The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 19

Oh, you still want to hit me?

Yu Jing was speechless. She threw the blanket back onto the sofa, sat up straight, and looked at Yi Lanyin, who was leaning against the doorway across the room. Would you believe me if I said I was just exercising because I couldn’t sleep?

Yes, Yi Lanyin nodded, her voice languid as she leaned against the doorframe. I’d believe anything you say.

Yu Jing blinked twice, then insisted, Really.

Mhm, I’m being serious too, Yi Lanyin replied, her gaze lowered, her tone earnest.

Faced with such sincerity, Yu Jing didn’t know how to argue. She stared at Yi Lanyin, their eyes locked in a silent battle, until she finally blurted out, Aren’t you cold?

Huh?

You’re wearing so little, Yu Jing mumbled, her face flushing crimson.

Yi Lanyin glanced at her, then looked down at her own low-cut nightgown before slowly raising her gaze. What are you thinking about?

What am I thinking about? Yu Jing thought frantically. Things that are definitely not suitable for children and would never pass censorship.

Yu Jing scrambled to her feet, grabbed the air conditioner remote from the coffee table, and pressed the button three times. The air conditioner… it’s cold.

Yi Lanyin raised an eyebrow at her, then turned abruptly, revealing a glimpse of her smooth, delicate back before slamming the door shut.

Yu Jing finally relaxed. She lay back down, reached for the yellow blanket she had tossed aside, and closed her eyes contentedly.

The next morning, before dawn had even broken, the famous star was already up. Dressed in a quick-drying T-shirt and athletic shorts, her face bare of makeup, she stood by the sofa, calling to Yu Jing, Get up! Staying up all night and sleeping in? What kind of nonsense is that?

Yu Jing yawned sleepily, squinting at her. Up so early?

Yeah, going for a run. Yi Lanyin sat on the edge of the sofa, impatiently nudging Yu Jing’s leg. Xiao Tao was too tired yesterday. I told her to sleep in, so you’re coming with me.

Revenge! This was blatant revenge.

Yu Jing pushed aside the yellow blanket and sat up, glaring at her. Sis, what time is it? The sun hasn’t even risen yet.

I saw you working out last night and was deeply moved by your dedication to fitness, Yi Lanyin teased, her expression unwavering. Hurry up and get dressed. Let’s go.

Yu Jing reluctantly stood up, bending down to retrieve a pair of black athletic pants from her suitcase lying open by the sofa. She glanced at Yi Lanyin, who was fully armed, then grabbed a matching black T-shirt. Before entering the bathroom, she turned back to ask Yi Lanyin, You’re serious, right?

Yi Lanyin remained seated on the sofa, engrossed in her script, completely ignoring her.

Yu Jing made up her mind she would make Yi Lanyin regret this.

Using the special forces’ rapid-wash technique, she rinsed off all the soap in three minutes and dried her hair in two. With her hair still damp, she quickly changed into her clothes.

Let’s go. Right now.

Yi Lanyin lazily glanced at her from the sofa. Though Yu Jing had muscle, she looked wiry and thin in clothes, like a paper doll. Dressed entirely in black, with her half-dry hair dangling in front of her face and her perpetually displeased expression, she resembled a gang leader.

Yi Lanyin closed her script and tilted her head back to meet Yu Jing’s determined gaze. What’s the rush? I’m starting to think I don’t want to go after all.

You’re messing with me, Yu Jing said, raising an eyebrow. She had already mentally rehearsed how she would torment Yi Lanyin on the track. How could Yi Lanyin suddenly back out now?

What are you talking about? Ask around—I’ve always treated my staff well, Yi Lanyin said, flashing Yu Jing a defiant smile. She yanked the yellow blanket off the sofa, burrowed under it, and, with her eyes closed, ordered Yu Jing, You can do whatever you want, but no talking and no sleeping.

Why? Yu Jing protested.

Because I’m your boss, Yi Lanyin replied, opening her eyes. Got a problem with that?

Seriously, Yi Lanyin is just too beautiful, Yu Jing thought. Even with that smug look on her face, it was impossible to stay mad at her.

Yu Jing was exhausted, but she stubbornly sat on the carpet between the coffee table and the sofa, staring intently at Yi Lanyin.

What are you doing? Yi Lanyin asked, annoyed.

I’m not talking or sleeping. I’m just watching you. Let’s see how you sleep, Yu Jing said, shaking her head playfully.

Enraged, Yi Lanyin shook the blanket off her shoulders and turned her back to Yu Jing, facing the sofa’s backrest.

Two hours later, Xiao Tao, waking up at her usual time, stumbled upon an astonishing sight on her way to wake Yi Lanyin.

Yi Lanyin was asleep on the sofa, wrapped in the blanket, while Yu Jing knelt beside her, her head resting against Yi Lanyin’s, both sound asleep.

What the hell is going on here? What happened last night?

Xiao Tao was so shocked that she first pinched her own arm to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Feeling the pain, she moved to the sofa’s edge to wake them up.

Sister Yi, Little Sister Yu, wake up! Wake up! What kind of pose is this?

Yi Lanyin, a light sleeper, opened her eyes immediately at Xiao Tao’s words. The first thing she saw was Yu Jing’s face magnified before her. During the day, Yu Jing always wore a sour expression, making it easy to forget she was still a young woman in her early twenties. Now, with her face so close, Yi Lanyin could clearly see the fine downy hairs on Yu Jing’s skin and her remarkably long eyelashes. With her eyes closed, Yu Jing looked almost docile.

Xiao Tao was about to call out again when Yi Lanyin quickly reached out from under the blanket to stop her. Don’t wake her, she whispered. She has nothing to do on set anyway. Let her catch up on yesterday’s rest—she didn’t get her day off, did she?

But… Xiao Tao hesitated, pointing at Yu Jing kneeling by the sofa. Shouldn’t we wake her up to change her position? She’ll get stiff like this.

Yi Lanyin smiled and shook her head. She pulled her phone from her shorts pocket, secretly snapped a few photos, and then signaled to Xiao Tao, Let’s go get ready.

Xiao Tao grinned mischievously and nodded. She struck a peace sign pose next to Yu Jing. Sister Yi, quick! Take one last tourist photo for me!

________________________________________

On the way to the film set, Xiao Tao asked Yi Lanyin, who was wearing sunglasses and insisted on driving herself, Sister Yi, how did you end up sleeping on the sofa last night?

I couldn’t sleep, and seeing Yu Jing sleeping so soundly, I woke her up, Yi Lanyin replied matter-of-factly. Later, I got tired and fell asleep on the sofa.

But why was Little Sister Yu kneeling while she slept? Xiao Tao asked, utterly puzzled.

Yi Lanyin thought for a moment before turning to answer, I honestly don’t know. She must have been really exhausted.

Xiao Tao remained baffled. Even if she was exhausted, why would she sleep kneeling? How could anyone sleep like that?

Yi Lanyin hadn’t brought her personal makeup and styling team. Although the film crew provided her with a private dressing room, she had to use the public makeup room if she wanted to use the crew’s makeup artists. With a large cast, the director’s meticulous demands, and a script that juggled both modern and historical settings, the crew had erected a massive tin shed outside the main set to serve as both a wardrobe and makeup room, saving the makeup artists from wasting time running back and forth.

Yi Lanyin’s elaborate headdress required extra time, so she and Xiao Tao arrived early. When they entered the makeup room, it was still completely empty.

After arriving at the dressing room, Yi Lanyin chose the innermost seat. Xiao Tao suddenly remembered Zhou Ying’s annoying visit the previous day and casually pulled a round stool over to Yi Lanyin’s side. Zhou Ying came by yesterday, she began, but Yi Lanyin cut her off with a wave of her hand. I know. We’ll talk about it later.

Xiao Tao nodded and took out a water bottle from her bag, handing it to Yi Lanyin. Sister Yi, take your vitamins. After placing the bottle in her hand, Xiao Tao shook a few small pills from a medicine box onto a clean tissue.

After swallowing the vitamins, Yi Lanyin turned to Xiao Tao. Didn’t you hear any noise last night?

What noise? Xiao Tao asked, puzzled.

Never mind, Yi Lanyin said, shaking her head. Perhaps she had been too tense after turning on the camera. When Yu Jing was doing push-ups in the living room, she had even counted them from inside her room. She lost count around twenty or thirty, her mind wandering. Eventually, her curiosity about what that little rascal was thinking got the better of her, and she slipped on her nightgown and went out.

Xiao Tao spun around on the round stool, growing increasingly bored. She stood up, paced around the doorway a few times, then slumped back down. Sister Yi, we haven’t seen a soul. Are we too early? Before Yi Lanyin could answer, Xiao Tao was already scrolling through group messages on her phone. After a moment, she added, The time on the schedule is right… This is so strange.

Yi Lanyin glanced at her phone to check the time, then looked up and smiled reassuringly at Xiao Tao. I’ll have Yu Jing accompany me to work tomorrow morning. You can sleep in.

Xiao Tao shrugged. That’s not what I meant. I’m just worried about you working non-stop for over a month without a break. She leaned closer to Yi Lanyin, whispering conspiratorially in her ear, I know why! It’s because Wei Xuan hasn’t arrived yet, right?

Yi Lanyin glanced around the vast, empty dressing room before replying softly, We shouldn’t discuss other actors’ personal matters on set. Though her words were serious, her expression remained relaxed, showing no annoyance at Xiao Tao’s nosiness.

Xiao Tao, looking mischievous, hunched her shoulders and leaned closer. Maybe Director Li will give us the day off today. Haven’t you heard the rumor that he won’t direct scenes until all the main characters’ endings are filmed? If Wei Xuan doesn’t show up, the whole production will grind to a halt. It’s already this late, and no one’s here yet—they’re probably all waiting for instructions.

A day off would be great, Yi Lanyin murmured in response. If we get one, I’ll move today and avoid having to stay up late moving tomorrow.

Yi Lanyin had spent years working on film sets. B City was her home, but Film City felt even more like home. She had bought a house near Film City long ago. A few days earlier, a stalker had broken into her house and been discovered by security guards patrolling the neighborhood when they turned on a flashlight at night. Instead of returning immediately, she had hired professionals to upgrade the entire house’s security system before temporarily moving into a hotel with her family.

After the incident, the property management conducted a major overhaul of security measures in the neighborhood, given that most residents were actors and stalker issues were a serious concern.

Xiao Tao nodded. Moving back will put you closer to the set. Every ten minutes saved counts, especially in the morning!

Oh, Teacher Yi, you’re here so early? Such dedication! A slightly husky female voice suddenly called out from the doorway. Yi Lanyin naturally looked up to see Yang Jinxi, the other female lead in the film, standing there. Yang Jinxi was five or six years older than Yi Lanyin and already held three Golden Awards. Winning the Flying Mountain Award would complete her first grand slam of the four major film awards.

Unfortunately, none of her films had been nominated for the Flying Mountain Award this year.

Everyone was betting on Yi Lanyin to win the Flying Mountain Award with her debut film, while Yang Jinxi was just one award away from her grand slam. Outside the industry, fans were claiming that Yi Lanyin had been pushed to the top through capital influence, and that her debut film’s Flying Mountain nomination had been rigged to eliminate Yang Jinxi’s chances. This created a tense atmosphere between the two actresses. They had previously been casual acquaintances, but this was their first meeting since the rumors of backroom deals at the Flying Mountain Awards had surfaced.

Unsure of Yang Jinxi’s attitude, Yi Lanyin tilted her head slightly and greeted her with a polite, Teacher Yang.

Yang Jinxi walked straight in from the entrance, followed by five or six people. She sat down next to Yi Lanyin, first surveying the spacious dressing room before turning to her. Looks like Teacher Yi doesn’t have a small group either, she said with a smile. Don’t wait around. We’re off today. I got a call from Lao Liu on the way here. He said Wei Xuan and his lawyer cornered Director Li at the hotel. It’s chaos over there, so we definitely won’t be filming today.

Yi Lanyin nodded and murmured her thanks.

Just as she was about to get up, Yang Jinxi suddenly grabbed her wrist. Yi Lanyin frowned and slowly turned to look at Yang Jinxi, who sat calmly in the distance.

Yang Jinxi had debuted early, winning the Golden Sparrow Award at just thirteen, earning her the title of child prodigy. Now in her early thirties, she was at the peak of her career. Yet as she looked at Yi Lanyin, she couldn’t help but feel that fate had been unfair. Yi Lanyin possessed a face that seemed utterly uninterested in fame and fortune, yet she was the darling of the celebrity world. Even the most established luxury brands, which typically maintained an aloof and superior attitude, were now scrambling to pile long-term endorsement contracts on Yi Lanyin’s desk.

Leaving already? Yang Jinxi asked, releasing Yi Lanyin’s wrist as she spoke.

Yi Lanyin nodded expressionlessly, adjusted the sunglasses on her face with her slender fingers, and murmured, If I get time off, I need to hurry and move. Hotels aren’t very convenient.

Yang Jinxi tilted her head to look at her. You, Flying Mountain—I know what’s going on. Don’t overthink it. Your film with Li Jiqing was truly excellent.

Yi Lanyin let out a silent sigh of relief. She struggled with interpersonal relationships, often retreating into an ostrich-like posture in social situations. As a result, people often perceived her as aloof and arrogant. She wasn’t good at explaining herself, and her sharp features only made her words sound insincere.

Thank you, Yi Lanyin said, pausing to remove her sunglasses.

Yang Jinxi stood up from her chair. Their heights were similar, and as she rose, her gaze met Yi Lanyin’s legendary azure eyes, rumored to be insured for over ten million yuan.

Need any help moving? We have plenty of hands around here, Yang Jinxi offered.

Xiao Tao cautiously glanced at Yi Lanyin, but seeing no irritation on her face, she remained silent.

No need, thank you, Yi Lanyin replied with an awkward smile. I appreciate your kindness, Teacher Yang. Afraid her words might sound insincere, she added, I don’t have much stuff—it’ll all fit in one trip.

How about we all get together tonight after the move? Just the crew, to get to know each other better and discuss the script, Yang Jinxi suggested casually. I’ve been wanting to meet you for ages. I even asked Li Jiqing to introduce us when I saw him at the Big Eye Ceremony. She chuckled, as if recalling something amusing. He promised so earnestly, but he’s so unreliable!

Yi Lanyin pressed her lips together, then looked up at Yang Jinxi’s sincere expression. After a moment of internal debate, she nodded. Alright. She pointed toward the door. Then I’ll head out now. See you tonight.

See you tonight, Yang Jinxi waved her toward the exit.

Once Yi Lanyin and Xiao Tao had left, someone beside Yang Jinxi leaned in to whisper, Sister Cici, why are you being so nice to her? Even if she didn’t sabotage Flying Mountain, everyone in the industry knows how she got her roles.

Yang Jinxi turned to face the speaker. Did you personally witness her in the director’s bed?

The person flushed crimson and shook their head, then quickly added, That’s just what everyone says…

Everyone says, everyone says… Which ‘everyone’ are we talking about? Yang Jinxi crossed her arms and looked at her staff with amusement. They swore she sabotaged my Flying Mountain from getting nominated, but you all know perfectly well that I withdrew it myself because I felt the work wasn’t strong enough. As for the press release claiming she stole my nomination, that was our company’s PR stunt.

Anyway, Yi Lanyin’s reputation is in the gutter. Sis, you should protect your image and avoid associating with someone like that.

Yang Jinxi smiled at the staff member. I’ve told you before, don’t wear your emotions on your sleeve. Making accusations without evidence only exposes your own vulnerabilities. She patted the staff member’s shoulder. The road ahead is long. Don’t dwell on temporary gains or losses. Let’s go. After all this drama, at least we got a good outcome.

Yi Lanyin had just settled into her car when Liu Qizhan called.

Teacher Yi, today’s a day off. Director Li asked me to personally inform you that tomorrow’s schedule is pending.

Understood, Yi Lanyin replied, tapping her index finger against the back of her phone. Through the receiver, she could faintly hear Director Li berating Wei Xuan for his behavior to the investors.

After a few seconds of silence, the voice on the other end continued, Here’s an exclusive for Teacher Yi Director Li is resigning. You should prepare for that on your end too.

Yi Lanyin frowned slightly, switching the phone to her other hand. Understood. Thank you. Her voice remained as calm as ever, sounding to Liu Qizhan like an emotionless robot. He immediately added, Why are you being so formal with me? Alright, I’ll go talk to Director Li. Be careful of the media when you get back.

Okay.

Yi Lanyin hung up and turned to pat Xiao Tao’s hands, which were gripping the steering wheel tightly. Don’t be nervous. You’ll get used to it with practice.

Xiao Tao pouted, finally looking back at her. Sister Yi, I’m usually not afraid of driving at all. Even if the driver’s speeding, I don’t care. But as soon as I’m behind the wheel, it’s terrifying! I don’t even know how I passed my driving test.

Yi Lanyin couldn’t help but chuckle. It’s a holiday today. We’ll spend the whole morning helping you practice.

Xiao Tao shook her head. You should use that time to catch up on sleep. Look how exhausted you’ve been these past few days. She scrutinized Yi Lanyin’s face, and only after confirming there were no dark circles did she reluctantly add, Your eyes have lost their sparkle. Once Little Sister Yu wakes up, I’ll just ask her to practice with me for a while.

That works too. Yu Jing drives more steadily than I do she’ll definitely teach you better than I could.

Xiao Tao gripped the steering wheel tightly, her hands trembling, oblivious to the subtle familial warmth in Yi Lanyin’s words. Sister Yi, I’m about to leave. Quick, help me check the navigation.

Midway through the drive, another car began tailing them. Xiao Tao, a novice driver with a brand-new license, broke into a cold sweat from the tension. Yi Lanyin, clutching her phone, nervously watched from the passenger seat.

Fortunately, they managed to shake off the pursuer and return to the hotel unscathed. In the elevator, Xiao Tao still looked shaken, clearly deeply frightened by the ordeal.

No way, we have to bring Little Sister Yu next time. This was terrifying! Sister Yi, if anything had happened to you while you were under my watch, I’d never forgive myself.

Yi Lanyin smiled and draped an arm around Xiao Tao’s back, patting her reassuringly. Just as she was about to offer comfort, the elevator doors opened, revealing Yu Jing’s anxious face. Yi Lanyin quickly turned to Yu Jing. What’s wrong? Why are you so worried?

Yu Jing’s anxiety eased at the sight of Yi Lanyin unharmed. She pointed to her phone. President You just called. She said paparazzi were chasing your car and that there’s been some trouble at the film set.

Yi Lanyin supported Xiao Tao’s arm and guided her out of the elevator. Once they were standing outside, she shook her head at Yu Jing. It’s nothing. Go back inside.

Yu Jing frowned and glanced at her. What do you mean ‘it’s nothing’? Why didn’t you call me when you left?

Yi Lanyin brushed past her, helped Xiao Tao into the room, and only then turned to address Yu Jing. Go pack your things.

Yu Jing stood frozen in the doorway, pondering Yi Lanyin’s words.

Pack my things? Is she annoyed with me for interfering, or are we leaving the set together?

After giving Xiao Tao a bottle of water, Yi Lanyin stood up and noticed Yu Jing still standing like a door god. She immediately urged her, What are you waiting for?

Yu Jing remained motionless, staring intently at Yi Lanyin, making her skin crawl. Yi Lanyin glanced at Xiao Tao, who was clutching a pillow on the sofa, visibly shaken, and took a few steps to the doorway. She whispered to Yu Jing, who stood half a head taller than her, What’s wrong with you today? Why are you acting so dense?

Yu Jing widened her stance slightly and whispered back, Is it just me packing, or are you and Xiao Tao-qianbei packing too?

Yi Lanyin’s stern expression softened into a smile at Yu Jing’s cautious question. She leaned forward, grabbed the hem of Yu Jing’s T-shirt, and tilted her head back, her voice strained with exasperation. What exactly is going on in that head of yours?

Yu Jing shrugged innocently. You weren’t clear.

Okay, Yi Lanyin nodded. My old place was broken into by a stalker. Upgrading the security system took a few days. The crew has a day off today, so we’re moving out of the hotel. Is that clear?

Yu Jing finally feigned reluctance, pouting slightly. Why didn’t you just say so earlier?

Scared? Afraid I’d fire you? Yi Lanyin crossed her arms, observing Yu Jing’s visibly relieved expression.

No, Yu Jing shook her head awkwardly, then suddenly adopted her usual infuriatingly smug demeanor. Just remember to call me when you go to work. I’d feel guilty getting paid for nothing.

Alright, alright, Yi Lanyin lowered her arms and turned away. It’s not like anything’s going to happen.

Once Xiao Tao recovered, the three of them moved in one trip.

Upon entering the house, Xiao Tao immediately took the initiative, standing before Yi Lanyin like a well-behaved elementary school student and raising her hand. I propose that Little Sister Yu move into the room next to yours. That way, when I return to the company, we won’t have to switch rooms.

Yi Lanyin’s mind flashed with images of Yu Jing exercising next door at night. She stammered, You’ll only be at the company for a few days. It’s fine. I’m not afraid as long as someone’s in the house. We don’t need to live so close.

Yu Jing, having just set down her suitcase, nodded in agreement. Exactly, exactly. There’s no need to stay so close.

What a joke! What kind of relationship did she have with Yi Lanyin? To put it politely, they were former mistress and patron to put it bluntly, they were former fvck buddies. If Xiao Tao left and it was just the two of them in the room, the awkwardness would be unbearable.

Yi Lanyin had been determined to abstain from s3x and maintain a strict diet during the six-month filming period. Even after bringing Yu Jing back into her life, she hadn’t considered breaking her self-imposed rules. But after Xiao Tao’s comment, she couldn’t help but feel awkward around Yu Jing.

Even sharing the spacious living room felt stifling. She hurried to the window, closed both panes, and asked Xiao Tao to help her find the air conditioner remote.

Just then, Yu Jing frantically produced the remote from somewhere and handed it over. Yi Lanyin stiffly accepted it, turned on the air conditioner, and Xiao Tao blinked her wide, innocent eyes. What’s wrong with you two? You seem so… off.