The Shadow Queen and Her Little Bodyguard (GL) - Chapter 5

After arriving at the underground parking garage of the mall, Yu Jing parked the car and turned around.

Teachers, we’re here.

Perhaps her voice was too soft, as neither teacher showed any signs of waking.

Yu Jing had no choice but to open the car door, press the unlock button, and hop out herself.

The moment the door opened, Yi Lanyin’s eyes snapped open. Their gazes met as Yi Lanyin, still nestled in her seat, frowned at Yu Jing standing by the door. Her deep-sea eyes were filled with the dazed confusion of just waking up, mixed with a hint of puzzled curiosity.

The sound of the car door opening also roused Xiao Tao. Rubbing her face, she leaned over and asked Sister Yi, Sister Yi, what’s wrong? Is someone taking pictures?

Only then did Yi Lanyin realize that the grumpy kid in front of her had actually returned.

She glanced down at the black shirt draped over her before turning back to smile at Xiao Tao. No, I just need a moment to gather myself.

Nightmare? Xiao Tao asked, tidying her belongings.

Yeah, Yi Lanyin said, crumpling the shirt into a ball and shoving it into Yu Jing’s arms. Dreamed about a scumbag. He tricked me into bed and then ran off.

Xiao Tao, sporting a large, fluffy pink peach-shaped crossbody bag, hopped out of the car first and turned to Yi Lanyin with a teasing grin. Ooh, Sister Yi, was that a spring dream? Does that mean your body’s finally telling you it’s time to find a partner?

Yi Lanyin shot her a playful glare. You sound like Mom’s marriage-pushing commando, always on duty.

Xiao Tao chuckled sheepishly. Auntie really did bring it up when she was back home last time, saying you’re getting too old to still be single. I even saw the stack of profiles she’s prepared for your blind dates—it was this thick! She held up her hand, spreading her thumb and forefinger wide apart. All big shots you’d only see on the covers of finance magazines.

Yu Jing, unable to join their private conversation, wandered to the front of the car. She unfolded the crumpled shirt Yi Lanyin had tossed aside, and a faint, familiar woody scent—distinctly Li Zhi’s—wafted up. Refusing to believe Yi Lanyin hadn’t changed her perfume in all these years, Yu Jing surreptitiously lifted the shirt to her nose and inhaled deeply, as if confirming that the scent was indeed the same as three years ago would prove Li Zhi was a faithful person. Though she knew it was impossible, a tiny sliver of hope lingered in her heart.

Yi Lanyin stepped out of the car, wearing sunglasses and a mask. As she passed Yu Jingshi, who was furtively shaking out her shirt, she glanced at her sideways. Does it smell bad? Get it dry-cleaned and send me the receipt. I’ll reimburse you triple the cost.

Yu Jing lowered the shirt in her hand and instinctively retorted, Do you think I’m that desperate for money? Only after speaking did she realize her actions might seem perverted in Yi Lanyin’s eyes.

Xiao Tao shuffled up behind Yi Lanyin and asked, What money? Before Yu Jing could answer, Yi Lanyin snapped, If you don’t need it, why are you sniffing around? With that, she strode ahead alone.

What was that about? Xiao Tao followed curiously. What were you two talking about?

Yu Jing locked the car and hurried after them, clutching the shirt. She only slipped it on once they reached the elevator.

Seeing Yi Lanyin remain silent, Xiao Tao lowered her head and followed her into the elevator. She squeezed next to Yu Jing, who was pressed against the back wall, and tugged at her sleeve. Sister Yu, what were you and Sister Yi talking about?

Unlike Yi Lanyin, who was the boss, Yu Jing was just a working stiff. Hearing her senior’s question, she immediately fabricated a plausible lie. Teacher Yi was worried I couldn’t make ends meet, so she’s giving me a raise.

Yi Lanyin’s slender frame and striking features—including her rare eye color and pale, cool-toned skin—were all gifts of genetics. Dressed in a white T-shirt from the film crew’s promotional tour, the sharp outline of her shoulder blades was clearly visible as she stood with her arms crossed, staring blankly at the elevator buttons. From Yu Jing’s perspective, her superior jawline and the small stretch of fair, slender neck exposed by her slightly tilted head, unhidden by her thick, long hair, were strikingly apparent.

Xiao Tao raised her eyebrows in mock surprise, playfully asking, You haven’t even finished your probation period! What makes you think you deserve a raise? She sidled up to Yi Lanyin, who was still standing with her arms crossed by the elevator buttons, and cooed in a soft, clingy voice, Sister Yi, aren’t you being too nice to the new girl? I’m getting jealous.

Yi Lanyin couldn’t help but smile, her eyes crinkling with amusement at Xiao Tao’s antics.

The trio followed a staff member to the theater designated as the crew’s waiting room. The room was already bustling with people, though the male lead’s team hadn’t arrived yet. As soon as Yi Lanyin appeared, Director Wang Muzhi rushed over, his tone ingratiating. Lanyin’s here! I was just telling Xiao Yu how crazy busy we’ve been with the promotional tour this month. We need to get together for a proper drink tonight.

Mm-hmm, Yi Lanyin replied with a nod and a smile.

Wang Muzhi was now completely enamored with Yi Lanyin, his eyes shining with admiration. He hadn’t stopped smiling since he first saw her. As an art-house film director, he had faced immense pressure when he cast Yi Lanyin, a popular idol drama actress, as the lead. It was a gamble between his artistic ideals and commercial realities. Fortunately, Yi Lanyin proved her worth, delivering a box-office hit and saving him from being branded a traitor to art-house cinema by the industry. It was a win-win situation. After all, who wouldn’t love a cash cow? For an art-house director, a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film was akin to unexpectedly receiving a ticket to Noah’s Ark on the eve of the apocalypse.

During the early stages of filming, Wang Muzhi had often scolded Yi Lanyin, partly out of frustration with his own decision to cast a popular actress and partly because she, fresh from the television world, struggled to adapt to the rhythm of film cameras. Now, eager to appear more approachable, he leaned closer to her. You’re going to The Chronicle of the Fixed Spring tonight, right? Be careful. Anyone who survives in the entertainment industry is a shrewd operator, and The Chronicle of the Fixed Spring attracts them like moths to a flame. They’ve already cycled through writers and directors, and now they’re replacing the leads. With each change, the stakes rise, and the actors’ PR teams launch relentless smear campaigns against each other. He paused, then added, You used to be able to coast along, but once you’re in The Chronicle of the Fixed Spring, you’ll need to be on high alert. Not just you, but your entire company will have to go into battle mode.

Yi Lanyin smiled gently at him. I know, thank you, Dao’er.

Wang Muzhi nodded with satisfaction and resumed their casual conversation. This morning, Liu Qizhan somehow got my number and begged me to let you leave early tonight.

Yi Lanyin raised an eyebrow. Dao’er, I’ve only met Senior Liu once at the awards ceremony. I didn’t realize he was so enthusiastic.

Wang Muzhi frowned. So I misunderstood? He chuckled awkwardly, then grumbled, What a mess this has become.

Misunderstood what? Yi Lanyin feigned ignorance. Since Liu Qizhan hadn’t been clear, she saw no need to spare his reputation in front of industry insiders.

Sigh, from the way he was talking, I thought you two were… Wang Muzhi sighed, then frowned in disgust as he realized the damage Liu Qizhan’s actions had caused to Yi Lanyin’s reputation. Anyway, let’s not talk about him. Do you want to review the interview draft first?

Yi Lanyin pursed her lips and shook her head. No need. The questions at every promotional event are pretty much the same, and I have nothing to hide. She glanced up and saw the male lead’s team entering. She quickly pointed to the door. Xiao Qing’s here too.

Wang Muzhi followed her gaze and watched the approaching figure grow closer. He leaned in close to Yi Lanyin’s ear and whispered urgently, You should really get your hopes up for the Feishan Best Actress award this year. Lao Zhong, he lowered his voice deliberately, gave me the inside scoop. He said you’ve got it practically locked down—there’s no real competition this time.

Yi Lanyin chuckled self-deprecatingly. Best Actress? I wouldn’t dare dream of it. But I might have a shot at Best Newcomer… at thirty years old. Just as she finished speaking, Li Jiqing walked up to them. Yi Lanyin greeted him warmly and pointed upstairs. Why don’t you two chat first? I’m going up for some fresh air.

Li Jiqing was a major film star who had risen to fame at a young age. Handsome, classically trained, and blessed with a powerful family background, he was practically the crown prince of the entertainment industry. Only scripts that had passed through his hands and been rejected could be distributed to other rising stars. Hearing Yi Lanyin’s suggestion, he showed no resentment whatsoever, but instead eagerly followed her. I’m coming too! I’m coming too!

Wang Muzhi clicked his tongue in exasperation. Can’t even stay put for a moment? Be careful out there. Take a few people with you and keep your guard up—don’t get photographed. They’ll spin another melodramatic love story about you two.

If we get photographed, it’ll just boost Dao’er’s box office, Li Jiqing retorted with a laugh, backing away as he spoke.

Yi Lanyin walked beside him toward the door. As Li Jiqing turned back, she leaned in and whispered, What’s the deal with Liu Qizhan? Is he trying to bite off more than he can chew?

You’ve heard about it? Yi Lanyin asked softly.

Of course. Everyone in the industry knows he’s chasing after you. How could I not? Li Jiqing shrugged. He’s always lecturing actresses about the Tao Te Ching, pretending to be so cultured. But he’s just a high school dropout, a total hustler. He stopped mid-sentence, noticing Yu Jing’s anxious gaze. Lowering his voice, he asked Yi Lanyin, Sis, do you know that tall guy by the door? He’s been staring at you the whole time. Could be some crazy stalker fan.

Yi Lanyin glanced up at Yu Jing before quickly averting her gaze. However, Yu Jing was standing in the doorway, their only way out. As they passed each other, Yu Jing reached out and gripped Yi Lanyin’s slender wrist.

Where are you going, Teacher Yi? Seeing Yi Lanyin frown, she quickly added in a serious tone, I’m your bodyguard. I’m responsible for your personal safety.

Annoyed by being called Teacher Yi repeatedly, Yi Lanyin wrenched her hand free from Yu Jing’s grasp. In a completely flat tone, she said, The rooftop. Come if you want, or go find your Senior Xiao Tao. With that, she turned and strode out first.

The mall’s rooftop differed from those of other buildings. A massive signboard blocked the view from outside, making it impossible for paparazzi to take photos.

Yi Lanyin rummaged through her small bag and pulled out a soft pack of cigarettes. She first offered one to Li Jiqing, who was wearing the same crew T-shirt but in a different color, before taking a second cigarette between her fingers.

As she put the pack away, Li Jiqing gestured with his cigarette toward Yu Jing, who stood across from him, her height matching his. Doesn’t this girl smoke?

Yi Lanyin glanced at Yu Jing, then handed the lighter to Li Jiqing, saying as she watched him light his cigarette, What’s a kid like you doing smoking?

Yu Jing felt indignant. Yi Lanyin had given her her first time, yet now she was spouting such childish nonsense.

Though she thought this, she dared not voice it. Instead, she pulled out the metal lighter she had carried since Zhou Xiangyun left, lit it, and held it up to Yi Lanyin’s face, retorting with a pointed, sarcastic tone, I’ve been an adult for quite some time now, Teacher Yi. You know that, don’t you?

Yi Lanyin smiled at her with captivating charm. The heavy Shanghai makeup she wore for her role, combined with the swirling cigarette smoke on the summer rooftop, deepened her innate air of mystery. She slowly brought the cigarette to her lips, held it between her teeth, and leaned slightly toward the flame until the tip caught fire. Then, she lazily straightened up and, with a swift, unexpected move, snatched the lighter from Yu Jing’s hand.

She ran her fingers over the lighter’s surface, the cigarette still dangling from her lips. Her gaze flicked briefly to the character Zhou engraved in the lower right corner before tossing the lighter back into Yu Jing’s lap.

Your ex’s? Yi Lanyin asked, her voice light and alluring as smoke. Combined with her black contact lenses, worn for her role, she seemed to have stepped out of another era, her neck stiffening inexplicably.

As soon as Yi Lanyin finished her question, Li Jiqing’s eyes lit up. He smiled and took a step back, tactfully giving the two women with obvious history the stage.

Yu Jing clutched the lighter tightly, shaking her head quickly. No, it belonged to a comrade. The word relic felt too heavy, so she swallowed it down.

Oh. Yi Lanyin turned away, taking the cigarette from her lips with her fingers. She flicked off the ash and, as if she’d never brought up the matter, said to Li Jiqing, What are you laughing at? Give me back my lighter.

Li Jiqing raised an eyebrow, gripping the lighter tighter. Why are you being so stingy? Don’t you have someone to light your cigarettes for you?

Yi Lanyin glanced lightly at Yu Jing, who stood ramrod straight like a child being punished in the military.

She’s my new assistant. If you need a light, I can send her over, Yi Lanyin said, snatching the lighter from Li Jiqing’s hand. With pointed emphasis, she added, One day, I’ll have someone engrave my name or a mark on my lighter, so it doesn’t get swiped.