Transmigrating into the Rival's Fanfiction - Chapter 28

The woman sat in front of the café, watching the bustling street scene through the window. Her fingers gently stirred her coffee with a spoon.

“You’re here. Still as busy as ever.”

“It’s so hard to get you to meet me.”

She wore light but carefully applied makeup. After taking a sip of coffee, she watched the person approaching her.

Qin Li carried a leather briefcase, pulled out a chair, and slowly sat down, raising an eyebrow at the impeccably made-up woman across from her.

“I’ve been busy with my sister’s affairs. You know she never lets anyone rest easy.”

Even when they were together, Qin Li often mentioned trivial matters about her sister, foreshadowing the future burdens of being an elder sibling.

Yin Qianxue had heard rumors about Qin Li’s sister, Qin Zhi, a major celebrity in the entertainment industry. However, she had also heard that Qin Zhi suffered from some kind of illness, making social interactions difficult.

“Since you’re troubled, I’ll treat you tonight.”

She smiled slightly, her earrings swaying with the movement, her eyes narrowing.

Looking remarkably understanding, she handed over the restaurant menu. The elegant piano music finished one piece and immediately began another.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand hall, and fresh white roses adorned the tables.

“I know you too well. Just tell me what you want.”

“President Qin is certainly impatient. Can’t you wait until we’ve finished our meal?”

“Fine, suit yourself.”

As the dishes were served one by one, Yin Qianxue took a spoonful of creamy mushroom soup. It tasted quite good, and she savored each bite.

“I’m curious, though. When did Xiao A Zhi start causing President Qin such concern?”

Yin Qianxue and Qin Li’s relationship had begun long ago, likely during their university days. Naturally, Yin Qianxue had visited the Qin family’s old mansion and met Qin Zhi when she was still in high school. She enjoyed teasing her by calling her “Xiao A Zhi.”

“You seem quite concerned about her.”

“It’s no secret. She’s keeping someone hidden away—a kept woman, tucked away in a gilded cage.”

“But even her cleverness can’t escape my watchful eye.”

Yin Qianxue was slightly taken aback by Qin Li’s response. She never imagined someone like Qin Zhi would experience romantic stirrings, let alone engage in a kept woman arrangement.

“Xiao A Zhi has finally grown up. Even a block of wood can have its heart moved.”

“More like she’s giving me a headache.”

“Forget about her. Where do you want to go after dinner? I’ll keep you company.”

Qin Li was also feeling hungry. Once all the dishes were served, she began to eat.

Being with Yin Qianxue was one of her rare moments of relaxation, a time to let go of her worries and simply indulge in her desires.

The two strolled through the mall.

Watching Yin Qianxue purchase several items and have them sent directly to her villa, Qin Li couldn’t help but smile. She turned to her and asked, “Are the things I gave you still enough?”

“They’re enough, but I wouldn’t complain if President Qin wanted to supplement them.”

Their relationship was built on a stable foundation, so Yin Qianxue saw no reason to reject Qin Li’s gifts out of false pride. If they were pursuing thrills, why not go all the way?

“Very well. The condition is that we both enjoy ourselves today.”

Sheng Mingluo was feeling quite bored alone on the mountain. Qin Zhi had gone down the mountain a few days ago and wouldn’t be back for another two or three days, leaving her to practice her lines by herself. Occasionally, she would drag Xu Yun over to rehearse with her, but Xu Yun’s acting was so awkward it was almost painful to watch.

Not only could Xu Yun not get into character, but Sheng Mingluo would sometimes burst out laughing mid-scene, completely breaking the immersion.

“Sister Mingluo, please stop making fun of me,” Xu Yun pleaded. “I was actually thinking of working as an extra during my vacation.”

“But now I realize I have absolutely no talent for acting. Just memorizing these lines is giving me a headache.”

Xu Yun carefully flipped through the script, barely daring to touch it. This was Big Shot Qin’s personal script, covered in dense notes, annotations, and performance insights.

Xu Yun felt like he had been given the ultimate martial arts manual from a legendary master, but due to his lack of foundation, he was only managing to produce some half-baked, mediocre technique.

“You’re right,” Sheng Mingluo agreed. “You should just enjoy your vacation. If you tried to be an extra, even a firecracker would probably scare you half to death.”

“I’ll handle this scene alone. Go check on the crew’s progress.”

“Yes, ma’am! Right away!”

As if granted a pardon, Xu Yun scurried off. This was the male lead’s solo scene, but it wasn’t going smoothly. Luo Hu, the actor playing the male lead, kept flubbing his lines, making him the weakest performer among the three leads.

In the end, Sheng Mingluo was still enjoying the benefits of Big Shot Qin’s personal tutoring.

After Xu Yun left, Sheng Mingluo picked up her script and began rehearsing her lines. But just as she flipped to the next scene, her phone buzzed on the table, signaling a message.

The mountain’s poor reception meant messages often arrived in a flurry.

Sheng Mingluo glanced at the notification, a faint smile tugging at her lips, her heart warming with a sweet, honeyed feeling.

It was a message from Qin Zhi.

Anything you want to eat? I’m at the supermarket and can bring you something.

Tell me quickly!

Her eyes curved slightly, her bright eyes sparkling. Sheng Mingluo happily typed a reply, feigning reluctance.

Anything Teacher Qin buys for me, I’ll love.

You’re such a sweet talker. Want some chocolate? This brand is pretty good. Come take a look.

Last chance.

Attached was a photo taken in a supermarket. Qin Zhi’s slender, pale fingers pointed at a chocolate bar, the ring on her hand—likely the one she was endorsing—making her fingers look even more elegant.

Below were rows of chocolates. Sheng Mingluo, who had a sweet tooth, was instantly drawn to them.

Thank you, Teacher Qin.

She circled several promising-looking options, reassuring herself that it was okay for a female celebrity to indulge occasionally, especially when filming in a remote, austere mountain setting where a little sugar boost was necessary.

Besides, this was Teacher Qin, the legendary Best Actress, who had offered to buy them for her. Refusing would be incredibly rude and ungrateful.

Fang Qing, seeing Qin Zhi nearly emptying the entire shelf, rushed over in a panic to stop her.

“Boss, this is too much! Eating so many high-calorie snacks will definitely make you gain weight!”

Qin Zhi paused, startled by Fang Qing’s words, and released her grip on the snacks. She realized Fang Qing was right—she needed to be disciplined with her diet while filming. She had simply been momentarily flattered by Sheng Mingluo’s compliments and unconsciously grabbed more than she needed.

“You’re right. This should be enough. Go get the bill and use my card.”

A black gold card was handed over. Fang Qing, relieved that her dissuasion had worked, let out a sigh of relief and scurried off to pay for the snacks.

Their jobs aren’t easy either, she thought. A boss who listens to advice is a good boss.

After settling the bill, Fang Qing returned with a large bag overflowing with snacks. She would need to drive later.

“Boss, the plane tickets are booked. I’ll drive you to the airport shortly. We should reach the foot of the mountain by tomorrow morning for a rest, then head up the mountain in the afternoon.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I’ll leave it to you.”

Qin Zhi followed Fang Qing down the escalator to the underground parking garage and got into the car.