The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 3

When they left the hotel, the sky was still light.

Yu Jing hefted the car keys in her hand, glancing silently at Sheng Tian.

Sheng Tian shot her a sideways glance, immediately picking up on the awkward woman’s unspoken message. He grinned teasingly, Want me to keep you company?

Yu Jing pursed her lips, her heels lifting slightly as she tapped the ground with the toe of her shoe. She looked at him, her expression unusually bashful. No, I’m inviting you for a drink.

Sheng Tian raised an eyebrow in surprise, then burst into uproarious laughter right there on the street.

Yu Jing’s face flushed crimson under his laughter. She covered her face with the hand clutching the car keys and snapped, What the hell are you laughing at? Forget it if you’re not coming.

Hey, hey, I’m coming! Just give me a minute to tell my girlfriend, okay?

Yu Jing tilted her chin slightly and pressed the car key in her hand. A Mercedes van parked about ten steps away flashed its lights.

Sheng Tian’s shoulders still shook with laughter as he walked over to Liu Ruo.

Yu Jing watched him go, inwardly cursing her own lack of self-control. Back when she was someone’s kept man, Sheng Tian had been the most excited of all. Now, in his late twenties, he was still just as gossipy.

Just as Yu Jing was getting familiar with the car, Sheng Tian returned and opened her door.

Tonight, we’re drinking till we drop, right, buddy? he said, plopping into the seat as dusk settled outside.

Who are you calling ‘buddy’? You’re more like my sister, Yu Jing retorted, pursing her lips as she backed the car out of its parking spot.

Fine, fine, I’m not picky. Sister it is. Back when Sister Zhou was around, the three of us were the team’s famous ‘Flying Little Policewomen.’ Deal’s on, right? Whoever leaves first tonight is a loser. Sheng Tian fiddled with the car’s touchscreen, filling the cabin with loud rock music. He turned back to Yu Jing, grinning mischievously and making a face. Loser or loserette, whatever you say.

Yu Jing ignored him.

Come on, spill it. You like her, don’t you? Sheng Tian persisted, crossing his arms and sinking comfortably into his seat as he changed the subject.

Like her? Bullshit. Haven’t you ever Googled Li Zhi before? Yu Jing countered bluntly.

Why would I Google her? ‘A friend’s wife is off-limits’—you know the code, sis, right? Sheng Tian deliberately deepened his voice, adding a theatrical flair to his words.

Yi Lanyin is Li Zhi, Yu Jing said calmly, her gaze fixed straight ahead. Sheng Tian shot up from his seat. What? What did you just say?

You heard me, Yu Jing replied, her voice utterly steady. The more composed she seemed now, the more flustered she had been moments before.

Sheng Tian reached up, grabbed the overhead handrail, and twisted around dramatically to face Yu Jing. Dude, I didn’t know you were living the high life in college!

They stopped at a red light, and Yu Jing braked sharply, causing several strands of Sheng Tian’s slicked-back hair to fall loose.

Stop talking nonsense, Yu Jing said, turning to look at him intently. She couldn’t have forgotten me, right? It’s only been a little over two years—three at most.

Sheng Tian frowned at her. How could she forget you? You look like this, he said, circling his hand around her face, a heartless, shameless, tough-as-nails brat. You’re unforgettable! Except for your temper… He paused, then clapped Yu Jing on the shoulder, as if suddenly enlightened. Anyway, you two have been tangled up for so long. That proves she can tolerate your dog-like temper.

Yu Jing glanced at him, released the accelerator, and muttered under her breath, My temper’s perfectly fine with her.

I knew it, Sheng Tian said, pursing his lips. My girlfriend hired seven or eight assistants for her before, and none of them worked out. But this time, she signed a contract right away. There’s definitely a story there. He patted Yu Jing’s shoulder, lowered his voice, and leaned in. Do you know what this means?

What? Yu Jing kept her eyes fixed on the road ahead.

It means she cares about you, sis! Wake up! Either she’s plotting revenge or she wants to rekindle things. Sheng Tian said earnestly.

Yu Jing rolled her eyes skyward and abruptly turned at the traffic light. I shouldn’t have discussed this with you. What do you know about love? No more drinks. I’m taking you home right now.

Sheng Tian bristled with indignation, glaring at her sideways. Sisters before misters! What’s wrong with you?

Are you trying to make things awkward again? Yu Jing tilted her head, giving him a teasing glance.

Hahaha, fine, as long as you’re laughing. Sheng Tian slumped back contentedly. Get some sleep early tonight. You’ve got to go to work for your old flame tomorrow. He nudged her arm. Just drop me off at that restaurant earlier. My car’s still parked there.

Yu Jing silently gripped the steering wheel, remaining quiet for a long moment before mustering the courage to ask, Have you been staying in the country lately?

Without you and Sister Zhou around, it’s just not the same, Sheng Tian said, resting his hands behind his head and leaning back against the headrest. His eyes drifted back to her, filled with a dazed look. I’m thinking of quitting the team too.

Quitting the team. Back in college, when they were young and reckless, being selected for the Wild Tiger Special Forces felt like something to shout from the rooftops. But no one had imagined that facing death head-on was the true initiation rite for a Wild Tiger operative. She hadn’t passed that test, and Sheng Tian, clearly influenced by her experience, was now having second thoughts.

Yu Jing blinked silently and parked the car back in its original spot. They had arrived, but Sheng Tian unbuckled his seatbelt without getting out.

Understanding he was waiting for her to speak, she finally said, You… you have to make your own decision. She pressed her forehead against the steering wheel. The Wild Tiger Special Forces had been temporarily expanded back then, and only three of them from their entire university had been selected. It had been a moment of unparalleled glory, but now, admitting regret felt as impossible as climbing to the heavens. At least it’s safer here in the country. Your family doesn’t need your income anyway. It might be good to come back and rest for a while. She couldn’t bring herself to dissuade him from leaving.

See? Without Zhou Xiangyun as their group’s leader, Yu Jing was so weak and incompetent, even her advice reeked of helplessness.

Sheng Tian showed no reaction to her words. He opened the car door and was about to step out when he turned back, glaring at her. Don’t forget to unblock my number and everything. You’re ruthless, you even blocked me on Alipay!

Yu Jing quickly offered him an apologetic smile. Thank you, Xiao Tian’er.

Her gratitude carried multiple layers of meaning.

Thank you for staying by my side after Zhou Xiangyun left. Thank you for finding me a job. Thank you for helping me reconnect with Li Zhi. And so on.

Hearing this, the usually thick-skinned Sheng Tian awkwardly glanced at her. Don’t make this a big deal, he said, pointing at her. You look good when you smile. Smile more. He slammed the car door shut but didn’t drive off. Instead, he mouthed through the window to Yu Jing Sister Zhou… she can see too.

Back home, Yu Jing meticulously reviewed the contract appendices.

When she encountered unfamiliar terms, she searched them up online.

Eventually, the contract fell over her face, and she drifted off to sleep on the sofa.

When her alarm blared the next morning, Yu Jing felt like banging her head against the wall.

After half a year of aimless living, her biological clock was completely out of whack. The alarm felt like a bomb going off in her head.

She listlessly showered, threw on a white T-shirt and a black shirt, and haphazardly tied up her still-damp hair.

Yawning incessantly, she drove to Yi Lanyin’s residential complex. Uncertain if her car could access the underground parking, she circled the perimeter without entering. Yet a security guard still jogged over to inspect her vehicle, citing her unfamiliar face. Yu Jing suspected it was more because she looked like trouble.

After the inspection, Yu Jing glanced listlessly at her watch. With half an hour until 700 AM, she immediately tilted her head and closed her eyes. Then, in a flurry of movement, she hastily set an alarm for 655 AM.

She didn’t know when she fell asleep, but she certainly wasn’t awakened by the alarm.

Someone tapped impatiently on her driver’s side window. Yu Jing blinked groggily at the figure outside.

Even without makeup, the superstar looked stunning early in the morning. Though she wore sunglasses and a mask, radiating an aura of icy detachment, her undeniable beauty couldn’t be concealed by such small accessories.

Yu Jing acted before she thought. She immediately pressed the button to open the rear door. Before it had fully slid open, she was already out of the car, standing obsequiously to the side, playing the bodyguard role to the hilt.

Yi Lanyin glanced at her coldly and said, I’m driving. You sit in the passenger seat.

Huh? Yu Jing looked around Yi Lanyin before asking, Then… we’re not waiting for Ms. Xiao Tao?

Yi Lanyin couldn’t help but smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Xiao Tao, Ms.? Her expression suggested Yu Jing had just told the world’s funniest joke.

Just as she finished speaking, the alarm on Yu Jing’s phone rang from her pocket. She fumbled to silence it, and when she looked up, a short, adorable girl with a round face and pigtails stood beside her. Dressed in bold, colorful clothing, she carried a fluffy peach-shaped bag slung over her shoulder. She extended a hand warmly. Hi, I’m Xiao Tao. From now on, we’re battle partners!

Yu Jing finally understood what Yi Lanyin had found so amusing.

While waiting for Yu Jing to shake her hand, Xiao Tao sized her up intently. She estimated Yu Jing’s height to be taller than many male celebrities, with sharp, angular features and a topknot. Her tanned skin and muscular build perfectly matched Xiao Tao’s stereotypical image of a female special forces soldier.

Nice to meet you, Yu Jing said, extending her hand to touch Xiao Tao’s. I’m Yu Jing. Please guide me in the future.

The moment Yu Jing’s hand made contact, Xiao Tao’s gaze shifted from her face to her hand. The healthy, wheat-toned skin, prominent knuckles, and slender fingers were captivating. With each casual movement, the veins on the back of her hand pulsed visibly. A simple silver ring adorned her pinky finger, radiating an irresistible allure.

In industry parlance, this was called sexual tension.

Yi Lanyin, already seated in the driver’s seat, honked impatiently. Xiao Tao quickly grabbed the open car door and whispered to Yu Jing before getting in, Sister Yi didn’t sleep at all last night. Be careful not to provoke her. She’ll calm down soon.

Yu Jing raised an eyebrow and swiftly slid into the passenger seat.

Yi Lanyin’s driving style mirrored her personality direct and uncompromising when she was in a bad mood.

Yu Jing, already feeling nauseous from waking up early, was now being violently jostled halfway through the journey by Yi Lanyin’s aggressive driving. She could feel her stomach churning, bile rising in her throat.

She was the team’s top performer in zero-gravity training, consistently scoring SSS. But after half a year of inactivity, she realized the devastating toll it had taken on her body.

Yu Jing raised a hand to her throat, carefully glancing at Yi Lanyin, the legendary Goddess of Akina. Maybe we should pull over? I can drive.

Xiao Tao, sitting in the back, chimed in weakly, Sister Yi, you should rest and catch up on sleep.

Yi Lanyin completely ignored their coordinated plea. Only when the car stopped at a red light did she reach back to pat Xiao Tao’s head. Be good, we’re almost there.

Yu Jing raised an eyebrow at the saccharine tone, keeping her eyes fixed on the road ahead while subtly observing Yi Lanyin from the corner of her eye.

After retracting her hand, Yi Lanyin habitually brushed a strand of long hair off her shoulder. Her slender, pale fingers curled quietly around the black leather steering wheel. Yu Jing found herself staring at them for an uncomfortably long moment until the work of art suddenly moved, startling her into looking away.

When we get there, go buy coffee. Remember to get the receipt.

At that moment, Yu Jing was certain Yi Lanyin was addressing her. Yi Lanyin always spoke softly to Xiao Tao, but treated Yu Jing like an enemy.

Yi Lanyin’s attitude wasn’t entirely hostile, but it was undeniably icy, as if she were determined to maintain her aloofness.

Okay, Yu Jing nodded, struggling to suppress the wave of emotion rising in her throat. She asked softly, Do you have any preferences?

A Caramel Macchiato with peach syrup for Xiao Tao, three iced Americanos, and you can choose your own.

After speaking, Yi Lanyin glanced sideways at Yu Jing. Yu Jing had always been full of energy—running at 3 a.m., splashing through puddles in heavy rain, and eating ice cream in short sleeves during winter. Whatever she did, she lived life to the fullest. But last night, she looked utterly drained, dark circles drooping beneath her eyes, pitiful like a stray dog without a safe place to rest.

Yi Lanyin turned away, unwilling to dwell on Yu Jing’s listless state. With a sharp flick of the wheel, she executed a perfect drift, parking the car flawlessly in its spot.

A single turn of the wheel—Formula One-style parallel parking.

Arriving at their destination, Yu Jing felt like she’d just been granted a reprieve. She glanced back at Xiao Tao, who looked equally relieved.

Xiao Tao leaned weakly against Yu Jing, her hand resting on the peach-shaped bag at her waist. I… I’ll have an iced Americano too, she whispered. To wash away the bitterness.