Category: You’re Not Allowed to Kiss Me Anymore! [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 44 p1

The autumn rain was cool and gentle, its fine threads falling like a soft caress, carrying the fresh scent of trees and flowers.

It washed away the lingering heat of summer, bringing a welcome coolness to the air.

It should have been a refreshing, tranquil day, but Xin Yao felt a warmth spreading through her body.

The hand clasped in hers was burning hot.

The heat intensified, spreading from her fingertips up her arm, making her limbs tingle, her entire body flushed.

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the film set, they stood there, their hands intertwined, a secret intimacy hidden in plain sight.

It was dangerous, yet thrilling.

As if they were secretly in love, their connection a hidden flame.

Just as Xin Yao’s heart began to race, something even more unsettling happened.

The director, her gaze scanning the crowd, spotted them and walked towards them, script in hand.

Xin Yao’s heart leaped into her throat. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away, her fingers tightening around Xu Jingyu’s.

But Xu Jingyu refused to let go. The more Xin Yao tried to escape, the tighter her grip became.

The director drew closer, her footsteps echoing on the pavement.

Xin Yao’s heart pounded in her chest.

Just as the director reached them, just as Xin Yao felt like her heart would burst from her chest, Xu Jingyu finally released her hand.

Xin Yao quickly pulled her hand away, her fingernails accidentally scratching Xu Jingyu’s palm.

It was a small scratch, but it stung, and the unexpected contact, the brief touch of Xin Yao’s skin against hers, sent a shiver down Xu Jingyu’s spine, her fingers twitching as she clenched her hand into a fist, her gaze fixed on Xin Yao.

Xin Yao, however, didn’t look at her. She turned to the director, listening attentively to her instructions, nodding politely.

Only after the director left did she turn and glare at Xu Jingyu, pinching her waist playfully.

So eager to play with fire, weren’t you?

Xin Yao hadn’t held back, and the pinch actually hurt.

Xu Jingyu, surprised by her mate’s sudden assertiveness, was amused.

But her craving for touch was so intense that even pain, especially pain inflicted by Xin Yao, was a source of pleasure, her eyes shining with a strange excitement.

Xin Yao, seeing the look in her eyes, knew what she was thinking.

She was about to say something when the director called them over, the lighting finally adjusted, eager to finish the scene before the rain stopped.

Urged by the director, they reluctantly parted ways, returning to their positions, getting into character.

They became Lu Duanjing and Wen Sigu once more.

Wen Sigu, having arrived at the Lu residence to treat Lu’s mother, had been led through the sprawling gardens by a servant, the rain falling softly around them.

She reached the door and was about to knock when it opened from the inside.

She was surprised, and the person inside, also startled, looked up, their gaze meeting Wen Sigu’s.

Wen Sigu’s first thought was: Those eyes are so big and beautiful, like shimmering pools of water.

And in the soft rain, their gaze seemed to capture the gentle melancholy of the day, soft and luminous.

Wen Sigu stared, momentarily captivated, then, realizing her rudeness, she quickly looked away.

But she couldn’t help but notice the other person’s pale skin, the delicate jade earrings swaying gently as she moved, their green hue accentuating her delicate features.

Like a porcelain doll, delicate and beautiful.

She wanted to reach out and touch her, but she hesitated, afraid of breaking her.

The rain intensified, the wind rustling through the trees, the sky darkening.

The young woman before her, dressed in shades of green and white, her skin like jade, her scent soft and warm, was a beacon of light in the gloomy garden.

The servant beside her introduced her.

And Wen Sigu learned her name: Lu Duanjing, the eldest daughter of the Lu family.

It was the beginning of their brief, tumultuous love story.

The close-up scene went smoothly.

While the director, fussing over a couple of shots, had delayed them slightly, they had completed the scene in just a few takes.

Overall, it had been a productive day.

In the days that followed, Xin Yao and Xu Jingyu’s scenes weren’t too demanding.

The entire production was still in its early stages, the cast and crew finding their rhythm, and Director Gao, a perfectionist, preferred a slower, more deliberate pace.

This gave Xin Yao more time to focus on her mission.

And Liu Nuan Nuan, having infiltrated the enemy ranks, was also making progress.

The day before Xin Yao’s schedule became more demanding, Liu Nuan Nuan’s unsettling laughter echoed in her mind again.

Xin Yao, sitting at her desk, reviewing the mission details, jumped, startled by the sudden sound. She rubbed her temples.

“Can you please not do that? It’s terrifying.”

[Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Who am I doing this for?]

“So, any news about the fan club president?”

[Finding her has been surprisingly difficult.]

[She used to be very active in the group chat, but she suddenly disappeared. Even her close friends haven’t heard from her.]

Xin Yao frowned, catching the key word in the system’s report. “Suddenly? When?”

[Coincidentally, right after the news about Li Xu and you broke, and he officially announced his relationship with the heiress.]

The fan club president’s disappearance coincided with the scandal.

Was it a coincidence?

Xin Yao didn’t think so. Her intuition told her there was more to this story.

“And?”

[She stopped managing the fan club, gradually handing over her responsibilities to others. It seems she’s planning to resign as president.]

[But her past obsession with Li Xu revealed some interesting details.]

[Her fan account’s profile picture always matched Li Xu’s, like they were using couple profile pictures. That’s not unusual for fans.]

[But I noticed that a couple of times, she changed her profile picture first, and then Li Xu changed his to match hers.]

As if he was responding to her.

It didn’t seem like a big deal.

But considering Li Xu’s character, his exploitation of his fans, and the importance of the fan club president, Xin Yao sat up straight, a sudden realization dawning on her.

“Are you suggesting that Li Xu and the fan club president had a… special relationship?”

It was entirely possible!

“Do you know her name?”

[Yes, she used to be very active. Many people have met her at fan events. She’s a university student. Her name is Ying Xi.]

“Ying Xi?” Xin Yao repeated the name, her brow furrowing. “Why does that sound familiar?”

She had definitely heard the name before.

She searched her memories, trying to place it.

As the sky outside darkened, she finally found it, a small news report tucked away in a forgotten corner of the original owner’s memories, from just before her suicide attempt.

The original owner, heartbroken and distraught, had been sitting in her dark apartment, her hair a mess, her body slumped in defeat.

The television, its volume turned up high, filled the silence with background noise.

She had been lost in thought, then, as she came back to reality, she had heard a news report about a tragic incident—

A young university student, walking home at night, had been attacked and killed by a homeless man in a dark alley, where the streetlights and security cameras had been broken.

The original owner had been saddened by the news, a young life cut short so tragically.

She hadn’t thought much of it.

Until a few days later, when she had learned more about the victim, realizing she had a connection to her.

It was the president of her ex-boyfriend’s fan club, Ying Xi.

And even more tragically, Ying Xi had been pregnant, her unborn child also lost in the senseless violence.

“Ying Xi…”

Xin Yao leaned back in her chair, repeating the name, a chill running down her spine.

In her previous life, Ying Xi had died even before the original owner.

Two women, both connected to Li Xu, both victims of tragic, untimely deaths. Was it a coincidence?

Impossible.

Who was the father of Ying Xi’s child?

And who had killed her so brutally?

Could it have been… Li Xu?

Xin Yao looked out the window at the darkening sky, a flock of birds soaring through the air, their flight a symbol of freedom.

“Nuan Nuan, I need to see Ying Xi. Find a way to contact her. As soon as possible.”

[Okay, I’ll find a way.]

The more Xin Yao delved into this mission, the more disturbed she became.

She realized that the original owner had never truly known Li Xu.

He had become so twisted by his greed for wealth and status that he was no longer the poor boy who had once defended her, who had scavenged for scraps to survive.

He was capable of anything to get what he wanted.

Initially, Xin Yao had thought she understood him, that she could see through his facade.

But now, she realized that even she had underestimated his depravity.

She was glad she had chosen to remain hidden, to observe from the shadows.

If she had confronted him directly, she might have become his next victim.

While the system would have protected her, it would have been a dangerous gamble.

The thought, the realization of how close she had come to danger, made her feel both uneasy and grateful.

As she sat in the makeup chair, lost in thought, waiting for the evening’s filming to begin, the door opened.

As one of the female leads, Xin Yao had her own private dressing room.

But her only assistant was Chen Jia, so it was usually empty.

The makeup artist and the costume designer had just left, leaving Xin Yao alone in the quiet room.

But not for long.

The door opened, and someone entered.

Xin Yao, without turning around, saw Xu Jingyu’s reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a simple black dress, a cup of milk tea in her hand, the sweet drink a strange contrast to her usual aloof demeanor.

It was a rainy day, thanks to Director Gao’s prayers, the fine drizzle cooling the air.

Xu Jingyu closed the door behind her, then walked over to Xin Yao and placed the warm cup against her cheek, sitting down in the chair beside her.

“What’s wrong? You seem down.”

Xin Yao took the milk tea, her hands warming slightly as she held the cup. She looked at Xu Jingyu, not answering directly, but asking instead, “Do you like milk tea?”

Xu Jingyu shook her head. “I just thought you might like it. If you like it, then I like it.”

Xin Yao smiled, taking a sip of the milk tea.

It was sweet and creamy, with bits of pudding and other toppings, the flavor filling her mouth.

The sweetness seemed to revive her, and she turned to Xu Jingyu.

Then, impulsively, she leaned forward and kissed her, her lips soft and sweet from the milk tea.

Compared to Xu Jingyu’s fierce, demanding kisses, Xin Yao’s were always gentle.

Even this unexpected kiss was light and fleeting, like a soft brush of flower petals against Xu Jingyu’s lips.

Like a delicate flower blooming in the rain, its beauty fleeting, its touch gentle yet unforgettable.

She pulled away, her face inches from Xu Jingyu’s, her voice soft, like the gentle rain outside.

“I’m fine. I just… missed you.”

It wasn’t acting. It was perhaps the first time Xu Jingyu had been kissed so tenderly, so spontaneously.

She had always been numb, indifferent to the world around her, her senses dulled, her emotions muted.

But Xin Yao’s kiss, sweet and warm, had sent a jolt through her, her heart pounding, her body tingling with pleasure.

She suddenly realized that sweetness wasn’t so bad.

It wasn’t just the intense, possessive kind of intimacy that could bring her satisfaction. Even a gentle touch from Xin Yao was enough to make her heart soar.

And Xin Yao had said she missed her.

The simple words, like sunlight piercing through the darkness, had warmed her heart.

And she had missed Xin Yao too.

Every moment.

Seeing Xu Jingyu’s slightly dazed expression, Xin Yao smiled, turning away to take another sip of her milk tea.

“That kiss doesn’t count towards the three, by the way.”

Xu Jingyu, snapping out of her reverie, her eyes sparkling with amusement, replied, “Thank you for your generosity, Ms. Xin.”

Xin Yao blinked. “Then do I have the privilege of being a little spoiled and demanding, Ms. Xu?”

“Of course,” Xu Jingyu looked at her, her gaze soft. “You can do whatever you want with me.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Xu Jingyu had always been in control, a predator accustomed to dominating, to possessing.

But with Xin Yao, she found herself willingly surrendering, her heart a captive to Xin Yao’s gentle touch and warm smile.

Her words, however, were both true and false.

Xin Yao could do anything she wanted, as long as she never left.

If one day, Xin Yao decided to leave her…

Xu Jingyu’s eyes darkened slightly. She knew that someone like Xin Yao, so cheerful and kind, wouldn’t want to be with a monster.

As they sat there, lost in their own thoughts, a knock echoed through the room.

Chen Jia’s head poked through the doorway.

“Sister Xin Yao, oh, Ms. Xu, hello!”

“The director’s calling for you. They’re ready to start filming.”

“Okay,” Xin Yao nodded, taking a sip of her milk tea, then patting Xu Jingyu’s hand. “Time for work, Ms. Xu.”

As they walked out of the dressing room, the evening sky was a soft, hazy gray, a light drizzle falling.

They returned to the traditional garden where they had filmed the previous scene.

Xin Yao, dressed in a green dress and matching jade earrings, stood beneath the eaves, watching the rain falling on the stone pathway.

Then, as she got into character, the next scene began.

—

Chapter 43 p2

Within a week, Li Xu’s fan club had contacted Liu Nuan Nuan, inviting her to join their VIP group.

The dog system, feigning reluctance, had accepted, successfully infiltrating the enemy ranks.

The group chat had been filled with hate towards Xin Yao, even discussing plans to attack her social media accounts.

But Liu Nuan Nuan had been more interested in another topic, a major event for the fan club: Li Xu’s birthday.

[And you know what I discovered?]

“What? Don’t keep me in suspense.”

[Every single person in that VIP group is a young, wealthy woman, just like me.]

What were the characteristics of such people?

Young, impulsive, easily influenced, and devoted to Li Xu.

And most importantly, wealthy and willing to spend their money on him.

They had been planning his birthday celebration for months.

[You won’t believe the gifts they’re planning to give him! Gold, watches, jewels, even a helicopter! And someone’s buying him naming rights to a star!]

[He’s good at keeping his fans happy.]

[And clearly using them to make money.]

“Do you have any proof?”

[Of course! Who do you think I am?!]

[I found evidence of them selling defective merchandise to fans, manipulating them into spending money, and scalping autographs and photos.]

[And guess what? He’s the one scalping his own autographs and photos!]

He was even more despicable than she had imagined.

Xin Yao scoffed, then leaned back in her chair, a smile playing on her lips as she looked out the window at the sunlight.

She had known it.

Someone like Li Xu couldn’t possibly operate alone.

There had to be others involved.

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “He wouldn’t have the time or energy to manage the fan club himself. So, he must have an accomplice.”

[The fan club president!]

“The fan club president,” Xin Yao and Liu Nuan Nuan said in unison.

[Mwahahaha! Leave it to me! The president must have even more evidence! This is a big fish!]

Then, Xin Yao watched as the dog system’s paws flew across the keyboard, typing:

[Oh my god, he’s so handsome! I’m buying all the new magazines!]

[But where’s our president? I haven’t seen her lately! Cute emoji.jpg]

Xin Yao shook her head, a mixture of amusement and disbelief in her eyes.

The internet, a strange and wondrous place.

Who knew the adoring fan girl on the other side of the screen might actually be a mischievous little dog?

But regardless, the second bomb was in place.

After discussing the mission with Liu Nuan Nuan, and having lunch, it was time for Xin Yao to go to work.

That afternoon, they would be filming the beginning of the movie, the scene where the two female leads first met.

Xin Yao arrived on set early, changed into her costume, and had her makeup done, then sat quietly, reviewing the script.

Xu Jingyu arrived a little later, with the director.

Seeing them approach, Xin Yao stood up and greeted them politely.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Xu, Director Gao.”

“Good afternoon,” Director Gao replied cheerfully.

Xu Jingyu, standing beside her, towered over everyone, her gaze cool and distant as she looked down at Xin Yao, her gold-rimmed glasses giving her a professional air.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Xin.”

They held hands and kissed in private, yet in public, they had to maintain a professional distance.

Xin Yao glanced at Xu Jingyu’s hands. She wasn’t wearing gloves today.

After their brief exchange, filming began.

Thanks to Director Gao’s lucky streak, it was raining lightly, the soft drizzle creating the perfect atmosphere for the scene, set in a beautiful, traditional Suzhou garden.

The raindrops fell on the stone pathways and the lush green leaves, the world appearing fresh and vibrant.

This scene was a return to normalcy.

The set wasn’t cleared, and Xin Yao wouldn’t be acting solely with Xu Jingyu.

She stood beneath the eaves of a traditional building, watching the rain, the crew bustling around her, and suddenly felt a sense of enjoyment, a newfound appreciation for the craft of filmmaking.

Then, she walked towards the building where they would be filming, greeting the two actresses waiting inside.

One was a veteran actress, known for playing motherly roles, who would be playing Xin Yao’s mother in the film.

The other, slightly younger and less famous, but also a talented actress, would be playing her cousin.

Both women were kind and welcoming, their smiles genuine as they returned Xin Yao’s greeting.

They chatted for a while, their conversation easy and comfortable.

But soon, the lights and cameras were in place, and the director called for everyone to get into character.

Xin Yao’s third scene, her first with other actors, was about to begin.

Lu Duanjing’s mother was ill.

She had always been frail and sickly, and now, during the rainy season, a slight cold had turned into a lingering illness.

Lu Duanjing’s father hadn’t visited her, presumably preoccupied with his new concubine, or perhaps simply indulging in his usual vices.

The Lu family was wealthy and influential now.

Lu Duanjing’s father, a shrewd and ambitious man, had taken over the family business at a young age and, through cunning and hard work, had transformed it into a thriving enterprise.

He had risen from humble beginnings to become a wealthy merchant.

His only regret was his lack of a prestigious lineage, his nouveau riche status sometimes looked down upon by the old money families and the social elite.

He had no feelings for Lu Duanjing’s mother, his wife, whom he had married when he was still poor and unknown.

But he was wealthy now, and he cared about his image, so he hadn’t abandoned her.

While he never visited her, he spared no expense on her medical care, hiring the best doctors and providing the most expensive medicine.

Coincidentally, during Lu’s mother’s illness, news arrived of the Wen family’s youngest daughter returning from abroad, having studied medicine and acquired impressive skills.

Those who studied abroad were always highly regarded.

Lu’s father, a traditional and conservative man, had always insisted on female doctors for his wife, not wanting her to interact with men.

Ms. Wen, being a woman and a skilled physician, was the perfect solution.

And more importantly, Lu’s father was eager to curry favor with the prestigious Wen family, hoping to gain entry into their social circle, to elevate his own status.

The Wen family, on the other hand, facing uncertain times, saw the wealthy Lu family as a valuable ally.

With similar motives, the two families had been exploring a potential alliance, and this presented a perfect opportunity to strengthen their ties.

So, Ms. Wen was invited to treat Lu’s mother.

The room was filled with the bitter scent of medicine.

Lu Duanjing’s cousin, visiting her aunt, was gossiping.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? The Wen family, so traditional and scholarly, allowing their daughter to study medicine, to interact with strangers. And Western medicine… they cut people open! How terrifying!”

Lu’s mother, her face pale and her body weak, coughed softly, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

“Is that so? Ms. Wen must be a remarkable woman.”

Her cousin, after a moment’s thought, shook her head.

“But she’ll have to marry someday. Who would dare to marry such a woman?”

Lu Duanjing, standing beside her mother, helping her take her medicine, listened to their conversation, her thoughts filled with admiration for Ms. Wen.

She had dared to study such a gruesome and unconventional field, and had even excelled at it. She must be an extraordinary person!

She couldn’t wait to meet her.

And she didn’t have to wait long.

Ms. Wen arrived shortly after.

Just then, the weather took a turn for the worse, the rain intensifying, the soft drizzle turning into a downpour.

The door, which had been open earlier, had been closed to keep out the cold.

Lu Duanjing, needing to retrieve something for her mother, walked towards the door.

As she opened it, the sound of rain and the dim light from outside spilled into the room, revealing a figure standing in the doorway.

The person was tall, and Lu Duanjing had to tilt her head back to see their face. And as she did, she was struck by their beauty.

Their features were delicate and refined, their eyes framed by gold-rimmed glasses.

They seemed to have been caught in the rain, their hair and clothes slightly damp, a cool aura clinging to them.

But as they looked down at Lu Duanjing, a soft smile touched their lips, their eyes warming, their voice cool yet gentle.

“Miss Lu, I presume? Hello, I’m Wen Sigu.”

Lu Duanjing’s father was a traditional and conservative man, his rules strict and unforgiving.

In the Lu household, women were expected to be demure and obedient, their roles limited to managing the household and raising children.

They didn’t need education or independence, only obedience and subservience. Even their smiles were expected to be restrained and discreet.

Lu Duanjing, sheltered and naive, had never met anyone like Wen Sigu, had never been addressed so directly, so casually.

Ms. Wen’s confidence, her warm smile, her education, it all intimidated Lu Duanjing, who instinctively lowered her gaze, her usual shyness amplified by Ms. Wen’s presence.

She murmured a soft greeting.

“Hello, Ms. Wen.”

“Okay!”

The director’s voice echoed from the hallway.

This scene, depicting the first meeting between Lu Duanjing and Wen Sigu, was simple, the required emotions straightforward.

Xin Yao, despite her busy schedule, had been practicing her acting.

Her efforts had clearly paid off. The scene was completed smoothly.

Director Gao, reviewing the footage, was satisfied. The actors’ emotions were perfect, the lighting and the gentle rain creating the perfect atmosphere.

She nodded, pleased.

“While it’s still raining, let’s film Wen Sigu’s close-up.”

It was a solo scene for Xu Jingyu, not requiring the other actors, so the actresses playing Lu’s mother and cousin left the room.

Xin Yao smiled politely as they passed, her demeanor gentle and respectful.

Having grown up in poverty, Xin Yao was small and slender, her appearance soft and vulnerable.

Despite her slightly seductive features, her large, expressive eyes and warm smile made her appear innocent and endearing.

She was the type of person who was naturally liked by older people.

The two actresses, charmed by her gentle nature, bid her farewell before leaving.

As the crew prepared for the close-up, adjusting the lighting and the camera, the room became a flurry of activity.

Not wanting to be in the way, Xin Yao moved to a quiet corner.

And then, unnoticed by the others, Xu Jingyu followed her, standing beside her, her tall frame blocking the light.

Xin Yao glanced at her.

Xu Jingyu didn’t look at her, her gaze fixed on the rain outside the window, her gold-rimmed glasses reflecting the gray sky.

But her fingers twitched, brushing against Xin Yao’s hand, then sliding down to intertwine their fingers.

Her hand, unlike the cool, damp air of the rainy day, was warm.

It enveloped Xin Yao’s hand, its heat like a flame, a burning desire for touch, for connection.

The warmth spread through Xin Yao’s hand, making her palm tingle.

But what made her heart pound, her body flush with a sudden heat, was the realization that they were on set, in full view of the crew, the cameras rolling!

And yet, they were holding hands, a secret intimacy hidden in plain sight.

Xin Yao’s heart raced. She glanced around nervously, like a meerkat, then quickly lowered her sleeve, covering their joined hands.

She tried to pull her hand away, but Xu Jingyu’s grip tightened.

She leaned closer, her voice a low whisper.

“What are you doing?!”

“We’re on set! Are you crazy?! What if someone sees us?!”

“We agreed to hold hands only when you couldn’t bear it anymore!”

Xu Jingyu turned to look at her, her dark eyes serious and intense in the soft light, a small smile playing on her lips.

“I can’t bear it anymore.”

“I miss you.”

Chapter 43 p1

Xin Yao was pressed against the wall, her head tilted back, her lips captured in a fierce, demanding kiss.

Pei Yu’s lips were like a burning brand against Xin Yao’s, the heat intensifying with each passing moment, the soft flesh swelling and reddening, their tongues tangling in a desperate dance.

The heat spread downwards, a thin sheen of sweat coating Xin Yao’s neck, her skin flushed a delicate pink, the contrast between the warm pressure of Pei Yu’s body and the cool wall against her back sending shivers down her spine.

She couldn’t escape.

She was trapped, Pei Yu’s arms a cage around her, holding her captive.

After a long while, Pei Yu finally relented, lifting her head slightly, breaking the kiss.

But she didn’t move away completely.

Her lips still hovered just above Xin Yao’s, as if waiting for her to catch her breath before claiming them again.

“You stopped first. That doesn’t count.”

Xin Yao, her body weak and trembling, leaned against Pei Yu, her head resting on her shoulder, a soft laugh escaping her lips.

“So, if you always make me stop first, it won’t ever count as a second kiss?”

Pei Yu’s gaze darkened as she looked down at Xin Yao, her eyes lingering on the delicate skin of her neck and shoulder, exposed by the thin straps of her nightgown.

She wanted…

Her fingers tightened around Xin Yao’s waist, her throat tightening.

She wanted to…

But she restrained herself, her fingers trembling slightly, a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead, her eyes closing tightly as she fought to control her desire.

Xin Yao wanted her love, and Pei Yu also wanted Xin Yao’s love.

So, she would try to control her impulses, to respect Xin Yao’s boundaries.

She wanted Xin Yao to like her, to love her, even.

She leaned closer, her lips brushing against Xin Yao’s ear.

“Is that okay?”

Xin Yao, unaware of the near-miss, still slightly breathless from the kiss, replied, “Of course not.”

“And Ms. Xu, you only have one kiss left. What will you do then?”

Xu Jingyu chuckled, her voice low and sensual, her face buried in Xin Yao’s neck.

“Then perhaps Ms. Xin could be generous and grant me a few more, or simply marry me.”

“Yaoyao, let’s get married.”

“Okay?”

Xu Jingyu, usually so cold and aloof, her mere presence intimidating, was now acting like a spoiled child, her tall frame bending over Xin Yao, her embrace almost puppy-like.

Xin Yao laughed, reaching up to stroke her hair.

“No.”

Xu Jingyu, her face still buried in Xin Yao’s neck, gently nipped at her shoulder.

It wasn’t a bite, more like a lick, a warm, teasing touch that sent shivers down Xin Yao’s spine, her breath catching in her throat, her arms tightening around Xu Jingyu’s shoulders.

“What are you doing? Why are you…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Xu Jingyu lifted her head, her fingers tilting Xin Yao’s chin up as she kissed her.

This kiss was even more intense than the previous one, as if punishing Xin Yao for her rejection.

Her fingers held Xin Yao’s chin captive, her arm tightening around her waist, preventing her from escaping.

Xin Yao’s head tilted back, her eyes half-closed, a soft moan escaping her lips.

She wanted to yell at Xu Jingyu, to tell her she was crazy.

But she couldn’t even speak, her voice reduced to soft gasps and pleas.

“Stop… please… let me go…”

She looked up at Xu Jingyu, her eyes soft and pleading, her voice a vulnerable whisper, a mix of fear and desire that only fueled Xu Jingyu’s passion.

After a long while, the kiss ended.

Xin Yao, her legs weak, leaned against Xu Jingyu, wanting to bite her, yet her heart softening as she saw the faint mark of her own teeth on Xu Jingyu’s shoulder, a memento from their earlier scene.

She touched the mark gently.

“Does it hurt?”

“No,” Xu Jingyu, always honest, replied. “I like it. You can bite me again.”

“You!” Xin Yao looked up, about to scold her, when the phone on the nightstand rang.

It was her private line, the number known only to a few close friends and the director’s assistant.

A call at this hour must be important.

Xin Yao gently pushed Xu Jingyu away, reaching for the phone.

Xu Jingyu, however, her skin hunger unsatisfied, clung to Xin Yao’s waist, refusing to let her go.

Xin Yao, struggling to break free, slapped her hand playfully.

“Let go! I have to answer the phone!”

She had been slapped.

And scolded.

Xu Jingyu’s eyelids fluttered, then she reluctantly released Xin Yao.

Xin Yao quickly answered the phone. It was the director.

“Hello? Director Gao? Is something the matter?”

Director Gao’s cheerful voice echoed through the phone.

“Good evening! You’re not asleep yet, are you?”

“No.”

“Perfect! I just remembered something about tomorrow’s scene. I need to explain it to you. It’s… well, it’s hard to explain over the phone. I’ll come over.”

Director Gao, always impatient, hung up before Xin Yao could even reply.

She was probably already on her way.

What a whirlwind, Xin Yao thought.

Then, she suddenly remembered Xu Jingyu and turned to look at her.

The director’s room was just one floor below. If she hurried, she would be here in minutes.

What would she think if she found Xu Jingyu in Xin Yao’s room, especially in their current state of dishevelment?

And the director had specifically told them not to see each other! This would be a blatant act of defiance!

Xu Jingyu, having overheard their conversation, seemed unconcerned, calmly pouring herself a glass of water.

Xin Yao panicked.

“You have to leave! Now!”

But Xu Jingyu, instead of leaving, walked over to the bed and sat down.

“I’m not leaving.”

“But what if the director sees you here?!”

“We’re rehearsing.”

Xin Yao was both exasperated and amused. “Rehearsing what, at this hour?”

“The kissing scene.”

Well, she wasn’t wrong…

No, she couldn’t let Xu Jingyu distract her! Xin Yao glared at her.

Xu Jingyu thought for a moment. “Or a medical consultation?”

“What kind of medical consultation?”

Xu Jingyu looked at Xin Yao, her gaze steady.

“I’m suffering from heartache because I don’t know what love is, and Xin Yao won’t marry me.”

Her words, delivered with such a serious expression, made Xin Yao laugh.

She walked over to Xu Jingyu, taking her hand and trying to pull her up.

“Come on, you have to go.”

She tugged at Xu Jingyu’s hand, but it was no use. After a few more attempts, Xu Jingyu finally stood up, reluctantly.

Xin Yao pushed her towards the door.

“Hurry up, Ms. Xu! It wouldn’t look good if the director saw you in my room at this hour!”

She opened the door and practically shoved Xu Jingyu outside, quickly peeking into the hallway to make sure no one was there before breathing a sigh of relief.

Xu Jingyu, banished to the hallway, stood there, her expression sullen.

Seeing that she wasn’t leaving, Xin Yao gently pushed her again.

The gesture made Xu Jingyu turn around, stepping closer, her head leaning into the doorway, her face inches from Xin Yao’s.

The sudden proximity startled Xin Yao, who lowered her voice.

“What are you doing?!”

Xu Jingyu’s eyes, like polished jade, fixed on Xin Yao’s face. She didn’t speak, simply pointing at her lips.

“This one doesn’t count towards the three kisses.”

Her meaning was clear.

Xin Yao was exasperated. “There are cameras in the hallway! What if we get caught?!”

“So what?” Xu Jingyu’s tone was nonchalant. She almost hoped they would be caught, their secret affair splashed across the tabloids.

“That’s blackmail!”

Xu Jingyu smiled, her lips curving upwards, her eyes sparkling.

She pulled Xin Yao into her arms and kissed her, a quick, hard kiss, like a burning ember.

Her voice, cool and clear yet strangely sensual, whispered in Xin Yao’s ear.

“Yaoyao, this is what I want.”

After a long moment, she finally released Xin Yao.

Xin Yao stood there, slightly dazed, the hallway light illuminating her face.

She touched her lips, a soft smile playing on her lips.

The next day was relatively free. There were no scenes for the two female leads, and the director was busy with the supporting cast.

Xin Yao’s scenes were scheduled for the afternoon.

So, she spent the morning relaxing in her hotel room, reviewing the script.

Suddenly, Liu Nuan Nuan’s laughter echoed in her mind.

It was such a strange, unsettling sound that it made Xin Yao shiver, her arms covered in goosebumps.

“Are you okay?”

[Mwahahaha! The camera is fixed!]

“Oh?” Xin Yao’s eyes lit up. “Excellent!”

She quickly reviewed the footage. It showed Li Xu confessing his love for the original owner, promising to be with her forever.

And the date stamp clearly showed it was from six years ago.

Xin Yao smiled coldly. “Very good.”

[Don’t get too excited yet. I have another little surprise for you.]

“Oh?” Xin Yao was intrigued. “What is it?”

[Just wait and see. You’ll be thanking me.]

While Xin Yao had been busy with her career, Liu Nuan Nuan hadn’t been idle.

Initially, angered by the online hate directed at Xin Yao, she had engaged in a fierce online battle, single-handedly taking on eighteen trolls, her arguments sharp and relentless.

She had emerged victorious.

But she had also realized that her own efforts were limited.

So, the cunning little dog had set her sights on the enemy.

She had created a new account, chosen a beautiful profile picture, and crafted a new persona.

A wealthy, naive fan of Li Xu, living abroad, showering him with praise and adoration online.

[Oh, my god, he’s so handsome!]

[My poor baby! I feel so bad for him!]

[That evil Xin Yao!]

She had infiltrated the enemy ranks, planning to dismantle them from within.

The clever little dog, knowing that Li Xu only cared about money, hadn’t been aggressive.

Instead, she had flaunted her wealth, posting screenshots of her purchases: ten thousand copies of his magazine, 1314 posters, and 5200 photo books.

All paid for with Xin Yao’s money, of course.

Xin Yao didn’t mind. If it helped expose Li Xu’s true nature, it was worth it.

The strategy had worked perfectly.