Category: Reborn to Stew Soup (GL)

Chapter 99: Pickled Radish and Old Duck Soup

“What are you laughing at?!”

Ji Junxin, sulking, and Mi Hongdou, feeling hurt, both glared at Jiang Lingling.

Jiang Lingling, unfazed, smiled even wider.

The assistant and Bai Tang quietly served the food, not commenting on their employers’ childishness.

Ji Junxin didn’t take the soup Mi Hongdou offered, so Mi Hongdou drank it herself. Although her heart was a little hurt, the soup was undeniably good.

The pickled radish and old duck soup was clear, with a few drops of oil floating on the surface, similar to chicken soup at first glance. But one sip, and the difference was clear. Chicken soup was savory and rich, but this duck soup was even more fragrant, the pickled radish cutting through the richness, removing the greasiness, making it refreshing.

Mi Hongdou took a sip, savoring the deliciousness, and glanced at Ji Junxin, who was carefully blowing on her soup. Seemingly noticing her gaze, Ji Junxin looked up, met her eyes, then… haughtily put down her bowl and looked away.

Although Ji Junxin didn’t say anything, Mi Hongdou could practically hear her inner “hmph!”

She could only hope that the little foodie, after eating her fill, would be in a better mood… Mi Hongdou quietly drank her soup.

Ji Junxin, still sulking, slowly looked back at Mi Hongdou, who was calmly drinking her soup as if nothing had happened, and her annoyance intensified.

It was infuriating to be taken advantage of, and the other person acting like nothing had happened!

Ji Junxin knew that Mi Hongdou’s touches had been unintentional, and that her own reactions were her problem, but she was still angry!

Watching Mi Hongdou leisurely sipping her soup, seemingly not planning to appease her, Ji Junxin glared at her and then took two large gulps of soup.

The duck soup, kept warm in a clay pot, was scalding hot when ladled into the bowls. Ji Junxin hadn’t let it cool down enough, and the two large gulps burned her tongue and throat, her eyes instantly reddening.

Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou pitifully, but Mi Hongdou, thinking about how to coax the little foodie later, continued sipping her soup, not noticing Ji Junxin’s watery eyes.

The other three at the table did notice, but seeing Ji Junxin’s teary eyes fixed on Mi Hongdou, they assumed it was just an escalation of their little spat, not realizing that she had burned herself.

Eating at the same table with a quarreling couple was awkward… The three focused on their food, pretending to see nothing, so no one mentioned Ji Junxin’s red eyes, and Mi Hongdou, without any clues, continued drinking her soup.

Ji Junxin’s first instinct, after burning her tongue, had been to seek comfort from Mi Hongdou, forgetting her earlier anger and sulking. But Mi Hongdou had missed this opportunity… and Ji Junxin became even angrier.

The pickled radish and old duck soup, Jiang Lingling’s restaurant’s new dish, was truly delicious. The broth was rich and flavorful, the duck meat tender and not gamey at all, and the pickled radish was refreshing, not too sour, with a hint of sweetness, a perfect pairing with the duck. Although it was a clear broth, it was incredibly appetizing with rice.

… “A lot” wasn’t the three bowls Ji Junxin had already eaten.

When Ji Junxin, after three bowls of rice with the soup, stood up to get a fourth, even if it meant losing face, Mi Hongdou couldn’t ignore it anymore.

“We still have filming this afternoon…” Mi Hongdou said, her head lowered, then took a bite of pickled radish, still not looking up, as if speaking to the radish.

The assistant looked at Mi Hongdou, confused, then, nudged by Bai Tang, lowered her head.

Jiang Lingling, always perceptive, knew that Mi Hongdou’s words weren’t directed at her and happily continued eating her fried chicken.

Ji Junxin, who had been using food to vent her frustration, silently put down her bowl and said to Jiang Lingling, “I’m full, thank you for the meal…” Without waiting for a reply, she quickly left.

“Uh… I wanted to tell her that the dessert is sawdust pudding… she would have liked it.” Jiang Lingling, surprised by Ji Junxin’s sudden departure, looked at Mi Hongdou, who was still eating the pickled radish. “Is she really not having dessert?”

“…” Mi Hongdou silently ate the radish. The slight sourness filled her mouth, but her heart felt even more sour! She felt incredibly wronged!

Saying nothing, just sulking, Mi Hongdou couldn’t understand why Ji Junxin was being so childish. And even food couldn’t appease her…

If even food couldn’t comfort her… what could she do? Mi Hongdou felt a deep sense of helplessness.

After the meal, Ji Junxin was long gone, Bai Tang and the assistant also left, leaving only Mi Hongdou and Jiang Lingling in the car. Mi Hongdou felt she needed to talk to Jiang Lingling about what happened this morning, perhaps Jiang Lingling, who seemed knowledgeable about yuri, could offer some insight into Ji Junxin’s behavior.

But just as she started, Jiang Lingling’s phone rang.

Jiang Lingling, who had been eagerly waiting for the gossip, answered the call, said “okay,” then, her expression turning serious, said she had an important matter to attend to and asked Mi Hongdou to wait for two minutes.

Before they became familiar, Jiang Lingling had always been the arrogant, untouchable rich girl. Even now, with her restaurant becoming successful, Mi Hongdou still felt that she was rather casual in her business dealings.

But now, Jiang Lingling’s serious expression, her focused attention as she typed on her phone with both hands, made Mi Hongdou realize that when she was serious, she was truly serious.

What important matter could it be? … Jiang Lingling’s seriousness made even Mi Hongdou feel a sense of tension, and she unconsciously held her breath, not wanting to disturb her.

Jiang Lingling’s demeanor was so intense that Mi Hongdou wondered if she should excuse herself…

But before she could move, Jiang Lingling’s expression relaxed, returning to her usual carefree self.

“So, you said you woke up this morning and found that Ji Junxin, who usually sleeps in, was already up, and then?” Jiang Lingling effortlessly switched between seriousness and gossip.

“Is your matter resolved?” Mi Hongdou, still surprised by her sudden change of face, asked considerately, “I don’t really have anything to do, if you’re busy, I can go for a walk…”

“No!” Jiang Lingling grabbed Mi Hongdou’s hand. “You’re a rare source of entertainment for me, you can’t leave before I’m blind! Tell me, tell me, I saw you two earlier, I’m dying of curiosity!”

“…” Mi Hongdou felt that seeking relationship advice from Jiang Lingling was a mistake, this person seemed to only have a gossip soul, not wisdom.

Mi Hongdou abruptly changed the subject, “Is it something urgent? You should take care of it first…”

“Hey! You!” Jiang Lingling released Mi Hongdou’s hand, slightly annoyed. “Fine, fine, I’ll satisfy your curiosity, and you satisfy mine, deal?”

“I…” Mi Hongdou wanted to say that she wasn’t trying to trade gossip! Jiang Lingling’s earlier matter seemed serious and confidential, she didn’t want to know! Knowing too many secrets could be dangerous!

But Jiang Lingling never considered other people’s feelings. Before Mi Hongdou could refuse, she started talking. “So, the person who called me just now, he’s kind of like my employee. His main job is to monitor my favorite author’s page and call me as soon as she updates.”

Mi Hongdou, no longer wanting to refuse, thought, that… sounded like gossip!

Birds of a feather…

Mi Hongdou looked at Jiang Lingling with interest. Jiang Lingling shrugged. “That’s it.”

“…” Mi Hongdou’s face fell, and she made a move to leave.

Jiang Lingling grabbed her hand. “Hey, hey, you’re leaving just like that? We agreed to exchange gossip!”

Who agreed? Mi Hongdou, not wanting to hurt Jiang Lingling too much, asked, “Which author?”

“Who else, of course, it’s the one I recommended to you last time.” Mentioning her favorite author, Jiang Lingling’s face was first filled with pride, then with a pitiful complaint. “She updates at different times every day, it’s so hard to get the first comment, I often miss it and end up way down the list.”

Mi Hongdou had visited Jinjiang at Jiang Lingling’s recommendation and had even read a few novels secretly at night. She understood terms like “update,” “first comment,” and “bottom of the list.” But Jiang Lingling’s explanation was still confusing. “You’re saying, you hired someone to monitor your favorite author’s page and see when she updates?”

“No, no, no…” Jiang Lingling held up one finger, then two, and showed them to Mi Hongdou. “I hired three people.”

“You hired three people to monitor three different authors?” Mi Hongdou’s confusion was evident.

Talking to her was like playing the lute to a cow! Jiang Lingling looked at Mi Hongdou as if she was an idiot, then, for the sake of the gossip she was about to receive, patiently explained, “Because I want to get the first comment on my favorite author’s latest chapters every day, I hired three people. Their job is to constantly refresh her page and notify me as soon as she updates, so I can grab the first comment.”

“I understand, but why do you want the first comment?” Mi Hongdou was still confused.

Jiang Lingling almost choked, she suddenly wanted to slap Mi Hongdou across the face, like Ji Junxin did.

“Because if I get the first comment every day, she’ll notice me!” She took a deep breath and continued explaining, for the sake of the gossip.

“Oh…” Mi Hongdou finally understood.

Jiang Lingling breathed a sigh of relief, it had been a struggle. But Mi Hongdou’s next question almost made her choke again.

“You like this author so much, could it be that you… have feelings for her?” Mi Hongdou’s tone was now questioning, not just confused.

“You…” Jiang Lingling instinctively wanted to deny it and mock Mi Hongdou for her overactive imagination, but the words caught in her throat.

She felt a little… confused…

Mi Hongdou figured Jiang Lingling’s brain had shut down, even if she told her about what happened today, she wouldn’t be able to figure out what was wrong with Ji Junxin, so Mi Hongdou took the opportunity to escape, leaving Jiang Lingling alone in the car, lost in thought…

Ever since learning that the author Jiang Lingling liked was Pan Xiang, Mi Hongdou had known that Jiang Lingling’s fantasy of a sophisticated older sister was doomed. But she hadn’t expected Jiang Lingling to hire three people just to refresh a webpage and get the first comment, how extravagant. She was so rich, why didn’t she just buy the website? … Mi Hongdou’s earlier question about Jiang Lingling having feelings for the author had been a casual one, influenced by her recent reading of yuri novels, where every subtle hint seemed to lead to true love. But Jiang Lingling’s reaction… was surprising.

It was a dilemma. As Jiang Lingling’s friend, if her casual question had inadvertently revealed Jiang Lingling’s true feelings, and she came to her for advice on pursuing the author, she couldn’t refuse to help. But Pan Xiang had confided in her, trusting her with her secret, she couldn’t betray her. So, Mi Hongdou instinctively felt that she couldn’t get involved in this, and seeing that Jiang Lingling’s brain had shut down, unable to offer any insight into Ji Junxin’s behavior, she quietly slipped away.

But just as she left the car, she ran into Pan Xiang, and she didn’t know what to do, how awkward…

Pan Xiang, seemingly oblivious to Mi Hongdou’s awkwardness, greeted her eagerly, “Finished eating? What dessert did Jiang Lingling have today?”

“Sawdust pudding…” Mi Hongdou glanced in the direction Pan Xiang came from. “Did you and Director Pan finish eating? Is he still not letting you join us? It’s pitiful that you only get dessert every day. We tried a new dish today, pickled radish and old…”

Before Mi Hongdou could finish, Pan Xiang covered her ears and shook her head. “No, no, no! Don’t tell me what you had for lunch!”

Mi Hongdou closed her mouth.

Pan Xiang dropped her hands, her face full of complaint. “My grandpa is so annoying! Jiang Lingling invites him to lunch every day, but he thinks that as a director, he shouldn’t get too close to the actors. He refuses to come himself, and he even stops me, saying that as his granddaughter, I also represent him, so I should avoid any bias and eat the crew meals with him. And those crew meals… don’t even get me started, barely edible. And it’s so cold now, sometimes the food gets cold, the oil congeals, I can only eat rice with soup!” She looked at Mi Hongdou, seeking an ally.

“…” Mi Hongdou didn’t know how to respond. Everyone had their own way of doing things. Some were carefree and didn’t care about what others thought, like Jiang Lingling. Others were more cautious, always trying to maintain a good image, like Director Pan. There was no right or wrong… But it seemed that Pan Xiang and Jiang Lingling shared similar views, no wonder Jiang Lingling liked Pan Xiang’s writing.

Not getting any agreement from Mi Hongdou, Pan Xiang pouted. “Hmph, you’re on Grandpa’s side! So, what was that pickled radish dish you had for lunch?”

“Didn’t you just tell me not to tell you?”

Pan Xiang looked at her pitifully.

“It was Jiang Lingling’s restaurant’s new dish, pickled radish and old duck soup. The pickled radish cuts through the richness of the duck, it’s very good.” Mi Hongdou pointed at Jiang Lingling’s RV. “Go quickly, Jiang Lingling saved a bowl for you, have it before you eat your dessert.”

Pan Xiang’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. “Sigh, Grandpa forced me to eat so much at lunch, if I have another bowl of soup, I won’t have room for dessert.”

What are you pretending for! You and Ji Junxin both have bottomless stomachs! Mi Hongdou wanted to retort, but thinking about Ji Junxin, her heart sank, and her desire to tease vanished.

“It’s okay, pickled radish and old duck soup aids digestion. You’ll have room for two desserts after the soup.” Mi Hongdou comforted Pan Xiang.

So, the comforted Pan Xiang happily went towards Jiang Lingling’s RV.

Mi Hongdou walked in the opposite direction, then stopped and called out to Pan Xiang, “Hey, if someone always tries to be the first to see someone else, what does it mean?”

Pan Xiang turned around, confused. “Who are you talking about?”

“The one who always appears first,” Mi Hongdou replied.

“Um… seeking attention? Interested in that person?”

“What about the other person?” Mi Hongdou asked.

Pan Xiang thought for a moment. “Probably find it strange?”

Tsk… Mi Hongdou waved and walked away, mentally lighting a candle for Jiang Lingling.

What a strange question… But this little interlude didn’t affect Pan Xiang’s pursuit of food. Jiang Lingling was quite thoughtful. She had been freeloading desserts for days, and not only was Jiang Lingling not annoyed, but she had even started saving food for her, she was such a good person. Pan Xiang mentally gave her a thumbs-up.

Jiang Lingling, both pitied and praised, had no idea about these varied assessments of her character.

When Pan Xiang arrived at the RV, Jiang Lingling was still frowning, lost in thought. Seeing her, she pointed at a thermos on the side.

“Are you okay?” Pan Xiang, despite everything, was still concerned. Seeing Jiang Lingling’s troubled expression, she asked before reaching for the food.

Jiang Lingling slowly looked up at Pan Xiang. This little girl, forget about yuri, she probably didn’t even have any experience with heterosexual relationships…

“The soup is still warm, drink it.” Jiang Lingling said, then returned to her phone, her brow furrowed.

Hmph, so ungrateful… Pan Xiang ignored her, opened the thermos, and saw a large bowl of steaming soup with duck meat and pickled radish. Haha, although Jiang Lingling was ungrateful, she was still a good person! Pan Xiang happily took the bowl, blew on it, and took a sip.

The warm, fragrant soup soothed her stomach, which had been abused by the crew meal earlier.

Suddenly, there was another person in the RV, sitting next to her, either blowing on the soup or slurping it loudly… Jiang Lingling could no longer focus on her reading.

“Hey…” Jiang Lingling nudged Pan Xiang, who was gnawing on a duck bone. “If someone always tries to be the first to see another person, why?”

Pan Xiang froze, and crack, the duck bone in her mouth broke…

Chapter 98: Half a Pack of Tissues

Being touched like that, in such a compromising position, by the person you liked, in front of so many people… Ji Junxin almost lost control, using all her strength to suppress the moan that was about to escape her lips.

Her body tensed like a drawn bow, her lips pressed tightly together, her breath held, afraid of making any unintended sounds. She thought she had successfully swallowed the moan… at this moment, NGs didn’t matter, maintaining control was a victory in itself.

But victory wasn’t so easily won.

The scene now reached the part where the young empress leaned over, her head between Miao Qianye’s legs, to deliver the baby.

Ji Junxin had just managed to suppress the strange sensations from Mi Hongdou’s earlier accidental touch when Mi Hongdou’s head appeared between her legs… well, it was part of the script, and Ji Junxin, her mind in a daze, couldn’t stop it. But why did Mi Hongdou have to breathe on her leg!

Logically, women giving birth wouldn’t be wearing pants. But they couldn’t film it that way, so Ji Junxin was wearing white pants, the legs rolled up to her knees, as if she wasn’t wearing any.

As Mi Hongdou leaned over, her head between Ji Junxin’s legs, she exhaled.

Although it wasn’t as sensitive as her thigh, there was no barrier of fabric this time!

It was February, and the weather was cold. Ji Junxin had already NGed several times, and even with the blanket, her exposed legs were cold. Mi Hongdou’s warm breath tickled her leg, but the tingling sensation wasn’t just on her leg…

Ji Junxin, already slightly disoriented from the earlier touch, now felt completely overwhelmed by Mi Hongdou’s breath.

Mi Hongdou seemed to be saying her lines, but Ji Junxin couldn’t hear them clearly. She felt that despite her clenched jaw and held breath, she had made a sound when Mi Hongdou exhaled on her leg. But… what kind of sound? She couldn’t tell.

Why wasn’t it over? Why wasn’t he calling cut? … Ji Junxin desperately wanted to escape this strange state. She needed to use the restroom, she couldn’t hold it any longer… It must be all that fruit tea! She fidgeted, hoping Director Pan would notice and call cut!

Mi Hongdou, oblivious, continued with her lines and actions, her head moving in and out between Ji Junxin’s legs… Just as she leaned in again, Ji Junxin, shifting slightly, bumped her head with her leg.

Ji Junxin, unable to see what was happening below, froze. Before she could even process how close Mi Hongdou’s head was, her attention was drawn to the sensation on her leg.

Soft hair brushing against her skin, a ticklish feeling… Mi Hongdou’s forehead touched her leg. From the hair, to the forehead, to the warm breath, Ji Junxin could now imagine Mi Hongdou’s position, and combined with their current posture, the warmth of Mi Hongdou’s forehead ignited her, all restraint gone.

Ji Junxin’s body trembled, a strange sound escaping her lips. She clutched the blanket, her fingers digging into the fabric, her toes curling, gripping the bedsheet.

No… The intense moment passed, her body still tense, but her mind clearer. So, she hadn’t been able to hide her reaction? Ji Junxin’s eyes blurred, and she closed them.

Meanwhile, Mi Hongdou, her head under the covers, heard Ji Junxin’s soft moan. Had she bumped her leg too hard? She was a little worried, but the scene was almost over, just one more line after she emerged from under the covers… Mi Hongdou quickly retreated and delivered her final line.

“Excellent!” Director Pan’s voice boomed, followed by applause.

Finally, no NG, a pass! Mi Hongdou breathed a sigh of relief.

Ji Junxin, who had closed her eyes, afraid of being exposed, slowly opened them and looked at the cheerful Director Pan, confused.

Excellent? What did that mean?

“Okay, we’re done!” Mi Hongdou smiled and poked Ji Junxin’s belly through the covers. “You can take this off now, no more heavy belly. Come on, get up, I’ll untie it for you.”

Ji Junxin didn’t move. She still hadn’t processed how they had passed the scene, and… she hadn’t fully recovered from that strange sensation.

The racing heart and the tingling numbness had subsided, replaced by an inexplicable exhaustion and weakness. This feeling… she had read similar descriptions in some yuri novels, but… it couldn’t be…

“What’s wrong?” Seeing Ji Junxin lying motionless, her legs still bent, Mi Hongdou touched her flushed face, worried. “You’re burning up… do you have a fever?” She had thought Ji Junxin’s blush was part of her acting, but the heat was real!

Just being touched by Mi Hongdou made her vision blur. Ji Junxin quickly moved away before her heart started racing again.

Was her body so sensitive now that even a casual touch was unbearable? She didn’t have time to think, she quickly got out of bed, her body weak. “I don’t… have a fever, I need to use the… restroom…” Ji Junxin was startled by her own hoarse voice, but she forced herself to finish and then quickly fled to the bathroom.

Mi Hongdou frowned, watching her leave. It was rare for Ji Junxin to go to the restroom without her… could it be that now that she wasn’t playing a pregnant woman anymore, she no longer needed her? Mi Hongdou felt a pang of disappointment.

If Ji Junxin knew what Mi Hongdou was thinking, she would have yelled, disappointed? If it weren’t for Mi Hongdou, she wouldn’t have had to escape!

After a long while, Ji Junxin emerged from the bathroom, clutching a half-empty pack of tissues, her face pale. As she slowly walked back to the set, her feelings towards Mi Hongdou were incredibly complicated…

Mi Hongdou’s feelings were also complicated… Could someone explain why Ji Junxin, after a trip to the restroom, was now looking at her with such a resentful, even annoyed, expression? What had she done? Could it be because she hadn’t offered to accompany her to the restroom? Wasn’t she supposed to be a mature adult, not an elementary school student!

Ji Junxin, having composed herself, still didn’t want to be touched by Mi Hongdou… who knew how long this strange sensitivity would last! She didn’t want to waste another half pack of tissues!

She nervously approached Director Pan and asked to see the playback of the scene.

Director Pan, in a good mood, readily agreed.

So, they gathered around the monitor.

Ji Junxin looked at Director Pan and Pan Xiang on her left, then at Mi Hongdou, who had appeared on her right. She actually wanted to watch it alone, to understand how they had passed the scene, why did everyone have to watch together!

But she couldn’t think of a reason to monopolize the screen and could only resign herself to the situation.

Ji Junxin knew from the script that most of the shots in this scene were focused on the young empress. Miao Qianye, groaning in pain, was just a prop. Now, as the playback started, she hoped the camera would stay on Mi Hongdou and not on her!

Director Pan played the last take, starting from the point where the young empress reached the foot of the bed.

Normally, she would focus on Mi Hongdou’s performance, but this time, Ji Junxin didn’t even pay attention to the young empress’s lines, her attention completely on Miao Qianye, her own character.

The young empress reached the foot of the bed, her expression anxious, but her voice calm and reassuring. She took a few deep breaths, rubbed her hands together, bent down, and reached under the covers.

Ji Junxin watched the close-up of the blanket, a lump rising, then another, then the two lumps separating. The camera zoomed out, and the young empress lifted the blanket, revealing Miao Qianye’s bare legs.

Her face flushed, her expression a mix of pain and restraint, her hands clutching the blanket, Miao Qianye on screen perfectly portrayed a woman in labor.

Ji Junxin sighed inwardly. She wasn’t acting like a woman giving birth, but like a woman being… well… never mind, her performance was good.

This part was acceptable, the embarrassing part was coming up.

Soon, the young empress on screen leaned over, her head between Miao Qianye’s legs. And then, Miao Qianye suddenly twitched, her body tensing, frozen, as if paused. Her expression was strained, her breathing shallow, even the groaning stopped.

“Xiao Ji, this shot is excellent! You’ve done your research, haven’t you? That feeling of pushing during contractions, even holding your breath, very realistic!” Director Pan couldn’t help but praise her.

“…” Ji Junxin forced a smile… So, holding her breath could be interpreted as pushing during labor. That was why he hadn’t called cut.

Before she could mentally complain, she heard herself let out a soft moan on the screen. Yes, it had been so uncomfortable then… she had made a sound…

“There’s usually a moment of weakness after such exertion. I didn’t even think of this when I wrote the script, but you portrayed it, truly impressive!” Pan Xiang praised her sincerely.

The camera shifted back to the young empress. Ji Junxin glanced at the two praising her, were they joking? They both looked at her with sincere expressions.

Okay… thank you… for your… interpretation…

On the screen, the young empress, while offering words of encouragement, leaned over again. Ji Junxin thought Pan Xiang was really pushing it, writing “glance,” fine, but having her repeatedly going in and out… it was too much.

Just then, Miao Qianye on screen suddenly moved.

Ji Junxin flinched. Yes, this was it… this was when her leg bumped against Mi Hongdou’s forehead… Even just watching it now, she felt the warmth on her leg, as if she was being ignited again.

Ji Junxin clenched her fist, watching intently. The scene was nearing the birth, and she had thought the camera would stay on the young empress, but it was now focused on Miao Qianye.

Miao Qianye’s face was flushed, her lips pressed tightly together, her usually sparkling eyes now filled with tears, her expression a mixture of pain and helplessness. Then, as if hit by a wave of unbearable pain, her body tensed, tears streaming down her face, her upper body involuntarily lifting slightly.

Ji Junxin clearly heard herself, despite her clenched jaw, let out a whimper… and it wasn’t quiet…

So that was what she sounded like… when aroused… Ji Junxin secretly glanced at Mi Hongdou, who was standing next to her. She wanted to find a hole and hide!

“This part,” Director Pan suddenly pointed at the screen, “and this part, we can zoom in and speed it up during post-production, to create a continuous shot of tension and release.”

Ji Junxin looked back at the screen. He was pointing at her hand, which was clutching the blanket, and her toes, which were curled…

“No… need…” Ji Junxin protested weakly.

The screen shifted to the young empress, her face beaming. “It’s here, it’s here!”

That was the last line of the scene. But the screen didn’t fade to black! Ji Junxin saw her own hand… and her feet… relaxing… What the hell! She looked at Director Pan, puzzled.

“Haha, after the tension of pushing, comes the release, a perfect shot, Ji Junxin, well done!” Director Pan said, his tone full of praise. Pan Xiang nodded in agreement.

Ji Junxin’s lips moved, but no words came out. She finally understood why this take had passed… the screenwriter and the director, their perspectives were truly unique!

So, her being aroused, her reaction… looked like giving birth? Although she hadn’t been exposed, Ji Junxin had escaped unscathed, but she was still incredibly angry!

She slowly turned to Mi Hongdou, a strange smile on her face. “What do you think of my performance?” she asked.

“It was very good, very realistic! And if we add those close-ups like Director Pan said, the birthing scene will be even more convincing. I didn’t expect you to be so good, so realistic… the script only asked for some simple groaning…” Although they were close, this was the first time Ji Junxin had asked her about her acting. Mi Hongdou, a long-time fan, finally had a chance to praise her idol and showered her with compliments. But as she spoke, she noticed Ji Junxin’s expression darkening.

Why… was she unhappy? Did she think her praise was too formal, insincere? Seeing Ji Junxin’s growing displeasure, Mi Hongdou quickly changed her tactic, switching from a serious tone to a teasing one. “Haha, so, after playing a pregnant woman for over a month, you’ve thoroughly researched the role, that’s why your birthing scene was so realistic? Very impressive!” Teasing with a hint of praise, this should be better, right? Could she sense her sincerity? Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin expectantly, ready to offer more praise.

Ji Junxin’s expression did change, from slightly dark to… incredibly dark!

Realistic! You think I was being realistic! Ji Junxin’s hands trembled with anger. She had been aroused, and the person who aroused her thought her reaction looked like giving birth!

At this moment, Ji Junxin wanted to yell at Mi Hongdou, “You asshole!”

Of course, she couldn’t say that… so she just stormed off, suppressing her anger and the urge to vomit blood.

Mi Hongdou watched Ji Junxin’s retreating figure, her face dark, and thought that this time, it wouldn’t be so easy to appease her with honey pomelo tea and rice cakes. She was worried, but she still didn’t understand why Ji Junxin was angry. She had even changed her tone to praise her. Could it be… that she was still angry about her not accompanying her to the restroom earlier? So, was she really an elementary school student?

What happened next seemed to prove that Ji Junxin wasn’t an elementary school student, but a kindergartener!

Ji Junxin had stormed off, but she still had to come back for the next scene.

Ji Junxin returned with a dark expression, transformed into Miao Qianye, filmed a scene, then transformed back into Ji Junxin and stormed off again…

This happened three times before lunch.

Thanks to Jiang Lingling, since she started managing her restaurant, Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s lunches had been taken care of. From the initial poaching of chefs to the menu reform, the free food promotion for the crews in Shudian, and then the introduction of customized meals, in just over a month, Jiang Lingling’s restaurant had gained a good reputation. And Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin also benefited, enjoying warm, delicious, and varied lunches, a welcome change from the simple fare at the estate.

Of course, with Mi Hongdou’s cooking skills and Ji Junxin’s discerning palate, any new dishes from Jiang Lingling’s restaurant were always served to them first.

Today, there was a new dish: preserved radish and duck soup.

A warm, hearty soup was perfect for this cold winter day.

Since the birthing scene, Ji Junxin hadn’t spoken to Mi Hongdou. She appeared for her scenes, then immediately left, Mi Hongdou didn’t even have a chance to appease her, she didn’t even know why Ji Junxin was so angry.

But it didn’t matter, for a foodie, food was the answer.

As soon as Mi Hongdou entered Jiang Lingling’s luxurious RV, she saw the conspicuous pot of soup in the center of the table. With a new dish, Ji Junxin’s mood should improve… Mi Hongdou mentally thanked Jiang Lingling.

As expected, even though Ji Junxin was ignoring her, she still came when it was time for lunch. However… at the square table, she sat opposite Mi Hongdou, not next to her as usual.

Well, it was better than not coming at all, Mi Hongdou sighed inwardly.

When Ji Junxin sat down, Mi Hongdou, as usual, served her a bowl of soup.

And then… Ji Junxin didn’t take it, but got another bowl and served herself.

Jiang Lingling, who had just arrived and didn’t know what had happened between them, couldn’t help but smile, watching their childish interaction.

A CP’s fight was a single dog’s opportunity!

So, Jiang Lingling smiled.

Chapter 97: Embarrassing

When faced with multiple problems, we tend to prioritize the most urgent one.

As the chauffeured car approached the set, and the time for the first scene drew near, Ji Junxin’s biggest worry shifted from no longer being able to use the prosthetic belly as an excuse for closeness with Mi Hongdou to the impending embarrassment of the birthing scene.

However, no one else seemed to share her anxiety. Even Mi Hongdou was engrossed in reviewing the script, oblivious to Ji Junxin’s unease. And Director Pan, after giving Mi Hongdou some last-minute instructions, didn’t seem to think there would be any problem with Ji Junxin, whose only task in this scene was to lie down and groan.

The main actors in this scene were Ji Junxin, giving birth, and Mi Hongdou, the midwife. Assisting them were Ye Xin and Hao Ba, also from Mengguan. Four months ago, the three of them had joined the “Imperial Secrets” crew, their paths diverging since then. Mi Hongdou had become the second female lead, practically a co-lead, while Ye Xin and Hao Ba were just two of the many concubines, insignificant background characters in the palace scenes, only gaining more screen time in the estate scenes after their characters sided with the empress and Miao Qianye.

Regardless, as supporting actresses, Ye Xin and Hao Ba’s attitudes were much better than Jiang Duo’s. Although their acting skills were average, they were reliable and rarely caused NGs.

The first scene this morning was the birthing scene, and the second was of Ji Junxin, after giving birth, exhausted but wanting to see her child. The baby and its mother had also arrived early.

Although the birthing scene was short, it was a crucial part of the estate arc. With Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin as the main actors, and the reliable Ye Xin and Hao Ba assisting, and without Jiang Duo, the crew expected a smooth, one-take pass. So, as soon as filming started, they notified the baby’s mother to be ready.

But this notification was… premature.

Ji Junxin had known this scene would be embarrassing, so she had been mentally preparing herself for days. Because of this, she was only slightly anxious this morning, not completely dreading it.

As filming began, Ji Junxin lay in bed, covered by the blanket, and started groaning. Her demeanor and emotions were on point.

But when Mi Hongdou, after instructing Ye Xin and Hao Ba to check on the hot water and the alcohol, walked towards the bed, Ji Junxin started to feel nervous.

According to the script, after giving instructions, the young empress would take charge and deliver Miao Qianye’s baby.

Ji Junxin, lying down, couldn’t see the other three, only hearing their conversation. After Mi Hongdou finished speaking, her palms started to sweat.

Hearing Mi Hongdou’s approaching footsteps, Ji Junxin clutched the bedsheet, her nervousness adding to the realism of the birthing scene.

“Don’t be afraid… I’m here…”

In the script, the young empress’s calm and reassuring words comforted Miao Qianye, easing her pain and fear.

But now, hearing the familiar voice, Ji Junxin felt even more nervous! However, to avoid NGing, she regulated her breathing, relaxed her face, and softened her groans.

Everything was going according to the script, but both Director Pan and Pan Xiang, watching the monitor, frowned. Director Pan didn’t call cut, there weren’t any mistakes, it just… lacked something… he couldn’t pinpoint it, but compared to Ji Junxin’s recent performances, this scene felt… lacking.

On screen, Miao Qianye continued groaning softly, seemingly enduring labor pains.

The young empress walked from the head of the bed to the foot, her words calm and gentle, comforting Miao Qianye. Only when she reached the foot of the bed, out of Miao Qianye’s sight, did a flicker of panic appear in her eyes. The trembling of her lips contrasted sharply with her steady voice.

Director Pan, watching intently, relaxed slightly. Mi Hongdou’s performance was good, she portrayed the young empress’s inexperience and her determination perfectly. He dismissed his earlier doubts.

But Pan Xiang’s frown remained.

Mi Hongdou’s voice was gentle as always, and because of the character’s role, it also had a reassuring calmness, as if everything was under control. Ji Junxin, who should have been comforted according to the script, felt even more nervous. Because… Mi Hongdou was now at the foot of the bed!

But there was no time to think. Mi Hongdou, following the script, was approaching the part Ji Junxin dreaded the most.

“Don’t be afraid, I’ll help you, just do as I say.” Mi Hongdou rubbed her hands together to warm them and reached under the covers. “Now, let’s bend your legs.”

As soon as she said this, a lump appeared under Ji Junxin’s covers.

Mi Hongdou, her hand almost touching Ji Junxin’s ankle, froze… followed by Director Pan’s booming “Cut!”

“Shouldn’t I be holding your ankle, showing you how to bend your knees, helping you into position?” Mi Hongdou withdrew her hand and looked at Ji Junxin, who was lying in bed with her knees bent. “Did I misremember the script?”

Ji Junxin shook her head, her face burning.

“From the point where the young empress reaches the foot of the bed, action!” Director Pan, dismissing it as an accident, didn’t give them any further instructions and just called for another take.

So, when Mi Hongdou’s hand reached under the covers again, Ji Junxin, not wanting to NG because of her own reflexes, stiffened her body. And when Mi Hongdou held her ankle, she tensed her muscles, preventing her legs from instinctively recoiling. The result was that Mi Hongdou, pushing her ankle upwards, couldn’t bend her leg… it was like pushing a stiff, jointless stick.

Naturally… NG…

This second NG, Director Pan realized, wasn’t an accident. But even if he racked his brains, he couldn’t understand why a simple act of bending a leg would result in two NGs.

And he didn’t expect that it wouldn’t just be two NGs.

Ji Junxin was trying her best. But having the person you liked reach under the covers, grab your ankle, and then push it upwards, putting you in that position, it was just… The first time, she had instinctively recoiled. The second time, she had tried to stay still, but her muscles were too tense. The third time, she had relaxed, but the touch on her ankle was so ticklish that she couldn’t help but twitch. The fourth time… her leg was finally bent, but she couldn’t stop herself from bringing her knees together. The fifth time, knees together… the sixth time, knees together…

Three consecutive NGs because her legs wouldn’t stay apart. Director Pan was speechless, he couldn’t understand what Ji Junxin was doing.

Break time.

The staff member informed the baby’s mother that she could continue resting, the second scene wouldn’t be filmed anytime soon.

Ji Junxin sat up in bed but didn’t get out.

Bai Tang brought them warm honey pomelo tea and snacks. Ji Junxin didn’t touch them. Mi Hongdou took the tea and snacks, sat next to Ji Junxin, and told Bai Tang to leave. After Bai Tang left, Mi Hongdou wanted to speak, but she didn’t know what to say.

To be precise, she was a little afraid.

During the first two NGs, she had been worried about Ji Junxin’s state, but with the cameras rolling, she hadn’t been able to ask. But after a few more NGs, especially when Ji Junxin kept bringing her knees together, Mi Hongdou felt that something was definitely wrong.

This scene… was a bit… much. If the screenwriter were Jiang Lingling, she would have subtly hinted at changing it, removing those… suggestive actions. But the screenwriter was Pan Xiang, and although Mi Hongdou had learned that Pan Xiang also wrote and read yuri, they weren’t close. She didn’t want anyone else to know about her feelings for Ji Junxin, Jiang Lingling’s sharp intuition was already enough of an exception.

But unlike Ji Junxin, Mi Hongdou just found the whole “touching ankles under the covers” thing a bit torturous, considering her own hidden feelings. During filming, she had focused on suppressing her own strange urges and had managed to perform normally.

But Ji Junxin’s repeated NGs made her wary. Such a simple scene, even Jiang Duo wouldn’t NG because of her legs. There had to be a reason. Mi Hongdou’s first thought was, could Ji Junxin have seen through her feelings?

Because she had seen through her feelings, she found the intimate contact unbearable, hence the initial recoiling, the later stiffening of her body? She was wearing pants, and the covers were only pulled halfway down… Because she knew her feelings, Ji Junxin couldn’t… be touched like that? Mi Hongdou was startled by her own thoughts, thankfully Director Pan called for a break, or she would have been the one NGing.

Now, during the break, with Ji Junxin silent and refusing food and drink, Mi Hongdou also found it difficult to speak. She really didn’t want to test whether Ji Junxin had seen through her… if it were true, she wouldn’t know what to do.

Ji Junxin silently reflected on her poor performance. Mi Hongdou silently observed her, trying to find any clues.

They sat in silence, one on the bed, one by the bed.

Pan Xiang, seeing their unusual quietness, sighed and walked over.

“Hey, can you two handle this scene? Should I revise the script?” She could tell that these two, usually so close and playful, their unintentional displays of affection blinding single dogs everywhere, weren’t actually… together! Otherwise, this scene wouldn’t be so awkward and filled with NGs! Although single herself, Pan Xiang, as a screenwriter, could tell that these two were probably still in the “mutual pining” stage, their feelings unspoken. They were so sweet even in this stage, if they ever got together, just a glance at them would be blinding!

But Pan Xiang always had a wait-and-see attitude towards same-sex relationships in the entertainment industry, so she wouldn’t say anything. She wasn’t sure if she wanted them to become even closer, or… to take an easier path.

Judging by Ji Junxin’s NGs, Pan Xiang guessed that this scene might be difficult for her. She also felt a pang of guilt. She had written the scene with pure friendship in mind, it shouldn’t have been a problem. Who knew their feelings would develop like this, making the scene… somewhat suggestive! Pan Xiang could imagine Ji Junxin’s struggle, so she offered to revise the script, to make it less awkward.

Her kind offer startled both Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou.

Had she seen through them?

Had others seen through them too?

These two thoughts appeared simultaneously, their minds synchronized.

They looked at Pan Xiang, their gazes questioning, making Pan Xiang uncomfortable.

“Hey, can you two do this or not?” Pan Xiang, feeling their scrutiny, took a step back and asked again.

It wasn’t her first time witnessing NGs, and she hadn’t offered to revise the script before. Even after Mi Hongdou, at Jiang Lingling’s recommendation, had read all her yuri novels on Jinjiang, she still couldn’t figure out Pan Xiang’s intentions.

Mi Hongdou turned to Ji Junxin, their eyes meeting.

Regardless of Pan Xiang’s reasons, Ji Junxin felt that if she didn’t want to be seen through, it was best to refuse…

“I won’t NG next time,” Ji Junxin said, her voice calm and firm.

“Me neither,” Mi Hongdou said, always supporting Ji Junxin’s decisions.

They had seemed distant earlier, but as soon as she approached, they united against her. Pan Xiang, her kind offer rejected, snorted and left.

Pan Xiang’s interruption eased the tension between Ji Junxin and Mi Hongdou. Mi Hongdou opened the thermos and handed it to Ji Junxin.

The warm honey pomelo tea, made with Mi Hongdou’s homemade honey pomelo jam, was one of Ji Junxin’s favorites. A few sips, and the knot of anxiety in her stomach seemed to loosen.

Seeing Ji Junxin’s expression soften, Mi Hongdou offered her a small rice cake.

Having just caused Mi Hongdou so many NGs, was it okay to accept her food? … Ji Junxin looked at the small, square cake, a little embarrassed.

But for a foodie, what was embarrassment compared to food?

The rice cakes were made by Yang Lianyi’s skilled pastry chef. When they arrived, Ji Junxin had felt embarrassed, receiving food from Mi Hongdou’s boss. But Mi Hongdou had just said, “As a boss and a manager, that’s all she can do.” So, Ji Junxin had accepted half the rice cakes and finished them in two days…

This was one of the remaining ones.

The rice cake, fragrant and slightly sweet, with a fruity filling, was a perfect pairing with the honey pomelo tea. Ji Junxin quickly finished it, and Mi Hongdou immediately offered her another one.

The tea and the snack comforted Ji Junxin, giving her the confidence to face the next take.

Just then, Mi Hongdou spoke.

“Is it… because… you’re embarrassed?” Her voice was soft and hesitant.

Ji Junxin’s mind went blank, and she almost dropped her thermos. She froze for a moment, then nodded.

Fortunately, it was a question that could be answered with a simple nod. If Mi Hongdou had asked, “Why did you keep NGing?” she wouldn’t have been able to answer so easily.

So it was because of embarrassment, that’s why she hadn’t seen anything in Ji Junxin’s behavior to suggest that she had seen through her feelings. Mi Hongdou was greatly relieved, then felt a slight twinge of disappointment. If Ji Junxin had seen through her and was still willing to be so close… perhaps it would mean… Mi Hongdou quickly stopped herself. She was supposed to be a good friend!

After Ji Junxin’s nod, Mi Hongdou’s thoughts raced.

Ji Junxin had admitted to being embarrassed and expected some comforting words, but Mi Hongdou remained silent. Ji Junxin, spoiled by Mi Hongdou’s attentiveness, was a little unhappy!

She was the one who was embarrassed, conflicted, NGing, even in love! Ji Junxin pouted, pulled down her rolled-up pants, covering her exposed legs, and went to find Bai Tang for more rice cakes, to soothe her wounded heart.

Having had enough tea and snacks, Ji Junxin resolutely climbed into bed and lay down.

Next take, action!

The scene started with the young empress comforting Miao Qianye and helping her bend her knees.

As Ji Junxin had promised Pan Xiang, this time, despite her embarrassment, she cooperated with Mi Hongdou’s every move.

Fortunately, this was a birthing scene, a blushing face, a conflicted expression, a tight grip on the blanket, even biting her lip, it was all understandable.

Everything was ready, Mi Hongdou just had to reach between Ji Junxin’s bent legs, pretend to deliver the baby, and say a few encouraging words, and the scene would be over.

Victory was within reach… Ji Junxin gritted her teeth, ignoring her embarrassing position, trying to forget where Mi Hongdou’s hand, according to the script, should be.

She regretted reading so many yuri novels recently, secretly at night. She had seen… some explicit chapters. If she hadn’t, even this embarrassing position wouldn’t have triggered so many blush-inducing, heart-racing, body-melting fantasies!

Just as she was regretting it, she felt something brush against her inner thigh.

Ji Junxin, almost driven mad by her own imagination, froze. Even through her pants, she couldn’t feel it clearly, but she knew it was Mi Hongdou’s hand.

Her inner thigh… a sensitive area. The touch made her tremble. And then… Mi Hongdou’s hand retreated.

It was a good thing, the touch gone. But as Mi Hongdou pulled her hand away, she accidentally brushed against Ji Junxin’s leg again…

Ji Junxin bit her lip, suppressing a moan.

Chapter 96: Childbirth

In life, we make countless choices, especially during our school years. From simple true-or-false questions to multiple-choice and even multi-select questions… every day was filled with choices. But those choices usually had a correct answer, and even if you chose wrong, there was often a chance to correct it and learn from the mistake.

But there was another kind of choice, scattered throughout life, fewer in number, without a right answer, sometimes even without any options at all, just the question itself. These choices were often confusing, not a simple matter of right or wrong, left or right. You had to find your own way, a daunting task.

Trial and error, adjustments, corrections, more trials… a constant cycle of effort, searching for the right path.

Mi Hongdou, realizing her feelings for Ji Junxin first, was trapped in this cycle. And although Ji Junxin was a step behind, she seemed to be falling faster.

Compared to Mi Hongdou, who, with her experience from two lifetimes, had quickly adjusted and positioned herself as a good friend, Ji Junxin’s emotional adjustment was much slower, her internal struggles and wavering a constant.

Especially after realizing her feelings for Mi Hongdou, this newfound love, although knowing it was hopeless, she couldn’t let go. She wanted to keep her distance, but she was drawn in. Fortunately, the pregnancy scenes offered a temporary reprieve and a convenient excuse.

At first, Ji Junxin had clung to the role of a pregnant woman in real life, using method acting as an excuse, because it allowed her to be close to Mi Hongdou without revealing her true feelings. And then, after their argument that night, Mi Hongdou, who had initially opposed it, suddenly changed her stance, willing to cooperate and help Ji Junxin stay in character.

So, the one acting now became two.

On screen, the young empress meticulously cared for the pregnant Miao Qianye. Off screen, Mi Hongdou tenderly cared for the “pregnant” Ji Junxin.

Both on and off screen, Mi Hongdou prepared warm food and drinks, and with just a frown from Ji Junxin, she knew where to massage. Day and night, they no longer talked about immersion or detachment, just living, acting, playing house.

For Director Pan, as the pregnancy scenes progressed, Mi Hongdou and Ji Junxin’s portrayal of the caregiver and the pregnant woman became increasingly natural and nuanced. If he had the time, he would reshoot the earlier pregnancy scenes. Unfortunately… he mentally complained about Jiang Duo, the NG queen, but that was another story.

Initially, Ji Junxin had thought that Mi Hongdou’s “cooperation” meant just tolerating her continued “pregnancy” act, not nagging her. But Mi Hongdou’s cooperation was so thorough, it was as if she was continuing the story of Miao Qianye and the young empress in real life. Soon, reality became even more captivating than acting. For Ji Junxin, the line between acting and reality blurred, there was no longer any distinction between being in character and out of character.

As for Mi Hongdou… having agreed to cooperate, she was now like the young empress, doting on Ji Junxin. It even made Ji Junxin wonder if she was too immersed. But she could still sense the subtle difference between Mi Hongdou’s on-screen and off-screen behavior. Perhaps, in real life, Mi Hongdou was even more caring?

But happy times always passed quickly. The estate scenes were scheduled for two months, and after a month of pregnancy scenes, the baby was born, and the pregnancy arc ended. Thanks to Jiang Duo’s relentless NGs, on the thirty-fifth day of filming at the estate, the scene Ji Junxin dreaded the most arrived.

That morning, Ji Junxin, for once, didn’t sleep in, she even woke up earlier than Mi Hongdou. More accurately, she had been tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep. Mi Hongdou even teased her, saying that she was having contractions, knowing she was about to give birth. Even with method acting, you couldn’t simulate labor pains… Ji Junxin couldn’t explain her insomnia, just like she couldn’t explain her complex and joyful feelings to Mi Hongdou.

Even the longest play would eventually end. Even the most beautiful dream would eventually fade. Ji Junxin knew that this month of unrestrained closeness and dependence was borrowed time. Now, everything would return to normal, she would have to maintain a proper distance from Mi Hongdou, control her words and actions… The difficult days would return, but she shouldn’t complain.

Yes, she shouldn’t complain, she should just cherish these beautiful memories and the slight regret.

When Ji Junxin woke up, the bedroom was still dark. After a moment, her eyes adjusted, and she saw that Mi Hongdou was still asleep. She checked her phone, it was just past five, still a while before their usual wake-up time. Ji Junxin, who usually lingered in bed, touched the cotton belly, quietly got up, and went to the balcony, wanting to watch the sunrise and clear her head. She hadn’t woken up this early in a while, and pulling back the curtains, she realized it was still dark, what sunrise? …

Unable to see anything, she didn’t return to the bedroom, but went to the living room, curled up on the sofa, wrapped in her jacket, and waited for dawn. It wasn’t that she had to see the sunrise, she just felt restless and knew she couldn’t sleep. Rather than tossing and turning and waking Mi Hongdou up, she might as well wait here, it would be dawn soon… Ji Junxin, with her vague sense of time, thought confidently.

Her restlessness stemmed from the first scene she had to film this morning: the birthing scene. If there were no NGs, this would be her last day as a pregnant woman in this drama. The pregnant woman in the drama would give birth, and the “pregnant woman” in real life would no longer have a reason to continue her act.

Ji Junxin gently touched the cotton belly. They had already started filming the later stages of pregnancy, so the belly she was wearing now looked almost full-term. But it was filled with soft cotton and wasn’t very heavy. Speaking of which, she really had to thank Mi Hongdou for arguing with Director Pan. If she had to wear that heavy, rice-filled belly all the time, she would probably have been hospitalized with a back injury…

Both Mi Hongdou’s negotiation with Director Pan and her bribing of the props department staff, Ji Junxin had witnessed it all, touched but also a little unhappy. They were just friends, Mi Hongdou’s dedication was almost excessive! Such devotion, how could she not be moved! How could she not like her!

It was… too much… Ji Junxin gently pressed the soft, fluffy belly. Since she started wearing it, Mi Hongdou would take it out to air on the balcony every morning before they left for filming, and by the time they returned at night, a soft and fluffy belly would be waiting for her.

Since being summoned back to Jiang City by Qiao Rubai, Shen Zhu and Xiao Zhang hadn’t returned. According to Qiao Rubai, there was definitely something wrong with Shen Zhu, but they hadn’t found any concrete evidence yet. Qiao Rubai wouldn’t let Ji Junxin use her again. As for Xiao Zhang, Qiao Rubai said that they hadn’t found anything suspicious, but she had been with Shen Zhu for too long and hadn’t been very helpful to Ji Junxin, so she had also been transferred.

Qiao Rubai had been worried that Ji Junxin would object and had tried to comfort her. But Ji Junxin hadn’t protested. Unlike Lu Gaoshi, who had been a constant presence and a mother figure, Ji Junxin hadn’t interacted much with Shen Zhu and Xiao Zhang, so she didn’t mind their being transferred. She just felt a little sad, remembering Shen Zhu claiming to be her fan. But Ji Junxin had been in the industry for a few years, she had seen fans turn into passersby, then into anti-fans, and then back into fans. She was a little disappointed about Shen Zhu, but not heartbroken.

Initially, when Qiao Rubai said she was transferring both assistants, Ji Junxin had been surprised. Although she hadn’t needed them with Lu Gaoshi around, and later with Mi Hongdou, having both assistants transferred meant she would be completely helpless if she needed anything! Then she realized that Qiao Rubai, having removed the potentially problematic ones, would definitely send replacements, she wouldn’t be left without a manager or an assistant. And indeed, that’s exactly what happened.

After announcing the transfer, Qiao Rubai said that Qiong Yu would immediately start looking for trustworthy and capable replacements. In the meantime, she hoped Ji Junxin would take care of herself, and if not, she had already arranged with Yang Lianyi from Mengguan for Mi Hongdou’s assistant, Bai Tang, to also assist Ji Junxin, since they were roommates.

After the call, Ji Junxin had mentally complained about Qiao Rubai treating artists like sheep, one sheep or two, it didn’t matter… and since when were Qiong Yu and Mengguan so close? She didn’t want them to be so close… how could she suggest that Qiong Yu poach Mi Hongdou then! Ji Junxin, already planning for a future with Mi Hongdou, was annoyed by Qiao Rubai’s decision. And then… under Mi Hongdou’s meticulous care, she forgot that she even needed an assistant.

It wasn’t until a few days ago, when Director Pan asked her why he hadn’t seen her two assistants recently, that Ji Junxin remembered. Then, thinking about her recent life, she realized that Mi Hongdou, offering to be her temporary assistant, had been doing an excellent job… she hadn’t even felt the need for another assistant…

That being said, after talking to Director Pan, Ji Junxin still called Qiao Rubai, asking about her new assistant. She had thought Qiao Rubai might have forgotten, but Qiao Rubai said she hadn’t, it was just that the investigation on Shen Zhu had revealed some new information. She felt that a new assistant might also be bribed, like Shen Zhu. Until they found someone completely trustworthy, Qiao Rubai suggested that Ji Junxin continue using Bai Tang.

Qiao Rubai’s words were vague, but Ji Junxin sensed the seriousness of the situation. Although she didn’t understand why someone would bribe her assistant, she trusted Qiao Rubai’s judgment. And… having another excuse to rely on Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin was secretly pleased.

If they were just friends, it would be fine. But now, realizing her feelings for Mi Hongdou, someone she could never be with, she had wanted to distance herself, but then she had made that promise to protect her. So, unable to escape, she decided to be a good friend. But she quickly realized it was too difficult. The possessive feelings were overwhelming, a desire she couldn’t suppress. Good friends could be close, or not see each other for a long time, and still be friends. But love wasn’t like that.

She wanted to be a good friend, but she also wanted to be with her every moment of every day! So, she started creating connections with Mi Hongdou, hoping that Qiong Yu would sign her, pretending to be helpless without an assistant so Mi Hongdou would take care of her, even using the pregnancy scenes… Ji Junxin no longer cared about the logic or the sustainability of these connections, she just wanted to keep Mi Hongdou by her side for a little longer.

So, the delayed arrival of her new assistant didn’t matter.

Life was perfect now. In the small hotel suite, just the two of them. Every morning, watching Mi Hongdou air out the cotton belly, then bring it back in at night, Ji Junxin sometimes felt like it was their child. Sunbathing during the day, sleeping in her arms at night, growing bigger day by day, weren’t they raising it together? She knew it was a silly thought, but she couldn’t help herself… it was just a fantasy, and since it was impossible anyway, what was the harm? …

And now, this secret fantasy was about to end. Ji Junxin, curled up on the sofa, felt unhappy. And this unhappiness, she couldn’t express it to Mi Hongdou. Mi Hongdou would never know about her strange fantasy, it would sound crazy… wanting to be with her, even imagining a child as a bond between them. Heh… it was a foolish thought.

Ji Junxin, lost in her thoughts, watched as the sky outside gradually brightened.

Dawn was approaching, the birthing scene was coming, and the other scenes would eventually… end.

Although sunrise was supposed to be a joyful sight, Ji Junxin felt a sense of melancholy, an irrepressible sadness.

Until sunlight streamed through the window, and she saw the slippers she had soiled the day before, now neatly placed on the drying rack. She had spilled milk tea—how clumsy of her. And yet, Mi Hongdou had quickly cleaned up the mess and even washed her slippers. She had even remarked, with a touch of sadness, “It’s a good thing it happened today. If it were tomorrow, after I ‘give birth,’ I wouldn’t get this special treatment.” Mi Hongdou had laughed for a long time, until Ji Junxin grew annoyed. Then, Mi Hongdou reassured her that the special treatment would always be there. Ji Junxin had felt smug at the time, but then it dawned on her—who spills milk tea on their slippers every day? But the conversation had already ended, and she hadn’t brought it up again.

Now that she thought about it, perhaps after the birthing scene, she could find new ways to connect with Mi Hongdou. After all… Mi Hongdou was always so kind to her. She had already created so many connections, even if they couldn’t be lovers, she had to be someone important to Mi Hongdou!

Unknowingly, Ji Junxin had embarked on a strange path called “jealousy.”

For Ji Junxin, the end of the pregnancy scenes, no longer being able to play a pregnant woman, was one reason for her sadness this morning. The other reason was the small, gold scissors Mi Hongdou had used to “rescue” Director Pan.

The birthing scene, as the name suggested, was about giving birth.

According to the script, the harem had been confined to the estate for over seven months. The troublemakers like Jiang Duo had been dealt with, the internal conflicts resolved, and the valuables they had brought with them were mostly gone, traded for necessities. The young empress had been the most resourceful in hiding her valuables, but with Miao Qianye’s pregnancy, and her increasing needs, they were almost gone. Now, her most valuable possession was a small pair of gold scissors.

When she learned about Miao Qianye’s pregnancy, the young empress had wanted to bring two experienced midwives. But they could only bring young, inexperienced maids and eunuchs. Before their confinement, she had specifically asked a trusted old midwife about childbirth. Fortunately, the midwife was experienced and had told her many things, including the importance of using clean, alcohol-sterilized scissors to cut the umbilical cord.

Because of this, the young empress had brought the small gold scissors and, during the first two months, had even traded some of her valuables for a small bottle of strong alcohol.

The necessities for childbirth were a clean bed, scissors, hot water, and blankets. The young empress had already prepared these. But the most important thing, the midwife, she had no solution.

None of the concubines had given birth before. And the maids and eunuchs were too young and inexperienced. So, the only one qualified was the young empress, who had consulted with the midwife…

This scene was a test of Mi Hongdou’s acting skills. The young empress had to deliver the baby, manage the situation, and comfort the first-time mother, Miao Qianye. Portraying this mix of inexperience and learned knowledge was a challenge. As for Ji Junxin, her task was simple, just lie in bed, groan, and act as if she was in pain. The birthing scene itself wouldn’t be shown in detail, it was too unflattering, just a few shots to convey the idea.

But for Ji Junxin, she felt like she was facing a huge challenge. Giving birth meant… spreading her legs for the midwife… even with pants on, the position was too embarrassing!

Chapter 95: Promises

Ji Junxin didn’t sleep well. The prosthetic belly was uncomfortable, and her dreams were chaotic and exhausting.

When the alarm rang, she woke up groggy, unable to remember her dreams. It was a frustrating feeling, like having exerted effort for nothing.

Her mind slowly cleared, but her body, still tired, craved the warmth of the bed. Then, hunger pangs jolted her awake.

The bedroom was dark, the blackout curtains slightly parted, letting in a sliver of soft morning light. It was perfect… for sleeping.

Ji Junxin opened her eyes and saw the empty bed next to hers.

Mi Hongdou’s bed was made, her pajamas neatly folded. To avoid clashing in the bathroom, Mi Hongdou always woke up a little earlier. This was the usual sight that greeted Ji Junxin every morning.

But today, it felt different.

Normally, she would close her eyes, snuggle back into the warm bed, and drift off again until Mi Hongdou woke her up. But today, she was wide awake. Last night’s events replayed in her mind, and looking at the empty bed, she suddenly felt anxious.

She had wanted to talk to Mi Hongdou, to explain… how had it suddenly become morning?

Mi Hongdou… must be angry… Ji Junxin sat up and listened intently. There was no sound from the bathroom.

She looked at the alarm clock. It was usually the time she would still be sleeping in, Mi Hongdou should be washing up, why was it so quiet? Could it be! She was angry! Ignoring her? Left without her? Ji Junxin, listening to the silence from the bathroom, felt a chill run down her spine, her body freezing in the cold winter morning.

No… she hadn’t had a chance to explain… Ji Junxin quickly got out of bed, her foot missing the slipper and landing on the cold floor. The coldness of the floor couldn’t compare to the coldness in her heart… Normally, she would whine pitifully and wait for Mi Hongdou to bring her a wet wipe, but today, she didn’t care and quickly put on her slipper.

Even if she had been delusional last night, realizing that Mi Hongdou couldn’t possibly have those feelings for her, she still didn’t want Mi Hongdou to dislike her! She was torn between wanting answers and fearing those answers. So, she rushed to the bathroom door, then hesitated for a few seconds before pulling back the curtain.

The bathroom door was transparent, she could see everything inside without even opening it.

The bathroom was empty…

So, her words last night had been too much… that dismissive “I’ve been acting for years, I have experience,” it must have sounded like something a villain would say. Had she… decided to ignore her? …

Ji Junxin’s hand lingered on the curtain, her heart sinking. She didn’t want to think, didn’t dare to think, didn’t even want to move.

“You’re up? So early? Why are you out here without any clothes on!”

The familiar voice came from nearby.

Ji Junxin’s body trembled slightly. She slowly lowered her hand and turned to see Mi Hongdou, her brow furrowed, walking towards her.

A dream? Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou, confused.

To Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin just looked sleepy and dazed.

“You’re shivering… I’ll get you a jacket.” Mi Hongdou reached Ji Junxin, noticing her trembling, and turned towards the bedroom.

Then, her arm was grabbed.

Ji Junxin’s grip was tight, a slight pain Mi Hongdou noticed.

Mi Hongdou looked at Ji Junxin, who seemed to have something to say, and quickly said, “I’ll get you a jacket.” She tried to pull away, as if wanting to escape, but Ji Junxin’s grip tightened.

Ji Junxin, however, was too flustered to notice Mi Hongdou’s attempt to escape.

The wrist in her hand, slender but real, she could feel Mi Hongdou’s pulse, and she finally believed that this was real, not a figment of her imagination.

She had been reading a lot of yuri novels recently, and she felt that at this moment, the next logical scene would be her throwing herself into Mi Hongdou’s arms, savoring the comforting reality.

But novels were novels, and reality was reality… Ji Junxin slowly released Mi Hongdou’s wrist, reluctant.

Mi Hongdou, not noticing Ji Junxin’s wistful expression, quickly went to the bedroom. If it weren’t for her concern for Ji Junxin catching a cold, she would have stayed in the bedroom a little longer, to calm her racing heart.

Their conversation last night hadn’t ended well. Mi Hongdou had lain awake for a long time, thinking not only about last night, but also about everything since her rebirth, and then about her previous life with Ji Junxin.

When blinded by a single leaf, you often missed the forest. But when you calmed down and removed the leaf, you would see your mistakes clearly.

Undoubtedly, in both lifetimes, Mi Hongdou had admired Ji Junxin, her idol, even striving to be like her. But in this life, encountering the unguarded Ji Junxin, less distant and more warm and approachable, had amplified her attraction. She liked Ji Junxin more and more, and as they worked and lived together, Ji Junxin had gradually become, without Mi Hongdou even realizing it, more of a precious little foodie who needed her care than a dazzling star.

As the distance between them closed, the admiration hadn’t disappeared, it had just transformed.

No longer an untouchable figure, but someone soft, adorable, and needing protection… Mi Hongdou had almost forgotten her earlier devotion, her unwavering support for Ji Junxin’s every word and decision. This forgetting had led her to cross a line last night, interfering with, even rejecting Ji Junxin’s decision, trying to change her.

She was supposed to be a loyal, supportive fan… Why, after liking her even more, even loving her, did she want to change her? …

Was what she thought was good for Ji Junxin truly good for her? Did Ji Junxin really not know what was best for her? Or was she, Mi Hongdou, unable to understand Ji Junxin’s deeper reasons?

Her insistence on removing the prosthetic belly last night had been too forceful… a mistake she couldn’t excuse, even with her concern.

Late at night, Mi Hongdou rediscovered her original intention and reflected on her actions.

Realizing her mistake, but not knowing how to apologize, Mi Hongdou, seeing Ji Junxin’s seemingly troubled expression, instinctively wanted to escape. But she couldn’t bear to see Ji Junxin shivering in her thin nightgown. She quickly returned with Ji Junxin’s jacket.

Ji Junxin felt warmer after putting on the jacket, not just physically.

“Since you’re up early, I made breakfast, let’s eat before we go,” Mi Hongdou said, avoiding Ji Junxin’s gaze, her voice gentle.

Breakfast? Ji Junxin paused and sniffed the air. The aroma of food was quite strong now, why hadn’t she smelled it earlier! If she had, even seeing the empty bathroom, she wouldn’t have jumped to the conclusion that Mi Hongdou was ignoring her!

Consumed by the fear of being abandoned, even a foodie could lose her sense of smell.

After washing up, it was breakfast time.

It was rice porridge with boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, the same breakfast Mi Hongdou had made for her the first night they moved in. Back then, it was because of limited ingredients. Now, with a fully stocked kitchen, this simple breakfast was a rare sight.

Ji Junxin stared at the food, lost in thought. Mi Hongdou gave her a boiled egg.

The soft, tender yolk, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, was as delicious as the first time. Ji Junxin glanced at Mi Hongdou, who was eating her porridge. She must also remember this as the first meal she made for her. Different from the egg fried rice she made for Miao Qianye, this was the first meal Mi Hongdou had made for her, Ji Junxin.

Ji Junxin remembered that they had agreed to have steamed buns for breakfast. So, Mi Hongdou suddenly changing her mind and making this breakfast, could it be… to mend their strained relationship after last night’s argument?

The thought made Ji Junxin feel guilty. She should have apologized earlier. It was her fault, and Mi Hongdou was the one making amends.

The warm porridge and the savory egg warmed her from the inside, giving her the courage she lacked last night.

The apology wasn’t as difficult as she had imagined.

After Ji Junxin, clutching her bowl, stammered her apology and explanation, she realized that her hands were red from the hot bowl…

Mi Hongdou had made this breakfast with a heavy heart, full of apologies. Of course, she hadn’t expected Ji Junxin to sense it. She had been struggling with how to apologize for her behavior last night. After all, she couldn’t tell Ji Junxin the real reason for her change of heart, but not explaining would make any other words sound like excuses.

She had originally planned to smooth things over with a nice meal, leaving the unspoken apology for later.

But she hadn’t expected Ji Junxin to apologize to her. Ji Junxin’s words, “I’ve been acting for years, I have experience,” hadn’t angered or upset her at all, just made her worry that she was being annoying. She had wanted to interrupt Ji Junxin’s repeated apologies, but Ji Junxin’s pitiful expression stopped her. So, stunned and sympathetic, she had listened to the entire apology…

Mi Hongdou’s first thought was, she was the one at fault, and Ji Junxin was apologizing, how shameless of her. But before she could apologize herself, she noticed Ji Junxin’s reddened hands.

Fortunately, they were just red, not blistered…

Mi Hongdou, amused and concerned, carefully applied burn ointment to Ji Junxin’s hands, transforming the two small, white hands into two pink paws that smelled of sesame oil, almost edible.

Poor Ji Junxin, whimpering from the burn, still asked Mi Hongdou if she was still angry, her words stabbing at Mi Hongdou’s heart.

She had thought she was a terrible person before, now she felt even worse! She had lived two lifetimes, yet she wasn’t as brave as Ji Junxin!

Having applied the ointment, Mi Hongdou, half-squatting, gently held Ji Junxin’s two little pink paws, thinking that this posture was quite suitable for what she was about to say. So, she didn’t stand up, but looked up at Ji Junxin, who was still pouting pitifully, waiting for her answer, and said, “I was never angry at you… It was my fault. I’m the one who should apologize… as your fan, as your friend, I shouldn’t have forced my opinions on you, shouldn’t have tried to control you.” She should have supported her, helped her, done what she wanted… she didn’t say the last part out loud.

Ji Junxin, who had been using the prosthetic belly as an excuse, shifted uncomfortably and couldn’t look at Mi Hongdou’s sincere eyes. “I know, you were worried about me. Anyway, it was my fault… I’m sorry… I won’t do it again.” Her voice was low, full of guilt.

“It’s okay, I’ll be there for you, if you’re immersed in a role, I’ll be immersed with you, if you want to improve your acting, I’ll help you, whatever you want to do, I’ll be there with you…” Mi Hongdou didn’t want Ji Junxin to change her mind because of her behavior last night, so she expressed her support even more clearly. Then she added, “Remember, I said you never have to apologize to me. If you ever have to, it means I’ve done something terrible. So, it was my fault, please don’t say those words again.”

Mi Hongdou’s tone was sincere, her words gentle, her expression full of warmth.

Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou, a sudden sense of disorientation. “Whatever you want to do, I’ll be there with you,” and “You never have to apologize to me,” were those really things you would say to a friend?

Then, last night’s wishful thinking surfaced, a slap in the face, bringing her back to reality.

Don’t be delusional, there’s no point in fantasizing about the impossible, reconciling was the priority. Ji Junxin held out her hand. “Let’s make up.”

“…” Mi Hongdou looked at the small, slightly oily hand, smelling of sesame oil. Although she wanted to reconcile, it was hard to reach out in this situation.

As the saying goes, don’t miss an opportunity when it presents itself.

Mi Hongdou hesitantly took Ji Junxin’s hand, shook it… then, her face full of black lines, went to wash her hands, and then reapplied the ointment to Ji Junxin’s right hand.

“It’s not as red anymore, just wash it off before we leave.” Mi Hongdou looked at the two slightly oily paws, sat back down, and took a sip of her porridge. “It’s lukewarm now, not too hot.”

The two, immersed in the joy of reconciliation, their brains momentarily offline.

Ji Junxin was the first to recover…

“So… should I just use my face to eat?” Ji Junxin held up her two oily hands. “The bowl is slippery, the chopsticks are slippery…”

“…” Mi Hongdou froze.

Ji Junxin chuckled and got up. “It would have been better if you hadn’t reapplied the ointment, now I have to wash them again, so oily.”

“Hey…” Mi Hongdou quickly stopped her. “It’s best to apply the ointment right after a burn, if you wash it off now, it will hurt, and reapplying it won’t be as effective.”

“Then I’m not eating?” Ji Junxin was dismayed. Weren’t they supposed to happily enjoy their first meal together after making up?

“Should we ask Bai Tang to buy some steamed buns for the car?” Mi Hongdou regretted making porridge and burning the fool.

Ji Junxin refused. “I want porridge and boiled eggs!”

“But…” Mi Hongdou hesitated.

“Didn’t you say you would do anything I wanted?” Ji Junxin held up her slightly injured hand, like a royal decree.

Mi Hongdou’s face burned from her own words.

So, with Ji Junxin refusing to give up on breakfast, and Mi Hongdou refusing to let her wash her hands, the only solution was… feeding her.

Ji Junxin pretended to be unwilling, and Mi Hongdou pretended to be exasperated… but actually, one ate happily, and the other fed her gently, both seemingly enjoying it.

Every piece of egg was carefully coated in soy sauce and sesame oil before being fed to Ji Junxin. Every spoonful of porridge was gently scooped from the surface and cooled before being offered. Mi Hongdou performed these repetitive actions patiently and tenderly, her gaze gentle whether towards the egg, the porridge, or Ji Junxin. Being needed by the person she loved, being able to care for her like this, was an unspeakable happiness for Mi Hongdou.

A bite of egg, a mouthful of porridge, being cared for by the person she loved, Ji Junxin’s heart pounded, and her face felt hot… it must be from the warm food, she thought, glancing at her slightly pink paws. She would probably need to apply the ointment again later…

Chapter 94: You Touched Me p2

Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou, a smile appearing on her previously cold face, but it wasn’t a happy smile, and Mi Hongdou felt a sense of foreboding.

As expected, Ji Junxin’s next words made Mi Hongdou want to swallow her earlier question. Ji Junxin, her smile a little mocking, didn’t answer, but instead asked, “What about you? Who is the person that helps you detach?”

The familiar, awkward silence descended.

After a long moment, it was Ji Junxin who broke the silence.

“See, even the best of friends have secrets they can’t share.” Her expression softened, but her voice was colder than ever.

Mi Hongdou remained silent.

There was a shared answer, “You,” an answer they couldn’t say to each other. At least not now, they both chose to avoid it.

“But… from your eating habits, to the leg cramps, your immersion is becoming deeper and deeper, it’s not just during filming… being in character day and night…” Their earlier conversation had made Mi Hongdou feel awkward, and her tone now lacked its usual conviction, but she still had to say it.

Ji Junxin, however, was still thinking about who Mi Hongdou’s most cherished person was. If it wasn’t Mi’s mother, she would be incredibly jealous! But family affection was a constant, she didn’t think it was strong enough to pull someone out of a role… When Mi Hongdou had mentioned it earlier, she had thought it must be romantic love, she had even guessed that Mi Hongdou had a boyfriend. Now, although she knew Mi Hongdou didn’t have a boyfriend, she was still jealous of that special person!

Even after realizing that she had no chance, she was still jealous of the person… or thing… that held such a special place in Mi Hongdou’s heart.

Jealous, disappointed, unhappy… Ji Junxin, filled with negative emotions, couldn’t listen to Mi Hongdou’s advice, she didn’t even want to continue the conversation. “Even if I’m immersed all the time, I can still detach after the pregnancy scenes. I’ve been acting for years, I have experience.” Having experience meant it was more difficult to detach, which was why she always needed long breaks after filming…

Ji Junxin had hoped that Mi Hongdou would trust her and drop the topic, so she could wallow in her sadness.

But to Mi Hongdou, Ji Junxin’s words were a wake-up call.

She knew she was worried about Ji Junxin, which was why she insisted on removing the prosthetic belly. But to Ji Junxin… she probably thought she was questioning her abilities. She was practically still a newcomer, while Ji Junxin had years of experience and successful projects. Although Ji Junxin could probably sense her concern, being questioned like this must be annoying, right? Just like her dismissive reply, “I’ve been acting for years, I have experience.” …

The atmosphere wasn’t conducive to conversation. Sadness and awkwardness lingered.

Mi Hongdou froze, then felt awkward, then wondered if she had been… too presumptuous? Too concerned? Or had her confidence as a reborn person, her experience, blinded her to the fact that Ji Junxin could handle it?

As soon as she said those words, Ji Junxin regretted it. It sounded like she was dismissing Mi Hongdou as a newcomer, interfering in her affairs. That wasn’t her intention…

“I mean…” Ji Junxin wanted to explain, but seeing Mi Hongdou’s conflicted expression, she felt that explaining would only make it worse, so she abruptly changed the subject. “I’ll be more careful… when I’m immersed, I’ll be more careful…”

Although she changed the subject, she still didn’t know what to say. Be more careful? She didn’t want to be careful, she wanted to be immersed!

Yes, immersed. It was Ji Junxin herself who had allowed herself to become increasingly immersed.

After Mi Hongcai’s call, Ji Junxin had indeed resolved to hide her feelings and be a good friend, protecting Mi Hongdou. But she quickly realized it was too difficult. Acting, deceiving others was easy, the difficulty was… deceiving herself.

People acted differently in front of the person they liked, compared to their friends. In front of the person they loved, they were often overcome with a sense of giddiness, becoming unlike themselves, even in unrequited love. Just like in romance novels, love could transform people, the cold and aloof becoming clingy, the decisive becoming hesitant, the independent becoming reliant… Ji Junxin didn’t know how she would change in front of Mi Hongdou, so she became very cautious.

She wanted to smile whenever she saw Mi Hongdou, but she couldn’t smile all the time. She loved talking to Mi Hongdou, but she couldn’t talk too much, couldn’t be too chatty. She wanted to be close to Mi Hongdou, but she couldn’t always be close, couldn’t be too close. Ji Junxin tried hard to maintain the boundaries of friendship, even though she wanted to cling to Mi Hongdou. Even close friends wouldn’t smile foolishly whenever they saw each other, chat non-stop, or constantly tug at each other’s sleeves…

Since making that resolution, Ji Junxin’s life had been a constant struggle. Except… except during filming. Miao Qianye, pregnant, was constantly being cared for by the young empress. On camera, Ji Junxin didn’t have to worry about what kind of smile was appropriate for a friend, how much talking was too much, what distance to maintain… Everything was in the script, no need for second-guessing or careful calculations. Most importantly, in the script, because Miao Qianye was pregnant, she needed the young empress, a need that Ji Junxin carefully hid in real life, but during filming, she could express it freely, even exaggerate it… because, well, pregnant women needed care and protection.

Gradually, the more she suppressed herself in real life, the more relaxed she became during filming.

Previously, Ji Junxin hated scenes with Jiang Duo because of the constant NGs, the repeated takes, the wasted time, the missed meals. And with the long filming hours, even if there weren’t many scenes scheduled, they would often work late, and she would miss Mi Hongdou’s cooking. But now, she loved filming with Jiang Duo. NGs? What were NGs? … For Ji Junxin, exhausted from pretending to be just a friend in real life, every extra moment of relaxation, every extra moment of closeness with Mi Hongdou during filming, was precious. These days, she found Jiang Duo increasingly… tolerable.

Perhaps because of her suppressed emotions in real life, Miao Qianye on screen was very close to the young empress. Shared circumstances, close proximity, understandable. A pregnant woman, needing support and protection, reasonable. Wanting to protect the imperial heir, a shared secret and a common goal, occasional eye contact, a knowing smile, also acceptable… Scene after scene, Ji Junxin’s already good performance became even better, her interaction with Mi Hongdou so natural that their gazes alone could tell a story. Director Pan was initially very satisfied, then felt something was off, but after reviewing the script and the recent scenes, although the feeling persisted, he was still full of praise. As for what exactly was off, he didn’t have time to analyze it.

Ji Junxin loved the feeling of being on camera, no need for pretense, no need for acting, just enjoying every moment with Mi Hongdou. She couldn’t believe that she was now living through acting, acting on instinct…

The more comfortable she felt during filming, the more difficult real life became. She started resenting the limited filming hours, but she didn’t want to deliberately NG and delay the production. Fortunately, there was Director Pan’s suggestion of wearing the cotton belly at night to stay in character. Ji Junxin started wearing it not just for a few hours, but the entire night, even sleeping with it on.

This, of course, didn’t escape Mi Hongdou’s notice. She asked, and Ji Junxin successfully used the excuse of getting into character. She could tell that Mi Hongdou still wanted to persuade her, but she insisted, and Mi Hongdou dropped the topic. This was just her first step. Soon, under the guise of method acting, she fully embraced the role of a pregnant woman in real life, being pampered and cared for by Mi Hongdou. Although Mi Hongdou had always taken care of her, now, with the added excuse of pregnancy, Ji Junxin could accept her care without feeling too guilty.

Relaxed, her true feelings occasionally slipped through. She wanted to be close to Mi Hongdou, to look at her, to touch her clothes, to talk more, to smile foolishly… Ji Junxin had already decided, if Mi Hongdou thought her behavior wasn’t appropriate for a friend, she would use her “pregnant woman” act!

Ji Junxin felt that her plan was brilliant and became even more dedicated to her “pregnant woman” role in real life, even more so than during filming. Whether it was her diet or the aches and pains of pregnancy, she strived for realism, so she would have a justification if Mi Hongdou questioned her.

But Ji Junxin hadn’t expected that her efforts, instead of making Mi Hongdou question her friendship, would make her question her immersion. How could she be too immersed? … She was just finding a way to relax and have an excuse if questioned.

Precisely because she knew her actions weren’t for the sake of acting, her reaction to Mi Hongdou’s concern was so strong. If she took off the belly, she would have to go back to carefully maintaining a proper distance from Mi Hongdou… Although that day would eventually come, she wanted to delay it as much as possible… it was too painful.

To quote a line from a recent novel… “My heart is so bitter…”

Having reached this point in their standoff, Mi Hongdou didn’t press further. Ji Junxin won, keeping her prosthetic belly and her temporary peace of mind.

After a few more meaningless exchanges, the lights went off, and darkness returned. Ji Junxin felt that she had actually lost…

Yes, she had won the belly, but lost something else.

Mi Hongdou, who had been determined to remove the belly, had suddenly given up. Ji Junxin knew it was probably because of her dismissive remark, “I’ve been acting for years, I have experience.”

She wanted to explain, but Mi Hongdou didn’t seem interested in continuing the topic. After Ji Junxin said she would be more careful, Mi Hongdou dropped it. When Ji Junxin tried to say something else, Mi Hongdou skillfully avoided it, just making small talk and then suggesting that they go to sleep.

The lights were off, but Ji Junxin was restless, unable to sleep. And the silence from the other bed offered no opportunity for conversation.

Even if you just turned over, I could pretend you were uncomfortable and start a conversation… Ji Junxin thought, finally drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 94: You Touched Me p1

Knowing you shouldn’t cross the line, yet your heart does, makes you even more determined to maintain the easily controlled boundary of physical distance.

Ji Junxin’s sudden movement startled Mi Hongdou, almost making her fall. Fortunately, her hand, which had been gripping the edge of the bed, steadied her. Although her posture was now awkward, her hand, as it retreated from under the covers, instinctively clenched into a fist, trying to retain the lingering warmth.

Although that kind of touch made her feel strange, this quick clenching of her hand, trying to preserve the sensation, wasn’t the first time it had happened. In fact, it had happened several times recently.

The boundary she wanted to maintain was unconsciously crossed, and when she realized it, her first reaction wasn’t regret or self-reproach, but a lingering desire. Mi Hongdou knew that if she continued like this, she would eventually be exposed. But exposure seemed distant, so she indulged herself, just for a little while.

“You touched me?”

Just as Mi Hongdou regained her balance and composure, Ji Junxin’s voice came from the bed, close and clear.

Mi Hongdou heard the three words clearly, but she instinctively dismissed it as a hallucination!

She looked up. Ji Junxin, who had been curled up in a ball with her back turned, was now facing her, the covers pulled down to her shoulders.

Her gaze clear, with a hint of confusion, Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou. Seeing her silence, she bit her lip, as if feeling wronged, and repeated, “You touched me.”

This time, it was a statement.

The words matched the movement of her lips. Mi Hongdou could no longer deny it.

Although unintentional… she had indeed touched…

Mi Hongdou’s mind went blank, and she collapsed onto the floor.

Normally, sitting down from a squatting position wouldn’t make much noise. But Mi Hongdou’s wasn’t a conscious act, it was a purely instinctive reaction, so she landed heavily, a thud echoing in the room.

Both the observer and the fallen were momentarily stunned.

Ji Junxin was the first to react. She threw back the covers, got out of bed, and reached out to Mi Hongdou. “Are you okay?”

It had been a hard fall. The dull ache in her tailbone brought Mi Hongdou back to reality.

“I’m fine…” Mi Hongdou, holding Ji Junxin’s hand and using the bed for support, slowly stood up.

She moved her legs, walked back and forth, confirming that she wasn’t injured.

Then her gaze landed on Ji Junxin’s stomach.

Perhaps because her gaze was too obvious, Ji Junxin, who had been anxiously checking on her, darted back into bed, as fast as a rabbit fleeing a cheetah.

Mi Hongdou watched as Ji Junxin’s slippers almost flew off her feet, it was quite a sight…

“I…” Mi Hongdou started.

Ji Junxin, now hiding under the covers, only her head visible, quickly interrupted, “Did you touch me just now?”

Why was she so fixated on this! Mi Hongdou thought they were past this after her fall! She nodded calmly. “Yes, I did. What’s wrong, did my hand feel too cold? Well, it’s your fault for not letting me remove that belly. I’m not responsible for you getting cold.”

Ji Junxin looked at Mi Hongdou intently, as if trying to decipher her every expression. She didn’t look away even after Mi Hongdou finished speaking.

“What’s wrong?” Mi Hongdou smiled. “If you’re afraid of getting cold, then come out and let me remove the belly. Or I won’t be so gentle next time.”

Ji Junxin searched Mi Hongdou’s face for any emotion besides amusement, but… there was none.

“Heh…” Ji Junxin lowered her eyes, her disappointment evident in the almost melancholic expression, a slightly sarcastic chuckle escaping her lips.

A person’s mood could greatly affect their demeanor. Although not always accurate, people could often sense the emotions of those close to them, at least the basic happiness, anger, sadness, and joy. Of course, if there were no obvious signs, and the person was trying to hide their feelings, it was easy to miss.

Like now, Ji Junxin’s undisguised emotions were clearly sensed by Mi Hongdou. The person in front of her, her head lowered, no longer looking at her, seemed to have lost all her energy, her entire being deflated.

“Are you… okay?” Mi Hongdou bent down, moving closer.

Ji Junxin didn’t look up. “You fell earlier, are you going to change your clothes?”

“…I should.” Mi Hongdou, remembering that her clothes were dirty, stood up and said to Ji Junxin, before going to get clean pajamas, “I’ll come back and talk to you later, don’t go anywhere.”

Ji Junxin, still curled up, didn’t respond. Mi Hongdou, glancing back repeatedly, went to the bathroom.

Ji Junxin listened to the sound of the bathroom door opening and closing, then chuckled softly, a sarcastic chuckle so bitter that even she felt the sting.

Yes, sarcastic, how could she not be? Mi Hongdou’s hand hadn’t been cold, it had been warm, and the feeling of it against her waist had been… a strange mix of comfort and discomfort. Similar to the time Mi Hongdou’s hand had touched her foot in bed, yet also different. Perhaps because that time, she hadn’t understood her own feelings, while this time, having some clarity, she wasn’t as panicked. So, she could better feel the warmth of Mi Hongdou’s palm and her own quickening heartbeat.

When Mi Hongdou touched her, Ji Junxin knew it was to untie the prosthetic belly, just like with the hot water bottle earlier, an accident. But she had suppressed her instinctive urge to tremble and pull away, staying still, hoping that this accident would last longer, the contact more prolonged.

And her efforts weren’t in vain, Mi Hongdou’s hand did linger. Mi Hongdou’s hand wasn’t particularly warm, but Ji Junxin’s body, already warm under the covers, now felt like it was burning where she was touched. To Ji Junxin, Mi Hongdou’s hand was slightly cool, a pleasant coolness against her almost sweating skin. But she soon realized that Mi Hongdou’s hand was lingering a little too long?

Wasn’t she there to untie the belly? Her waist and the straps felt very different! Ji Junxin tensed, not daring to move, clearly feeling Mi Hongdou’s hand against her waist, also motionless. Even if Mi Hongdou thought it was the strap, shouldn’t she be moving her hand, trying to untie it?

Could it be… that she also enjoyed the touch? This sudden thought made Ji Junxin’s breath catch. Could it be… that she also liked… her?

It wasn’t impossible… she was so kind to her… so kind… wasn’t it possible? Ji Junxin’s heart pounded, her breathing becoming shallow, almost suffocating.

Finally, she couldn’t stay still any longer. A slight movement, and she could breathe again. And Mi Hongdou’s slightly cool hand, following her movement, brushed against other parts of her lower back, the uncomfortable heat dissipating under her touch. If it weren’t for her racing heart, Ji Junxin would have almost sighed in contentment.

But almost as soon as she moved, Mi Hongdou’s hand quickly retreated. There were rustling sounds from the side of the bed. Ji Junxin couldn’t help but turn and look at Mi Hongdou, whose face, as she had expected, still held a hint of panic.

Do you… like me? Ji Junxin almost asked, but she stopped herself. Being too direct left no room for retreat… So, she asked something else.

Mi Hongdou’s reaction to her simple question, “You touched me?”, was to fall to the floor.

The stronger her reaction, the more certain Ji Junxin felt that Mi Hongdou had also felt something. So, after making sure Mi Hongdou wasn’t hurt, she returned to the topic of the “touch.”

However… Mi Hongdou’s answer, her attitude, and her expression, all disappointed Ji Junxin. It was a good thing she hadn’t asked the more direct question, there would be no way to retreat.

So, it was just a delusion… The lingering touch, just her own imagination, the time distorted by her own wishful thinking. The panicked expression, just her own excitement and blurry vision. Last time, when Mi Hongdou touched her foot, it had been perfectly normal, Ji Junxin thought, filled with self-deprecating sarcasm.

Falling in love with someone and then imagining that they also loved you, how delusional… Did she think Mi Hongdou, like her, would like a woman? Ji Junxin, are you crazy? Are you insane? … Haha… Along with the self-deprecation and sarcasm came a wave of despair and sadness.

Ji Junxin wanted to cry, but there were no tears. Enveloped by despair, she still managed to calmly tell Mi Hongdou to change her clothes.

Mi Hongdou went to the bathroom. Ji Junxin slowly raised her head and touched her eyes, dry… She really must be going crazy.

Ji Junxin’s mood in the bedroom was one of despair. And Mi Hongdou, in the bathroom, wasn’t feeling much better.

She could sense Ji Junxin’s earlier unhappiness, but she couldn’t figure out the reason.

Mi Hongdou frowned, took off her pajamas, and threw them into the laundry basket, which also contained their clothes from today. Looking at the half-full basket, she suddenly had a realization. This unhappiness wasn’t new.

Since their meeting, the usually cheerful Ji Junxin, easily appeased with food, when had she stopped being so carefree and happy? Mi Hongdou slowly put on her clean pajamas, her mind racing.

It seemed to have started when Ji Junxin started wearing the prosthetic belly day and night. She had occasionally sensed a faint… sadness? But because it was so fleeting, and Ji Junxin’s “pregnancy” symptoms were so much more prominent, the bigger anomaly had overshadowed the smaller one. Mi Hongdou had subconsciously sensed it, but hadn’t paid much attention.

Ji Junxin’s undisguised unhappiness earlier, more prominent than her acting, made Mi Hongdou finally confront this subconscious observation.

So, the more important question was… why was Ji Junxin unhappy?

Mi Hongdou’s first thought was “prenatal depression.” As soon as she thought it, she tapped her forehead. Was she also being affected by the fake pregnancy? It was a prosthetic belly, how could there be prenatal depression!

The throbbing in her forehead hadn’t subsided when another thought occurred to her. If the immersion was deep enough… it wasn’t impossible, right?

Regardless, this day and night wearing of the prosthetic belly had to stop. Even if it was to make her performance more realistic, it couldn’t continue…

Mi Hongdou, changed into her pajamas, returned to the bedroom, ready to persuade Ji Junxin. She saw Ji Junxin sitting up in bed, leaning against the pillows, her head lowered, her hand gently stroking the prosthetic belly under the covers.

It would be such a heartwarming scene if she were really pregnant. Mi Hongdou hesitated at the door, then quickly walked over to Ji Junxin’s bed.

“This can’t continue.” Mi Hongdou bent down and held Ji Junxin’s wrist. “You’re just acting pregnant, not really pregnant. But you’re clearly too immersed. During filming, it’s understandable, but you have to detach after filming. Let’s take it off, okay? Your portrayal of a pregnant woman is already perfect, you don’t need to wear it at night. We can talk to Director Pan tomorrow, I’m sure he’ll agree.”

Mi Hongdou spoke earnestly, and Ji Junxin, without interrupting, just looked at her wrist, which was being held by Mi Hongdou.

Seeing her silence, Mi Hongdou assumed she agreed.

“Should I help you?” she asked softly. Ji Junxin still didn’t answer.

So Mi Hongdou hesitated, released Ji Junxin’s hand, and was about to untie the belly. But before she could reach her, Ji Junxin brushed her hand away.

“I admit that wearing the prosthetic belly helps me get into character. But I don’t think I’m too immersed.” Ji Junxin’s gaze was unusually cold. “You told me that as long as I remember the things I love and care about the most in real life, even when immersed in a role, I can use that attachment to detach, right? So, let me continue experiencing this feeling of pregnancy, I can detach after we finish these scenes.”

Yes, she had said that, shortly after they met in this life. Mi Hongdou hadn’t expected her own words to come back and bite her.

“That’s just my personal experience, it doesn’t apply to everyone,” she explained, enduring the metaphorical pain.

“It applies to me,” Ji Junxin said, her expression unchanged. “So, don’t worry.”

Mi Hongdou sensed something was off. “You’ve successfully used this method before? The person you thought of… who was it?” She suddenly wanted to know who Ji Junxin’s most cherished person was! Family? Friends? Or food? … Mi Hongdou hoped it was food, so she could accept it without feeling jealous.