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

Chapter 42 p2

Xu Jingyu pulled Xin Yao into her arms, her kiss fierce and demanding.

If Xin Yao had to describe the kiss, it would be like this:

A hungry, possessive claiming of her lips, Xu Jingyu’s tongue parting Xin Yao’s lips, exploring her mouth with a relentless urgency, her fingers digging into Xin Yao’s waist, her touch like a brand, preventing any possibility of escape.

Xin Yao didn’t know if Xu Jingyu’s intensity was part of her performance, or something more.

And Xin Yao, always shy and reserved when it came to intimacy, would have normally retreated.

But they were filming.

And her character, instead of retreating, would eagerly reciprocate the kiss.

So, Xin Yao suppressed her shyness, her arms wrapping around Xu Jingyu’s neck, her lips meeting hers in a passionate response.

Their kiss deepened, their bodies pressed close together, the evening light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow around them.

Their shadows on the floor, intertwined like dancing swans, were a beautiful and intimate tableau.

The assistant director, initially indifferent towards Xin Yao, a small-time actress she had never heard of, now watched them with a newfound appreciation.

She hadn’t understood why the director had chosen her for this role, especially opposite a star like Xu Jingyu.

And the recent scandals surrounding Xin Yao hadn’t helped.

But now, watching their performance, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement, her heart pounding.

Their chemistry, the intensity of their connection, it was captivating.

And Director Gao, known for her stunning visuals and her masterful use of light and shadow, was also impressed.

The light was perfect, the atmosphere perfect, and the two actresses, their bodies intertwined in a passionate embrace, were even more perfect.

If they weren’t on set, if she wasn’t a professional, the assistant director would have been squealing with delight.

Ms. Xu was so hot!

And Ms. Xin, so sexy, so alluring, so beautiful!

It felt as if only they could portray this scene, this love, with such raw emotion.

The assistant director’s face flushed, her heart racing, wanting to look away, yet unable to.

She stared, her eyes wide.

Meanwhile, the two actresses, lost in their roles, continued their performance.

As their passion intensified, Xu Jingyu lifted Xin Yao onto the desk, their bodies still intertwined.

Xu Jingyu was tall, towering over Xin Yao even as she sat on the desk, her head lowered as she kissed her, the angle creating a sense of dominance, of possession.

As if she wanted to keep Xin Yao captive, a bird in a gilded cage, forever hers.

Between kisses, Xu Jingyu’s lips brushed against Xin Yao’s forehead, her fingers gently tracing her cheek, her touch possessive, as if Xin Yao were a doll, a precious toy she could manipulate at will.

Then, their passion reignited, their movements knocking over a lamp on the desk, but they didn’t care.

Xin Yao’s arms wrapped around Xu Jingyu’s neck, her legs around her waist, her body clinging to Xu Jingyu’s like a vine.

As they kissed, Xu Jingyu’s hand caressed Xin Yao’s face, her other hand unbuttoning her blouse.

Nudity was inevitable in a love scene.

But Director Gao, always prioritizing the emotional core of the story, didn’t rely on gratuitous nudity for shock value.

So, this intimate scene, while requiring some skin exposure, wasn’t overly explicit, just their shoulders and backs.

She had even instructed them to keep it subtle, the unspoken tension and desire more powerful than any explicit display.

Otherwise, Xu Jingyu, with her aversion to physical contact, would have been the first to object, and Director Gao would have faced her wrath.

The light outside shifted, the sky darkening, the room filled with shadows, the atmosphere growing more intimate.

Xu Jingyu’s fingers, white and slender, unbuttoned Xin Yao’s blouse, the soft fabric slipping from her shoulders.

Her smooth, white skin, her delicate collarbone, her back, half-hidden by her hair and the falling fabric, were a captivating sight.

In the dim light, she was a beacon, her skin glowing.

And then she looked up, her beautiful eyes soft and vulnerable, yet also defiant.

Xu Jingyu, her gaze fixed on Xin Yao, her throat tightening, her breath coming in short gasps, felt a burning sensation in her chest.

Her dark eyes were like smoldering embers, their heat almost tangible.

For a moment, she wanted to clear the set, to have Xin Yao, this beautiful, vulnerable creature, all to herself.

Or perhaps they shouldn’t even be filming. She should take Xin Yao home, hide her away, and savor her, every inch of her.

But she restrained herself.

She respected Xin Yao’s choices, her career.

Xu Jingyu’s hand tightened around Xin Yao’s waist, her other hand lifting her skirt, her fingers tracing the damp fabric where the water had been spilled earlier.

The soft, yielding flesh beneath her fingertips made Xin Yao shiver, her eyes fluttering open.

Xu Jingyu looked down at her, her gaze soft in the dim light.

Then, she kissed her, a gentle, lingering kiss, her fingers pressing against Xin Yao’s thigh.

It was just a touch, nothing explicit, yet in this moment, it felt incredibly intimate, almost indecent.

But Xin Yao understood, their unspoken connection, their shared understanding, transcending words.

The moment Xu Jingyu’s fingers touched her skin, she wrapped her legs around Xu Jingyu’s waist, her body arching, her head tilting back, her breath catching in her throat.

In the soft light, her body, her slender waist and long neck, her white skin and dark hair, were a vision of vulnerable beauty, like a dying swan.

Then, her body relaxed, her strength fading, as if surrendering to the inevitable.

Xu Jingyu caught her, their lips meeting in a tender kiss.

The assistant director, watching from behind the camera, couldn’t help but gasp, her face flushed, her hand clutching her chest.

Director Gao, her gaze fixed on the monitor, frowned at her. “Stay still! What are you fidgeting for?! Wipe your drool!”

The assistant director, her hand covering her mouth, her eyes wide, whispered, “Holy shit, Ms. Xin is so hot!”

“And Ms. Xu looks so wild!”

“They’re… they’re…”

Too perfect.

“Director, they look so real! Are you sure they’re not actually dating?”

Director Gao rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous! They just met yesterday! Even love at first sight isn’t this fast.”

Meanwhile, Xin Yao, lost in Xu Jingyu’s embrace, slowly came back to her senses.

She remembered she was acting, remembered the emotions she was supposed to be portraying.

She looked up at Xu Jingyu’s soft, loving gaze, feeling the gentleness of her touch.

If she were Lu Duanjing, she would be thinking: This person is so gentle now, but just moments ago, she was trying to push me away.

A sudden impulse made her reach out and tear at Xu Jingyu’s shirt, revealing her collarbone and shoulder.

Then, she leaned forward and bit down hard on Xu Jingyu’s shoulder.

A bite filled with anger, fear, and love.

It was a painful bite.

But Xu Jingyu, her condition intensifying with the pain, her eyes shining with a strange excitement, simply smiled, a soft, almost predatory smile, and lowered her head, her lips finding the exposed skin of Xin Yao’s shoulder.

She didn’t bite, but kissed her gently.

A bite and a kiss, their bodies intertwined, their actions a desperate attempt to feel each other, to confirm their reality.

After a while, the intense love scene finally ended, leaving Xin Yao weak and trembling.

As she slid off the desk, her legs almost giving way, Xu Jingyu caught her, wrapping her in a blanket.

They walked towards the director, their bodies still close, to review the footage.

Director Gao was ecstatic, her eyes shining.

“Perfect! Absolutely perfect! You two were amazing!”

“I thought this scene would take forever to film, but you nailed it on the first take! I’m so impressed!”

As the director celebrated, the assistant director and the cinematographer whispered to each other.

Xin Yao, hearing her name mentioned, turned to look at them.

Her character, Lu Duanjing, was supposed to be innocent and demure, but Xin Yao’s natural allure, amplified by the afterglow of their intimate scene, her hair slightly disheveled, her lipstick smudged, her eyes sparkling with a seductive light, made her appear even more captivating.

Seeing them looking at her, she smiled.

The assistant director and the cinematographer clutched their chests.

They were smitten!

The assistant director nudged the cinematographer. “Doesn’t she look like the woman of my dreams?”

The cinematographer shook her head. “No, because she’s my dream woman.”

Just as they were flirting, Xu Jingyu, standing beside Xin Yao, her tall, slender figure radiating an aura of power, looked at them, her dark eyes sharp and intense, and pulled Xin Yao back into her arms, her protective gesture possessive.

Whoa!

The two women, startled by her sudden movement, felt a chill run down their spines, as if they had just narrowly escaped death.

The assistant director nudged the cinematographer again.

“Do you think they’re real?”

The cinematographer nodded vigorously. “Realer than my mom’s jade bracelet! I think they’re secretly dating!”

The only person on set who seemed oblivious to their chemistry was Director Gao.

She looked at them, still embracing even after the scene had ended, and tapped Xu Jingyu’s hand on Xin Yao’s waist with her script.

“Break it up! You two are a little too close! This is a problem! We’re filming the first meeting scene tomorrow! You can’t be this comfortable with each other!”

“From tonight, no, from now until tomorrow’s filming, you’re not allowed to see each other! Do you understand?”

What?

They couldn’t see each other?

But sometimes, directors had strange requests, to help the actors maintain the right emotional distance.

And being a professional, and generally agreeable, and knowing it was just for one night, Xin Yao reluctantly agreed.

“Yes, Director.”

Xu Jingyu, however, frowned, her expression sullen.

“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“It is!” Director Gao, always assertive when it came to her work, even daring to contradict Xu Jingyu, jumped up. “I’m the director! Listen to me!”

That night, back at the hotel…

Xin Yao, freshly showered, lay in bed, her mind replaying the afternoon’s scene.

She remembered Xu Jingyu’s soft gaze in the warm sunlight, the gentle touch of her fingers on Xin Yao’s face, her kisses, both fierce and tender.

Xin Yao’s throat tightened, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid, her legs rubbing together restlessly.

Just as her desire began to stir, the doorbell rang.

Who would be visiting at this hour?

She composed herself and went to open the door.

The heavy hotel door swung open, revealing Xu Jingyu, dressed in a black nightgown, her long hair cascading down her back, her face beautiful and serene in the soft light.

Xin Yao was surprised.

“But the director said we weren’t allowed to see each other. How…?”

Xu Jingyu, never one to follow rules, didn’t answer.

She stood there, her gaze steady, her expression slightly tense.

Before Xin Yao could finish her question, she interrupted her.

“Yaoyao, the second one.”

Xin Yao blinked, confused. “Huh? Second what?”

Xu Jingyu stepped inside, closing the door behind her, then cupped Xin Yao’s face in her hands and kissed her.

The sudden warmth and pressure of her lips made Xin Yao gasp, her body instinctively trying to pull away, but Xu Jingyu’s arms tightened around her, holding her captive.

As the kiss deepened, Xin Yao realized that Xu Jingyu was using her second kiss.

And it hadn’t even been 24 hours since they had made their agreement.

This impulsive, unrestrained woman.

Chapter 42 p1

The warmth on her wrist, like a branding iron, sent shivers down her spine, the heat spreading through her body, making her limbs tingle.

Xin Yao looked up at Xu Jingyu, her dark eyes intense and predatory in the dim light, like a wild animal lurking in the shadows.

Xin Yao’s heart pounded.

She had dug her own grave. Why had she let her guard down, forgetting Xu Jingyu’s true nature?

But the words had been spoken, the offer made. There was no taking it back.

She tried to pull her hand away, but Xu Jingyu, sensing her hesitation, tightened her grip.

Her gaze fixed on Xin Yao’s face, her fingers tracing her wrist, she asked, “Is that a no? Were you lying just now?”

Her voice was calm and even, her tone casual, yet her words held a subtle threat, making Xin Yao’s heart race.

“You… you still have ointment on your lips,” she blurted out, grasping for an excuse.

Xu Jingyu’s gaze didn’t waver. She raised her other hand, her thumb wiping the ointment from her lips.

Then, she pulled Xin Yao closer, her lips finding hers.

It was a hot, demanding kiss, Pei Yu’s breath warm against Xin Yao’s skin, her lips pressing against hers with a desperate urgency.

As if punishing Xin Yao for her repeated rejections, her teeth grazed Xin Yao’s lip, a teasing bite that sent shivers down her spine.

It wasn’t painful, the pressure and the entanglement creating a delicious tension.

Even before the kiss deepened, Xin Yao wanted to escape.

A soft moan escaped her lips as she tried to pull away, but Xu Jingyu’s strong hand held her captive.

Xu Jingyu’s lips found hers again, her kiss a mix of tenderness and aggression.

Xin Yao, her heart pounding, pushed against Xu Jingyu’s chest, finally managing to create a small distance between them.

Gasping for breath, she found an excuse, her lips trembling slightly.

“You… you’ve already kissed me. That’s enough.”

Xu Jingyu’s dark eyes, like polished glass, fixed on Xin Yao’s face, a hint of amusement in their depths.

“Do you call that a kiss, Yaoyao?”

“Or are you just shy?”

“Should we turn off the lights?”

Seeing Xu Jingyu’s determined expression, Xin Yao knew she couldn’t escape.

Perhaps it would be better if she couldn’t see Xu Jingyu’s face, if the darkness masked her intensity.

After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded.

But Xin Yao, having sat down near the head of the bed, was now facing away from the light switch.

Whether intentional or not, Xu Jingyu didn’t get up. Instead, one hand braced against the bed beside Xin Yao’s leg, while the other reached across her body, almost encircling her, to reach the switch.

The close proximity, the weight of Xu Jingyu’s body against hers, the warmth of her breath on Xin Yao’s skin, made her heart race.

Xin Yao instinctively leaned back against the bed as Xu Jingyu leaned closer, their bodies almost touching.

The light switch was a bit far, and as Xu Jingyu stretched further, Xin Yao had to lean back further, until she was almost lying down.

Xu Jingyu’s fingers finally reached the switch.

Click.

The room was plunged into darkness.

Xin Yao, losing her balance, fell back onto the bed, sinking into the soft mattress and blankets.

She opened her eyes, but the darkness was absolute, her vision still adjusting.

Her other senses, however, sharpened.

She could hear the rustling of Xu Jingyu’s clothes as she approached, could feel her presence, a powerful, almost overwhelming force in the darkness.

The darkness didn’t diminish Xu Jingyu’s intensity, but rather amplified it, her breathing becoming more rapid, her excitement palpable.

Xin Yao felt like a prey animal, a wild beast lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce.

She had made a mistake.

The darkness, instead of calming her, had only intensified her anxiety.

She felt like she was about to be devoured.

Devoured by Xu Jingyu.

Her fingers clutched the blanket as Xu Jingyu’s hand gripped her waist, pulling her closer.

Like a small animal caught in a predator’s grasp, she was pulled into Xu Jingyu’s embrace, her lips captured in a hungry kiss.

If their earlier kiss had been a prelude, this was the main event.

Xu Jingyu’s pent-up desire, her longing for Xin Yao, was unleashed in a torrent of heat and passion, her tongue parting Xin Yao’s lips, exploring her mouth with a possessive hunger.

Her craving for skin-on-skin contact was insatiable, her hands intertwining with Xin Yao’s, their bodies pressed close together, leaving no space between them.

Xin Yao’s mind reeled, her senses overwhelmed, lost in the intensity of the kiss.

Her surrender only fueled Xu Jingyu’s passion, her lips clinging to Xin Yao’s, her touch becoming more demanding.

She was losing control.

Xin Yao’s skirt was still damp from the spilled water, and Xu Jingyu’s hand, whether out of consideration or simply a growing boldness, found the wet fabric, her fingers gently kneading Xin Yao’s thigh.

Xu Jingyu, her inhibitions gone, her desire for Xin Yao overwhelming, was on the verge of losing control.

Xin Yao, also caught up in the moment, her body responding to Xu Jingyu’s touch, almost surrendered.

But she regained her senses just in time.

She wrapped her arms around Xu Jingyu’s neck, then pushed her away.

Xu Jingyu, surprised by the sudden resistance, pulled away.

Xin Yao scrambled back, huddling in the corner of the bed, clutching her skirt, her head bowed, her long hair falling around her face, revealing her delicate jawline and the soft blush on her cheeks.

She looked vulnerable and incredibly alluring.

Xu Jingyu knew she should apologize. She had gone too far.

But looking at Xin Yao like this, all she felt was a surge of desire, a primal urge to possess her, to push her further.

To see her cry, to feel her body tremble in her arms, to hear her soft pleas.

Perhaps she was a monster, a beast.

She reached out, as if to touch Xin Yao.

Xin Yao, sensing the danger, knew that if she let Xu Jingyu touch her again, she wouldn’t be leaving this room tonight.

She quickly scrambled off the bed, her legs slightly unsteady.

“I should go,” she said, avoiding Xu Jingyu’s gaze, and walked towards the door.

But Xu Jingyu, who had also stood up, grabbed her wrist.

Xin Yao, surprised, turned to look at her.

Xu Jingyu didn’t meet her gaze, her head bowed, her dark hair falling around her face, obscuring her expression.

What did she want to say?

Don’t go.

I’m sorry. I went too far.

I miss you.

Please don’t leave me.

But in the end, she simply looked up at Xin Yao, her voice soft.

“Good night.”

Back in her own room, Xin Yao lay in bed, rolling around, her blanket wrapped tightly around her.

That had been too close!

Too dangerous!

The bed was right there!

Xin Yao knew Xu Jingyu well enough to know that she was capable of anything.

If Xin Yao hadn’t stopped her, Xu Jingyu would have taken her right there on the spot…

Thankfully, she had escaped.

But why had she refused?

As she rolled around, her movements gradually slowing, her eyes softened, a warm glow in their depths.

Because she was greedy.

She wanted Xu Jingyu’s love.

Her love wasn’t a monster. She had once known what it meant to love, and she had loved Xin Yao deeply.

Even if she was a monster now, Xin Yao wanted her love.

The next day, at dusk…

Chen Jia picked Xin Yao up for filming, but they didn’t see Xu Jingyu.

It wasn’t until Xin Yao had changed into her costume and finished her makeup that she saw her.

Xu Jingyu, already on set, was wearing the same outfit as yesterday.

She stood there, her gold-rimmed glasses reflecting the soft light, her demeanor cool and aloof, like a mountain stream.

Seeing her, Xin Yao remembered their encounter the previous night.

Her demanding kiss, her husky voice, the lingering touch of her fingers.

Xin Yao’s cheeks flushed.

Just then, Xu Jingyu also saw Xin Yao.

Always direct and unafraid, she walked towards Xin Yao, her tall, slender figure elegant and graceful, her presence a welcome distraction from the autumn scenery.

She stopped in front of Xin Yao, the scent of the wind clinging to her clothes.

Xin Yao looked up at her as she leaned down, the warm evening sunlight softening her features, making her eyelashes appear translucent, her usually dark eyes shimmering like jade.

She reached out, her ungloved fingers brushing against Xin Yao’s ear, her touch surprisingly gentle.

The usually aloof and distant woman was now the picture of tenderness.

And there was nothing more captivating than the unexpected gentleness of someone who was usually so cold and reserved.

Xu Jingyu plucked a fallen flower petal from Xin Yao’s hair, her voice soft and warm.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Xin. Did you sleep well?”

Xin Yao, her gaze lingering on the flower petal in Xu Jingyu’s hand, reached out and touched it.

“I slept well. How about you, Ms. Xu?”

Xu Jingyu shook her head slightly. “I didn’t sleep at all.”

But you look perfectly fine?

Xin Yao couldn’t help but ask, “Why not?”

Xu Jingyu simply looked at her, her beautiful eyes fixed on Xin Yao’s face, not answering.

Her gaze was so intense that it made Xin Yao feel slightly flustered.

Just then, Director Gao arrived, her usually messy hair now neatly styled in a high ponytail, a stylish jacket completing her look.

“Well, well, well! Look at you two! Bonding nicely! Perfect! The next scene is also emotionally charged.”

“It picks up right after the kissing scene. Wen Sigu and Lu Duanjing, on the verge of breaking up, finally surrender to their desires.”

“This scene is even more intimate, and more challenging. You’ll have to let go of your inhibitions.”

“I informed you both last night. Are you prepared?”

Director Gao hadn’t scheduled the kissing scene and the love scene first on a whim. It was a deliberate decision.

The two characters were at a crossroads in their relationship, their love threatened by external forces.

Xu Jingyu and Xin Yao’s initial awkwardness and unfamiliarity were perfect for these scenes, and filming them first would help them build chemistry for the rest of the movie.

Xin Yao, of course, knew what they would be filming today.

A love scene, even more intimate than the kissing scene.

She had practically fled after their kiss yesterday, and now they were about to film a love scene…

But it was her job, and she couldn’t hold up the production. This was what being an actress entailed.

So, as the beautiful evening light faded, they began filming.

As before, the set was cleared, leaving only the director, a female assistant, and a female cinematographer.

Xin Yao and Xu Jingyu stood in the same positions as they had at the end of yesterday’s scene.

Xu Jingyu leaned against the desk, Xin Yao standing close to her, their bodies almost touching, yet not quite.

They stood there, feeling each other’s warmth, their breaths mingling.

Their clothes, deliberately disheveled by the makeup artist, hinted at the passion of their earlier kiss.

Xu Jingyu’s shirt collar was slightly open, a faint lipstick stain visible on her skin, her posture relaxed yet tense, her appearance strangely sensual, like a forbidden flower, its delicate petals unfurling.

Xin Yao’s hair, usually neatly styled, was slightly disheveled, the loose strands framing her face, making her look soft and vulnerable.

Her lipstick, deliberately smudged, and the gloss applied to her lips, gave them a swollen, slightly bruised look, as if they had been kissed repeatedly, the color a vibrant red that drew the eye.

And her naturally alluring features, her slightly upturned eyes, gave her a seductive aura.

Xu Jingyu didn’t have to act. A single glance from Xin Yao was enough to make her breath catch in her throat.

And Xin Yao, seeing the desire in Xu Jingyu’s eyes, knew what she was thinking.

She’s crazy, Xin Yao thought. We’re on set!

But Xu Jingyu’s intensity was contagious, easily drawing Xin Yao into the scene.

The director, having adjusted the camera, looked at them.

“Ready?”

Xu Jingyu murmured a soft “mm-hmm.”

Xin Yao nodded.

“Unseen Spring, Scene 2, Take 1, Action!”

The clapperboard snapped.

Chapter 41 p2

Xu Jingyu didn’t think she was a good actress. She was simply imitating, mimicking emotions she didn’t understand.

But she had tried to understand them, believing that if she did, the person she had been waiting for might like her more.

A veteran actor had once criticized her, saying her performances lacked soul.

Xu Jingyu knew it was true. Her acting was 99% technique, the remaining 1% the missing soul.

She couldn’t find her soul.

She had initially thought it was because she was incapable of feeling emotions, her heart empty.

But later, she had realized it wasn’t that. How could she describe it?

It was as if the sun had once shone upon her, but she had forgotten, the memory lost, leaving her adrift in darkness, a nameless longing aching in her chest.

She had simply been waiting, longing for someone she couldn’t even name.

Until she met Xin Yao.

And then, in the darkness, she had seen the light.

Ah, I think I’ve found it, my soul.

Xin Yao, unaware of Xu Jingyu’s complex emotions, continued her subtle interrogation.

“You don’t understand ‘like’? Then you don’t have a girlfriend? Or a boyfriend?”

Xu Jingyu’s reply was swift. “No, I’ve always been single.”

Xin Yao smiled, quickly covering her mouth with her hand, as if afraid of her smile being too obvious.

But her sudden movement knocked over the glass of water on the table.

The glass shattered, the water splashing onto Xin Yao’s skirt, the coldness making her gasp.

“Ah!”

Xu Jingyu, her long arms reaching out, grabbed a napkin and bent down to wipe the water from Xin Yao’s skirt.

But Xin Yao was wearing a white dress, and the water had soaked the fabric at her thigh, making it transparent.

As Xu Jingyu dabbed at the wet fabric, her gaze inevitably fell on the exposed skin beneath, her fingers brushing against Xin Yao’s thigh, the soft flesh yielding beneath her touch.

Her eyes darkened, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid.

Her hand stilled, her fingers hovering above Xin Yao’s skin, wanting to touch, to caress, to possess.

Her gaze, her touch, both became more intense, burning into Xin Yao’s skin, making her heart race.

Especially in such a sensitive area.

Just as Xin Yao was about to speak, Xu Jingyu looked up.

And Xin Yao’s gaze fell into her eyes.

While they had only met a few times in this life, Xin Yao had gazed into those eyes countless times in her previous life.

That burning intensity, the unmistakable sign of arousal, of desire.

Just from looking at her leg? Through her clothes? Really, baby?

Xin Yao felt a flicker of panic. She always did when faced with Pei Yu’s unrestrained desire.

And now, with Xu Jingyu looking at her like she was about to devour her whole, she instinctively took a step back.

Xu Jingyu, always the predator, the pursuer, stood up and took a step closer, her gaze intense.

Xin Yao retreated, step by step, until her back was against the wall, leaving her nowhere to run. She swallowed nervously.

Xu Jingyu stood before her, their bodies almost touching.

Xin Yao could feel the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of their clothes, the air between them thick with tension.

Xu Jingyu was much taller, her shadow falling over Xin Yao, trapping her.

Even breathing became difficult, Xin Yao’s eyelashes fluttering nervously as she clutched the hem of her dress.

Xu Jingyu slowly leaned down, her face inches from Xin Yao’s.

Xin Yao could feel her warm breath against her lips, her gaze fixed on the small beauty mark above Xu Jingyu’s lip.

She was about to be kissed.

But just as their lips were about to meet, Xu Jingyu stopped, her eyes closing tightly, her body trembling with restraint, a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead.

Then, she pulled away, her head resting against Xin Yao’s forehead, her eyes closed, her voice a soft whisper.

“I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t scare you.”

Xin Yao, feeling Xu Jingyu’s rapid breathing, her chest rising and falling against Xin Yao’s, wanted to say something, but she was afraid her lips would brush against Xu Jingyu’s.

Xu Jingyu pulled away, apologizing again.

She turned and sat down on the bed, taking a long drink of water.

Her movements were slightly exaggerated, the water trickling down her neck and into her shirt, the sight strangely sensual.

Xin Yao, her own breathing finally returning to normal, asked, “Ms. Xu, are you… alright?”

As she asked the question, she suddenly remembered Xu Jingyu’s strange behavior:

The gloves she never took off, the long sleeves and pants even in warm weather, her eagerness to touch yet her constant restraint.

A realization dawned on her. “Ms. Xu, are you sick?”

“Sick?” Xu Jingyu set down the water bottle and looked at Xin Yao.

“Not exactly. I’ve always been sick, but I’ve always been able to control it.”

Until I met you. Now, just a glance from you is enough to make me lose control.

But her words confirmed it. She was indeed sick.

Xin Yao, worried, stepped closer.

“What’s wrong? What kind of illness?”

Xu Jingyu looked at her, her posture seemingly relaxed yet tense, her silence stretching for a long moment before she finally spoke.

“If you hadn’t come to me tonight, I would have come to you.”

“I need you, Xin Yao.”

“I have… a severe case of skin hunger.”

“I crave touch, I crave physical contact, but other people’s touch disgusts me.”

“Except for yours. Only yours.”

Your touch is the only one I crave.

Ah, so that’s why she always kept herself covered, Xin Yao thought.

It must be a terrible affliction.

Xin Yao’s eyes softened with sympathy as she sat down beside Xu Jingyu. “Is it very uncomfortable?”

“It’s manageable,” Xu Jingyu replied.

But it wasn’t.

Especially after meeting Xin Yao. She could barely control herself, her every waking moment filled with a desperate longing for her touch.

“Then,” Xin Yao asked gently, “do you need my help?”

Xu Jingyu looked up at her, her gaze intense.

“Xin Yao, same-sex marriage has been legal in this country for two years.”

“Oh, okay? So?” The sudden change of topic confused Xin Yao.

“So,” Xu Jingyu hesitated, “if I proposed to you right now, would you think I’m crazy?”

Huh?

A proposal?

Again?!

Xin Yao thought: I’m still wondering if you like me, and you’re already talking about marriage!

I’ll never catch up with your speed, you marriage maniac!

Even though she had experienced this in her previous life, she still couldn’t help but ask.

“Why?”

“Ms. Xu, are you proposing because you need me for your skin hunger?”

“No!” Xu Jingyu’s reply was swift. “That’s not it. I just want to marry you.”

“For the 25 years before I met you, restraint wasn’t difficult.”

“But since meeting you, I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“If I wasn’t afraid of scaring you, or you finding me repulsive, I would have proposed the moment we met.”

What did that mean?

Were you telling me that even in another world, even though you don’t remember me, even though you don’t understand what it means to love, you were still waiting for me, and you fell in love with me the moment you saw me?

Xin Yao looked at Xu Jingyu, her voice slightly trembling.

“I understand your feelings, but please allow me to decline.”

Her rejection made Xu Jingyu’s eyes widen in surprise, her usual composure faltering.

She hadn’t expected Xin Yao to refuse. She had been so sure.

But Xin Yao had refused, her tone firm and unwavering.

What should she do?

Had her words been too much? Too forward? Too soon?

Did Xin Yao dislike her?

Would she avoid her now, distance herself, perhaps even find someone else, someone she could smile at, someone she could touch and kiss without reservation?

A dangerous glint flickered in Xu Jingyu’s eyes.

No.

The thought was unbearable.

If that day ever came, even if they weren’t together, even if Xin Yao had just rejected her proposal, even if she had no claim to her, Xu Jingyu would take what she wanted.

She just hoped Xin Yao wouldn’t hate her too much, wouldn’t think she was a monster.

Well…

Even if she did, it wouldn’t matter. Perhaps she was a monster.

As her thoughts spiraled downwards, a dangerous obsession taking root, Xin Yao spoke again, her voice soft.

“I can’t marry you.”

“Then how about a relationship…?”

“That’s not possible either.”

Xin Yao took a deep breath, looking at Xu Jingyu, her gaze earnest.

“I only date and marry people I love. Xu Jingyu, you proposed to me. Do you love me?”

Xu Jingyu opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat.

She didn’t know what love was.

She only felt a strange pressure in her chest, a nameless longing that threatened to consume her.

But what was this feeling?

As Xu Jingyu struggled to find the words, Xin Yao spoke again, her voice gentle.

“It’s okay if you don’t know yet. I can wait. And I can help you.”

“You crave touch, physical intimacy. How intimate are we talking about?”

Xu Jingyu, surprised by the unexpected turn in the conversation, looked up at Xin Yao, her eyes softening slightly.

Her gaze lingered on Xin Yao’s lips, then on her eyes.

“If I’m being honest… I’m afraid of scaring you.”

“It’s okay. I don’t think I’ll be scared,” Xin Yao replied.

“My needs are quite intense. I crave intimacy, holding hands, kissing, sex. I need it all. And I need it now.”

She wanted to hold Xin Yao’s hand, to touch her, to make love to her, to marry her.

Since meeting Xin Yao, these desires had become a constant, almost unbearable ache.

While her words were honest, a true reflection of her desires, they sounded like the ramblings of a madwoman.

Xin Yao, still unable to handle her bluntness, blushed, the heat spreading from her ears down her neck.

“So, no attempts at bribery this time?”

“If you’re willing, money is no object, Miss Xin. But I’d rather marry you.”

Xin Yao, we should be dating, and we should be married.

You belong to me.

Every moment with Xin Yao only intensified these feelings.

Xin Yao paused, then spoke, her voice firm.

“I want to make this clear. I can help you, but marriage is out of the question. A relationship is also impossible. And please allow me to refuse any intimate acts.”

Her repeated rejections made Xu Jingyu’s eyes darken, the dim light amplifying the shadows in their depths.

Rejected on all counts.

Did Xin Yao hate her that much?

Would she have to resort to drastic measures to keep her by her side?

Xin Yao, oblivious to the dangerous thoughts swirling in Xu Jingyu’s mind, continued, “Kissing on set is unavoidable, it’s part of the job, but outside of work, I won’t kiss you, and I certainly won’t sleep with you.”

“Why? The compensation…”

“I don’t want your money, Ms. Xu,” Xin Yao said, her gaze soft.

“I’ll say it again. I only date, marry, kiss, and share intimacy with people I love.”

“Xu Jingyu, I can only kiss you if you love me.”

Xu Jingyu opened her mouth to speak, but Xin Yao interrupted her, her voice warm and gentle in the dim light.

“But… let’s hold hands.”

“When you can’t bear it anymore, when you’re truly suffering, come find me. We can hold hands, secretly, where no one can see us.”

She had rejected her, yet she offered comfort, a lifeline in her despair, her gaze so gentle and understanding.

Xu Jingyu looked at Xin Yao, her long eyelashes fluttering, her expression a mix of confusion and vulnerability, like a lost puppy.

Seeing her pitiful expression, Xin Yao’s heart softened.

She didn’t want Xu Jingyu to suffer.

“As for kissing…”

She held up three fingers. “Only three times.”

“Before you love me, I can only kiss you three times.”

Xu Jingyu, sitting quietly in the dim light, looked at Xin Yao’s gentle face, then reached out and took her hand.

“Okay.”

But Xin Yao had made a mistake.

Xu Jingyu wasn’t a docile puppy. She was more like a rabid dog, a ferocious wolf.

She shouldn’t be pitied, because the moment you let your guard down, she would devour you whole.

Xu Jingyu’s fingers tightened around Xin Yao’s hand, her gaze darkening, her voice a low, dangerous whisper.

“Then, I want to use one now.”

“What?” Xin Yao blinked, confused. “Use one now?”

“I want to kiss you,” Xu Jingyu’s gaze was intense, her voice firm. “Now.”

Chapter 41 p1

The early autumn air was still stifling, only cooling down slightly as night fell.

Xin Yao, freshly showered and dressed in a white nightgown, rolled around on the comfortable hotel bed, the temperature just right.

She rolled back and forth, a mix of laughter and tears escaping her lips.

Having cried her heart out, releasing all her pent-up emotions, she was now filled with an overwhelming joy.

No one could understand the sheer happiness and excitement of finding Xu Jingyu again.

As she rolled around on the bed, wrapped in her blanket like a happy little worm, Liu Nuan Nuan’s voice echoed in her mind, a jarring interruption.

[While I understand your excitement, Xu Jingyu lives next door. She’s not going anywhere. Don’t forget about your mission.]

“Tsk,” Xin Yao pouted, sitting up in bed.

“Of course I haven’t forgotten. But you haven’t finished repairing the camera yet. What’s the progress?”

[80%]

Xin Yao kicked the blanket aside, hugging a pillow as she leaned against the headboard.

“That’s slow.”

[Don’t even start. The tech department’s been down. Some idiot launched a massive attack on the system, and they’ve been paralyzed for days.]

“Your little black-market operation is falling apart!”

[Shut up and eat your sunflower seeds.]

[The tech department finally managed to get back online tonight, so I immediately took the camera to them.]

[Anyway, you have the evidence. It’s not going anywhere. And you’re not planning to release it yet, are you?]

Indeed.

While she had taken the camera to be repaired, she hadn’t planned on releasing the video immediately.

Why suffer the online abuse and accusations when she had the evidence to clear her name?

Xin Yao wasn’t being masochistic. She had a plan.

The evidence wasn’t strong enough.

While it seemed like a powerful blow, enough to clear her name and restore her image, the public was already prejudiced against her, thanks to Li Xu’s manipulation.

Some would accuse her of creating drama for publicity, others would simply enjoy the spectacle, taking neither side.

And Li Xu’s devoted fans would undoubtedly attack her, claiming the video was fake, accusing her of trying to deflect blame and revive her flagging career.

Another round of online bullying and endless arguments with Li Xu wasn’t what Xin Yao wanted.

And what would Li Xu lose?

A bit of reputation, some online hate. But once the dust settled, he could easily win back his wealthy girlfriend, or find another one.

The original owner had died because of him. Xin Yao wouldn’t let him off so easily.

So, for now, she would keep the video hidden, a small bomb waiting to be detonated, while she gathered more ammunition.

She would wait for Li Xu to reach the peak of his arrogance, his confidence at its highest.

Then, on his happiest day, she would unleash her arsenal, catching him completely off guard.

Falling from the ground wasn’t painful.

But falling from a great height was fatal.

According to the original owner’s memories, Li Xu and his wealthy girlfriend were about to get engaged.

The best time to strike was when he was most vulnerable, most confident. It would be a spectacular downfall.

She would make sure he never recovered.

But Xin Yao was too excited, too happy to wait.

She sat up abruptly.

“Nuan Nuan, replay Li Xu’s activities for today. I want to see what he’s been up to.”

[As you wish.]

A translucent blue screen appeared before Xin Yao, displaying Li Xu’s day, fast-forwarded like a movie.

Li Xu, having secured his position with the wealthy heiress, was living the high life.

Despite the ongoing online drama, his name and Xin Yao’s trending daily, he was currently on vacation abroad with his girlfriend, Mo Yuwei, completely oblivious to Xin Yao’s existence.

Mo Yuwei, generous and easily swayed by his charm, had even bought him an apartment overseas.

She would pick him up from his new apartment every morning, take him out for shopping or a day at the beach, then drop him off, returning the next day to pick him up again.

Only occasionally did she stay the night.

So, most of the time, Li Xu simply waited at the villa for his wealthy benefactress to arrive.

The sight made Xin Yao’s stomach churn. He was like a kept man, waiting to be summoned. Disgusting!

The scene shifted, showing the present moment.

The country they were visiting was far from China, the time difference significant. While it was night in China, it was still afternoon there.

Li Xu, dressed in a white T-shirt, a blue floral shirt, and designer slippers, looked relaxed and carefree.

Having achieved fame with his debut role, his popularity still strong, and having successfully charmed Mo Yuwei, he was undeniably handsome, even beautiful.

Especially his alluring eyes, their gaze seemingly filled with a deep, unwavering affection.

Like a flower in full bloom, vibrant and captivating.

But Xin Yao knew that flowers in full bloom quickly withered.

And she knew that beneath his charming exterior lurked a venomous heart, filled with greed and malice.

Li Xu and Mo Yuwei, also dressed in summer attire, were on a cruise, enjoying the ocean breeze.

They stood by the railing, sipping cocktails, their laughter echoing through the air, seemingly carefree and happy.

Just a few days ago, they had driven the original owner to suicide.

Xin Yao, remembering the blood in the bathtub, the deep scar on her wrist, her eyes hardened, then a smile touched her lips.

It wasn’t right for them to be so happy while she was suffering. Someone had to be unhappy.

She opened the system shop, her finger scrolling through the items.

“I saw it somewhere… ah, there it is!”

Liu Nuan Nuan, seeing the gleam in Xin Yao’s eyes, leaned closer, curious.

Xin Yao had selected an item:

[Tool: Make You Puke Your Guts Out (10 points)]

The little system, always eager for mischief, instantly understood Xin Yao’s intentions, her eyes fixed on the screen.

[Wait! I’ll tell you when the time is right. They’re about to kiss!]

On the screen, Li Xu and Mo Yuwei were getting closer, their conversation more intimate.

Li Xu leaned closer, his alluring eyes gazing at Mo Yuwei’s profile.

Then, he paused, the sea breeze carrying their laughter, the atmosphere romantic, his head lowering for a kiss.

Just then, Liu Nuan Nuan barked excitedly.

[Now!]

Xin Yao clicked the “use” button.

Thousands of miles away, Li Xu suddenly frowned, his face turning pale, a wave of nausea washing over him.

He couldn’t help it. A loud retching sound escaped his lips.

“Ugh!”

Fortunately, he hadn’t actually vomited. Yet.

But even the sound was enough to make Mo Yuwei, who prided herself on her elegance and refinement, recoil in disgust.

Just as their lips were about to meet, he had opened his mouth and made that disgusting sound, his breath hot and unpleasant against her face.

She also felt a wave of nausea, her face darkening as she pushed him away.

Li Xu, about to apologize, opened his mouth, and another retching sound escaped his lips.

“Ugh!”

This time, he wasn’t so lucky. He vomited, the contents of his stomach landing squarely on Mo Yuwei.

And Mo Yuwei, enjoying the ocean breeze, was wearing a bikini.

The scene was… unpleasant.

Xin Yao’s stomach churned, and even Liu Nuan Nuan, in the system space, closed her eyes, not wanting to see.

Mo Yuwei, having never experienced anything like this before, looked down at herself, then at Li Xu, who was still retching, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Then, she screamed.

“Li Xu!”

Li Xu, panicked, reached out to her, but another wave of nausea overwhelmed him.

And just then, the boat rocked slightly, sending him tumbling to the deck, his clothes stained with vomit, his appearance pathetic and disgusting.

Mo Yuwei was furious.

She had a temper, and she wasn’t one to be trifled with. She threw her cocktail glass onto the deck and kicked Li Xu hard.

Even Xin Yao, watching from afar, winced at the force of the blow.

Li Xu landed in a heap, his body covered in vomit.

Xin Yao couldn’t help but smile, a touch of schadenfreude in her eyes.

So, their love wasn’t so perfect after all.

[If you keep this up, they might not get engaged.]

Xin Yao leaned against the headboard.

“You underestimate Li Xu. He’s greedy and vain, desperate for wealth and status. He won’t let go of Mo Yuwei so easily.”

But causing them a little trouble was still satisfying.

Their unhappiness made Xin Yao happy. Consider it a small welcome gift.

She closed the screen, then leaned back against the pillows, glancing at the clock.

It was still early.

According to her original plan, she should be studying the script, preparing for the next scene.

But she had met Xu Jingyu today, and Xu Jingyu was just next door. She couldn’t focus.

She wanted to see her.

She had bitten her lip during their kiss. She wondered if it had healed.

A few minutes later, Xin Yao stood outside Xu Jingyu’s door, holding a tube of ointment she had purchased from the system shop.

She self-consciously adjusted her sleeve, covering the bandage on her wrist, then took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

The door opened.

Xu Jingyu, freshly showered, her glasses off, her dark eyes clear and bright, stood in the doorway.

She was dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and pants, her skin mostly covered.

Her hair was still damp, a few droplets of water clinging to her strands, her demeanor cool and relaxed as she leaned against the doorframe.

Her aura, however, was still intense and slightly intimidating, making Xin Yao blush, her gaze falling to the ointment in her hand.

“I… I’m so sorry about today. I’ve been thinking about it, and I still feel terrible. I didn’t know if you had any ointment, so I brought some.”

Xu Jingyu’s gaze softened as she looked at the small figure before her, dressed in a thin white nightgown, her head bowed slightly, her neck flushed pink, her demeanor shy and flustered.

Like a timid little rabbit, easily startled.

Her eyes darkening slightly, Xu Jingyu stepped aside.

“Come in.”

The nervous little rabbit, under the watchful gaze of the predator, stepped into the room.

The hotel rooms were all identical, Xu Jingyu’s no different from Xin Yao’s.

Except that Xu Jingyu had turned off most of the lights, the room dim and shadowy.

Xin Yao entered the room, her gaze falling on the neatly made bed, then turned to look at Xu Jingyu.

Xu Jingyu stood in the dim light, her tall, slender figure clad in black, her posture relaxed.

The small cut on her lip had formed a scab, a tiny red dot that somehow made her look even more alluring.

Xin Yao held up the ointment, her voice soft.

“Does your lip still hurt, Ms. Xu?”

Xu Jingyu looked down at her, nodding slightly. “A little.”

“Then,” Xin Yao stepped closer, “can I apply some ointment for you?”

“Okay,” Xu Jingyu readily agreed.

She walked over to the bed and sat down, not bothering with the chairs.

Xin Yao followed her, her footsteps soft against the carpet, her heart pounding as she approached the aloof and intimidating figure.

She stopped inches away, her bare legs almost brushing against Xu Jingyu’s knees.

She looked down at Xu Jingyu’s face, her gaze lingering on her long, dark eyelashes, like butterfly wings about to take flight.

Then, her gaze drifted to her elegant nose and her full, red lips.

Sensing Xin Yao’s gaze, Xu Jingyu’s eyelashes fluttered open, her dark eyes meeting Xin Yao’s.

Xin Yao’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly looked away, her lips suddenly dry, and busied herself with opening the tube of ointment.

She squeezed a small amount onto a cotton swab and gently applied it to Xu Jingyu’s lip.

Up close, Xu Jingyu’s lips were even more alluring, their shape delicate and slightly thin, like the rest of her features.

But their color was a vibrant red, the soft flesh yielding beneath Xin Yao’s touch, inviting a kiss.

Xin Yao’s heart raced. She couldn’t keep looking.

She glanced up, her gaze meeting Xu Jingyu’s.

She realized that Xu Jingyu had been watching her all along.

In the dim light, her dark eyes, reflecting the warm glow of the lamp, seemed even darker, more intense.

That gaze had been on Xin Yao all along, silent and unwavering.

And as Xin Yao looked up, those eyes darkened further, their depths unreadable.

Even though Xin Yao was standing and Xu Jingyu was sitting, the other woman’s gaze held a strange power, a subtle dominance that made Xin Yao feel slightly breathless.

They stared at each other in silence, the air between them thick with tension, their breathing becoming more rapid.

Xin Yao thought Xu Jingyu might kiss her.

Just then, the clock chimed, signaling ten o’clock.

The sound startled Xin Yao, snapping her out of her trance. She pulled her hand away, taking a step back, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“All done, Ms. Xu.”

“It’s edible ointment, but try not to lick it off.”

Xu Jingyu didn’t reply immediately, simply looking at her, her gaze steady and unwavering, until Xin Yao shifted uncomfortably, then she finally murmured a soft “mm-hmm.”

As if granting her a reprieve.

Then, she said, “Don’t call me Ms. Xu. Call me Xu Jingyu.”

Xin Yao nodded. “Okay, Ms. Xu.”

Xu Jingyu chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly.

“Relax. Have a seat. You always seem so nervous, even on set.”

Xin Yao obediently put away the ointment and sat down in the chair opposite Xu Jingyu.

“I am a bit nervous. I want to do a good job, so I tend to overthink things.”

“Is acting… enjoyable for you?” Xu Jingyu asked, her gaze soft.

The question, shifting the focus to work, made Xin Yao relax. She smiled.

“Honestly, it’s quite tedious.”

Filming a single scene often required multiple takes, and even after a successful take, there were close-ups, long shots, and other angles to consider.

It wasn’t just tedious, but also emotionally draining, requiring the actors to repeatedly access and portray the same emotions.

For Xin Yao, a novice, it was challenging.

She thought for a moment, then asked, “What about you, Ms. Xu? Do you find acting enjoyable?”

To her surprise, Xu Jingyu shook her head.

Xin Yao had always wondered why someone like Xu Jingyu, who seemed to dislike crowds and social interactions, had chosen to become an actress, a profession that demanded constant public exposure.

“Then why did you choose this career?” she asked, curious.

It was a question Xu Jingyu had been asked many times.

Her status and wealth made her presence in the entertainment industry a mystery.

No one had ever found a satisfactory answer, simply attributing it to a personal interest or a whim.

But Xu Jingyu didn’t enjoy acting. She even found her own actions slightly baffling.

Until one day, she had seen a scene in a movie where a character said, “If you want someone to find you quickly, stand in the brightest spot. They won’t have to look for you. They’ll see you.”

And the entertainment industry, with its constant media exposure, was the brightest spot of all.

So, she had become an actress.

And then she had realized, with a strange sense of certainty: I’m waiting for someone.

The loneliness and anxiety she had felt, the darkness that threatened to consume her, it was all because she had been waiting.

Waiting for whom? She didn’t know.

She had simply been waiting, her heart filled with a nameless longing.

Xu Jingyu looked at Xin Yao, her voice soft. “Because I was waiting for someone.”

Her words made Xin Yao’s heart skip a beat, her eyes widening slightly. “And did you find them?”

Xu Jingyu, her gaze meeting Xin Yao’s, smiled.

“Yes.”

Right here, right now.

She hadn’t had to search. She had known, from the moment she saw Xin Yao, that this was the person she had been waiting for.

“Oh,” Xin Yao replied, then, her fingers fidgeting, she asked casually, “Is she… someone you like?”

It was a simple question, a yes or no question, but it seemed to stump Xu Jingyu, who paused for a moment before replying, her voice slightly hollow.

“I don’t understand… the emotion of ‘like.’”