shall devour the world’s most~ beautiful human!

Yi Lanyin feigned terror. Please, peach dragon, go home and sleep! If you can’t wake up tomorrow, the boss will clip your tail!

Xiao Tao sighed and slumped her shoulders. Ah, if only mornings didn’t exist in this world! Sister Yi, you should go to bed early too. Don’t stay up so late. She stretched her legs out on the sofa, yawned, and reluctantly left Yi Lanyin.

By the time Yu Jing emerged from Yi Lanyin’s bathroom, Yi Lanyin was the only one left in the living room.

A crimson floor lamp stood beside her, casting a warm, amber glow.

Yu Jing gathered her discarded clothes, fished out her phone, and checked the time 1030 PM.

She texted Sheng Tian Are you back?

Sheng Tian replied instantly Of course!

Then came a barrage of gossip Which room are you sleeping in?

Should I stay a couple more days?

The boss asked me to pass on a message Have some conscience!

What does she mean by that?!

Yu Jing frowned at the bedroom door for a moment, then typed tersely I don’t know. Just forget about it.

Seconds later, Sheng Tian sent a photo of a game interface on TV.

Your bro cleared the game for you! Worship me!

He added a cat emoji with its paw raised in triumph.

Yu Jing rolled her eyes in exasperation, put away her phone, and looked up.

Yi Lanyin was looking at her, the script spread across her lap. Her long, wavy hair was about ninety percent dry. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze indistinct in the warm glow of the table lamp that illuminated her sculpted nose and sharpened jawline.

Her fingers turned a page of the script before she slowly looked up and asked softly, Is something wrong?

Perhaps because Yi Lanyin was the only person in the spacious living room, Yu Jing felt considerably more relaxed. She shrugged and walked toward the sofa, drawing closer to the familiar figure bathed in the soft light.

Yi Lanyin tucked her feet in and gently shifted her body to the empty side of the sofa, as if making room for Yu Jing. Her eyes remained fixed on the script. Yu Jing sat down, used the black leather band on her wrist to tie up her hair, and leaned back against the sofa, her gaze fixed on Yi Lanyin’s back.

Despite using the same shower gel and shampoo from the bathroom, Yu Jing found that Yi Lanyin’s scent seemed different from all the products in the bathroom. She leaned forward slightly, just as Yi Lanyin, having received no answer, turned her head. They were so close that, measuring from the bridges of their noses, they were at the perfect distance for a kiss.

It was a pity that their positions didn’t allow for such intimacy. Yu Jing felt a pang of regret the atmosphere was perfect for a kiss.

Yu Jing’s emotions were a tangled mess, but Yi Lanyin remained composed. Her deep blue eyes lingered on Yu Jing’s lips for a moment before slowly shifting upward. She flipped the script on her lap over onto the empty sofa beside her, her lips curving into a slight smile as she repeated softly, What’s wrong? The tone was slightly different from before, softer, almost like a playful tease.

When Yi Lanyin didn’t move, Yu Jing stiffened her neck and replied, Nothing. Sensing the other woman’s dissatisfaction, she quickly added, Sheng Tian said President You wants me to have some conscience.

Oh, so that eye-roll was for You Ning? Yi Lanyin asked with a smile.

Yu Jing didn’t understand her meaning but shook her head firmly. Absolutely not.

Yi Lanyin paused for a few seconds before slowly retreating from the charged atmosphere.

She stood up, tightening the sash of her bathrobe, and looked down at Yu Jing’s face. Yu Jing, she began, was I good to you before?

Huh? Yu Jing’s skin crawled at the question. Good? How could it not be good? She’d even felt like she was the one spending the money back then. Li Zhi had always been so accommodating, while Yu Jing often threw petty tantrums to annoy her.

Mm, mm-hmm, Yu Jing mumbled, guiltily avoiding Yi Lanyin’s gaze as she nodded.

Look up, Yi Lanyin commanded coldly.

Yu Jing blinked several times. She wasn’t some rebellious teenager anymore, so she obediently raised her head to meet Yi Lanyin’s gaze.

And what about me now? Yi Lanyin pressed.

What? Yu Jing asked, genuinely confused.

My career is doing quite well. You can’t laugh at me anymore, Yi Lanyin said.

Yu Jing swore to herself that she had never mocked Yi Lanyin. At most, she’d helped her vent about the cutthroat entertainment industry after Yi Lanyin lost a role. She had no idea why Yi Lanyin was saying this, so she stood up慌張地 and waved her hands in protest.

As she stood, Yi Lanyin’s head barely reached Yu Jing’s nose. Both were wearing thin-soled slippers, and the comparison suddenly drove home the reality that Yu Jing had truly been separated from Li Zhi for three years.

Three years. Not only had someone grown taller, but they had also learned to wear a mask when looking at others.

I don’t understand, but I want to say I’ve never looked down on you. From the moment I first saw you, I knew I’d never meet anyone more beautiful in my life. Later, when you dedicated yourself to acting, I became convinced you’d become a huge star someday, just like you are now. Yu Jing spoke urgently, her words tumbling out in a rush, completely forgetting about Leonardo as if he were at her uncle’s house.

Yi Lanyin’s lips were pressed into a tight line, making it impossible for Yu Jing to gauge her reaction. She could only continue pleading her case Your success makes me happier than anyone else.

Why? Yi Lanyin countered, her tone sharp. She crossed her arms and perched on the sofa armrest, tilting her head to look down at Yu Jing.

Because… because I know you’re a good person, and I believe good people deserve good things, Yu Jing said earnestly. That makes sense, right?

Yi Lanyin nodded thoughtfully, lowering her arms. Then do you think I’ve been good to you lately?

Yu Jing nodded reflexively before saying, From the beginning until now, you’ve always been the kindest person to me.

Yi Lanyin raised an eyebrow. She beckoned Yu Jing closer with a familiar gesture, and Yu Jing knelt before her, leaning in. Yi Lanyin watched coldly as the once-stubborn girl softened. With practiced movements, she removed the black hair tie from Yu Jing’s hair, slipped it onto her own wrist, and then roughly tousled Yu Jing’s neatly styled hair.

It was as if she were venting her frustration or perhaps rewarding herself.

Go to bed early, Yi Lanyin said, pulling the script off the sofa. Turn up the air conditioning and use that pale yellow blanket as a quilt. She rose from the sofa, showing no intention of returning the leather restraint.

As Yu Jing lay on the sofa, she still couldn’t quite grasp Yi Lanyin’s emotional journey that day.

Yi Lanyin casually tugged at the neatly folded blanket at her feet, gradually draping a corner over Yu Jing.

It was a fine blanket, but damn it, the scent—Yi Lanyin’s post-shower fragrance, a blend of woody notes and floral undertones—assaulted Yu Jing’s nostrils.

Yu Jing couldn’t stand this scent it instantly conjured the memory of that unbearably intimate moment earlier.

She even wondered if Yi Lanyin would have reacted angrily if she had actually kissed her then.

Pulling back the corner of the blanket, Yu Jing deliberately turned her head and pressed her nose against the opposite side, inhaling deeply. Beyond the cold air from the air conditioning, she detected the faint lingering fragrance of Yi Lanyin’s recent departure.

Yu Jing roughly tousled her disheveled hair, abruptly sat up on the sofa, and glanced at the tightly closed bedroom door across the room. She grabbed the half-finished can of beer she’d left earlier and gulped down the ice-cold brew in a few mouthfuls, finally feeling her heart’s circulation begin to normalize.

Was she doing this on purpose?

Yu Jing glared resentfully at the door.

After setting down the empty beer can, she stood up, shook her hands, and, thinking of Sheng Tian, patted her arm muscles. Leaning her palms against the sofa, she kicked her legs onto the carpet and began doing push-ups in the middle of the night.

The more she did, the more exhausted she became, her breathing growing naturally heavier.

Yu Jing felt trapped by Yi Lanyin, like a fish caught in a net, destined to be sold once brought ashore.

Each desperate breath only drew her deeper into the fragrant cage Yi Lanyin had woven around her.

The sweat made her shower feel pointless.

Yu Jing wanted to cry but had no tears left, and she felt utterly humiliated.

She had dared to enter rooms filled with poison gas and forests choked with miasma, yet the mere scent of this actress was tormenting her like this.

Yi Lanyin was kind—kind enough to kill without needing a knife.

Frustrated, Yu Jing stopped exercising. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with a tissue from the coffee table, grabbed the air conditioner remote, and cranked the temperature down several degrees. Then she rolled up the sleeves of her pajamas.

The cold air against her post-exercise skin felt perfectly refreshing.

Yu Jing glanced back at Yi Lanyin’s bedroom door, grabbed the pale yellow blanket, and crumpled it into a ball, pretending to throw it at the door. Everyone knew she was a coward around Yi Lanyin and would never dare to actually throw it. But just then, the door swung open, and Yi Lanyin, her beautiful face creased in a frown, leaned against the frame. Can’t a person get some sleep around here?

Yu Jing realized Yi Lanyin slept without a robe, wearing only a low-cut, deep green silk nightgown that clung to her body, accentuating her delicate curves.

Oh, trying to hit me? Yi Lanyin smirked, her lips curling into a mocking smile as she eyed Yu Jing with sarcastic amusement.