After A Secret Marriage Agreement With A Rival Omega - Chapter 95

Chapter 95

 I Seem to Need to Kiss You to Keep Breathing

Sheng Ruxi hated to admit it, but sometimes Jian Jixing’s words—even when they made no sense at all—sounded perfectly reasonable coming from her.

“But people will still buy those smear campaigns. If we don’t stamp it out completely, they’ll keep talking,” Sheng Ruxi pouted, feeling weary of it all.

“There’s a very difficult scene to shoot tomorrow, have you seen it?” Jian Jixing suddenly asked. “It’s the one where Yao Tai fantasizes about returning to her earliest memories—a period of time when she was neglected.”

“I’ve seen it.” The reason Sheng Ruxi wanted to go back early was to study the script more; this was the first heavyweight emotional scene of the shoot. “I can handle it.”

“I know you can. Tomorrow’s scene can be our rebuttal to the trending searches,” Jian Jixing said. “Without affecting the final film, I’ll release a clip of your performance myself.”

“Rumors can never beat raw talent. Don’t worry.” Jian Jixing rested her head on Sheng Ruxi’s shoulder. “In a while, we’ll move the shoot to the pastoral areas. The site will be closed off, and it’ll be much quieter. You’ll just have to work hard for these next few months.”

“I’m not the one working hard. Just thinking about how you’ll have to beg me for a ‘title’ later—”

Sheng Ruxi grew inexplicably excited. She pinched Jian Jixing’s ear. “Hey, what if you win an award?”

Jian Jixing: “I’ll be at your disposal.”

“You said it!” Sheng Ruxi tilted her chin up and laughed. “Then if you win and stand on that highest podium, you’ll have to ask for that title yourself.”

Jian Jixing laughed too. “Fine. How hard could that be?”

She had the confidence to let more people see Sheng Ruxi’s acting skills. As for whether she herself won anything, she didn’t care at all. What she wanted most right now was for more people to recognize Sheng Ruxi—nothing more.

…

Without Jian Jixing’s “mischief” that night, Sheng Ruxi was back on schedule the next day, waking up early for makeup.

Jian Jixing had already discussed the strategy with Qian Chunhe the night before, so the outside chaos couldn’t touch them now.

Extra security had been arranged at the studio entrance to ensure they weren’t disturbed. When Sheng Ruxi went for her hair and makeup, she didn’t stop the fans from waiting outside. Instead, she greeted them warmly as she came out, looking in better spirits than usual.

“Our Xibao isn’t affected at all, boohoo, that’s so great.”

“With Xixi’s personality where she can’t hide anything, the fact that she showed up for work as scheduled is a direct slap to those messy rumors yesterday!”

“Xixi! You didn’t fight with Director Jian, did you?”

“Xibao is so beautiful! Is this makeup for her student days?”

“Ah! She stopped!”

Sheng Ruxi happened to hear the person asking if she’d fought with Jian Jixing. She walked right up to them and gave a wink, leaving the group stunned by her beauty.

“I’m such a generous person, why would I fight with her?” Sheng Ruxi said with a face full of pride and self-assurance. “I’ve always been serious about my work and don’t bring personal emotions into it. Of course, Director Jian is the same.”

The moment she stepped into the car, the crowd of fans erupted into screams behind her. Soon, the video of what she said was posted online.

A good state of mind can’t be faked.

Although neither Jian Jixing nor Sheng Ruxi released an official response, Lin Qie posted a photo that evening of the lead team during a script reading, making their stance clear.

In the morning at the studio, from the moment Sheng Ruxi appeared, the cameras never stopped following her. She was wearing a high school uniform, yet there was no sense of discordance. Jian Jixing tested the lighting for her and gestured for silence on set.

Sheng Ruxi needed to get into character before the performance began.

This scene was about Yao Tai’s high school years—a memory Yao Tai has while exiling herself on the grasslands. She had developed hazy feelings during high school but, due to her personality, always remained restrained. When a rival appeared, she chose to step back, losing the person she liked.

Passing notes in class, delivering drinks and mineral water after school, bickering at the flag-raising platform, and arguments in small groups… many past memories surfaced one by one.

Others only saw Sheng Ruxi acting, but Sheng Ruxi knew she was touching upon the internal struggles Jian Jixing had felt back then.

There were so many details that existed only in Jian Jixing’s memory. If she hadn’t taken this role, Sheng Ruxi would never have known that things she found trivial back then were remembered by Jian Jixing for so long.

It was precisely because she was playing Yao Tai that she had the chance to truly understand Jian Jixing. She understood why her restraint existed, the pressure she bore, and the insecurity beneath her fluctuating emotions.

The scene where she was forgotten at school by her family during her “differentiation” was also filmed.

Sheng Ruxi remembered that although she had run back to check on Jian Jixing, Jian Jixing had stubbornly insisted she was fine and made her leave.

In the film, it was changed.

In her fantasy, Yao Tai finally took initiative. She called out to the classmate who came to check on her and said: “…Help me, don’t go.”

“Cut!” Jian Jixing immediately called a stop. “This take was great. Everyone can rest for the afternoon.”

Sheng Ruxi remained standing, motionless. Suddenly sensing something, she looked up and found Jian Jixing’s gaze outside the camera’s frame.

Jian Jixing froze for a moment, then waved away the makeup artists who were about to swarm in, signaling them to let Sheng Ruxi be for a moment. She could see it—Sheng Ruxi hadn’t stepped out of character yet.

No one dared to disturb her. Only Qian Chunhe signaled the photographer to make sure every bit of this was captured.

At that moment, a sneaky little head popped up beside Qian Chunhe: “Sister Chunhe! I took so many photos.”

“Eh?” Qian Chunhe tapped the brim of Yan Huaixi’s baseball cap and laughed. “Why are you here again? Aren’t you afraid Director Jian will scold you?”

Yan Huaixi smiled. “I was bored at the hotel, so I came to help.”

She had been well-taken care of by Gu Shengci the night before, but she couldn’t stay still. Since everyone knew she was Jian Jixing’s sister, she had free rein of the studio. Knowing the crew needed behind-the-scenes shots of her sister and sister-in-law, she naturally took the lead. With her high-end equipment and eye for angles, her shots were full of atmosphere.

Jian Jixing walked up to Sheng Ruxi, sighed softly, and leaned down to look her in the eye. “Sheng Ruxi, it’s me. Can you see me?”

Sheng Ruxi felt as if a stone were pressing on her heart—it was dark and heavy, and her body felt like it was filled with water, making it hard to breathe. She was afraid that if she spoke, Jian Jixing would see how off she was. Even though the filming was over, her emotions were still empathizing with Yao Tai.

Jian Jixing reached out to her. “It’s lively outside. Want to go for a walk?”

Her palm was dry and soft, looking reassuring.

Sheng Ruxi finally felt a flicker of strength return. She placed her palm in Jian Jixing’s and whispered, “You really are a fool.”

Why didn’t she say anything back then? She had digested all her unhappiness alone and still managed to be all smiles in front of her every day.

“It’s never too late,” Jian Jixing pulled her up and whispered in her ear. “If it weren’t for the conflict and reflection back then, I might not have figured out what I truly wanted by now.”

Sheng Ruxi’s eyes widened slightly as she looked at Jian Jixing.

Jian Jixing led her out, grabbing two hats for them to wear casually. She didn’t purposely hide her face; they just walked out like that.

“We’re going for a walk. You guys pack up.”

“Hey!” Before Qian Chunhe could say anything, she was stopped by Lin Qie. “Don’t go. Director Jian is helping Sheng Ruxi get out of character.”

“Is it okay for them to go out like that? There are so many eyes on them!”

Lin Qie shook her head. “It’s fine. It’s good for everyone to see that Director Jian and Sheng Ruxi are working well together. It kills two birds with one stone.”

As they walked out, Sheng Ruxi was suddenly hit by the noise outside, making her head spin. She was still wearing her school uniform and a baseball cap.

After a long silence, Jian Jixing said, “I feel like I’m talking to a high school little sister.”

“Who’s a high school little sister!” Sheng Ruxi dodged Jian Jixing’s pinch. Teased by her, she was halfway out of her character’s emotions. “Hey.”

Because their movements were natural and not awkward, they walked down the road without many people noticing them. Every film crew was busy; unless paparazzi or fans were specifically staking them out, few people were that bored.

“Hmm?”

“Back then, when you delivered water, you always ran ahead of me, insisting on being first,” Sheng Ruxi said slowly. “I chased and chased after you, and look, I’ve finally caught up.”

“Well… I had some strange competitiveness back then. I didn’t want Chu Wu to drink the water you delivered.” Jian Jixing walked side-by-side with her, unable to resist rubbing Sheng Ruxi’s cheeks. “What were you thinking back then?”

Sheng Ruxi pouted, busy slapping Jian Jixing’s hand away. “I had to catch you.”

Jian Jixing raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. “Well, you caught me now.”

Sheng Ruxi understood the double meaning. She had wanted to step on Jian Jixing’s foot, but in the end, she only gave a light snort and gently tapped the tip of Jian Jixing’s shoe with her own.

At night, the behind-the-scenes photos were finally released.

[The Chosen Yao Tai]

[I was at the makeup scene today. She was smiling and greeting fans when getting her makeup done, but the second filming started, she switched states instantly. Our Bao really loves her job.]

[Where are the anti-fans who saw our work photos? Still saying the role was gotten through ‘unspoken rules’?]

[Hahahaha, don’t be ridiculous!]

[Certain competitors shouldn’t be so anxious. Just because you know this film is going to win awards, you’re in such a hurry to blacken her name. Whose cake are you touching?]

In addition to the official photos, there were two “candid” shots of Jian Jixing and Sheng Ruxi outside. One was a snap of Jian Jixing rubbing Sheng Ruxi’s cheek, and another was her raising her hands in helpless surrender. The photos were very clear.

[Which new fansite master took these divine photos? I ship it!]

[The Great Director Sister and the Arrogant High Schooler—my mind has already played out 800 scenarios, and they’re still doing ‘pure love’.]

[Hahahaha, it seems they’re still at odds off-camera. I see Xibao stepping on Director Jian’s shoe.]

[Xibao’s work attitude is top-tier. Don’t be affected by the outside voices!]

Sheng Ruxi’s eyelids were heavy. She lay in bed, blindly scrolling through the top comments.

Jian Jixing came in from the study, took her phone away, and dimmed the bedside lamp. “You’re already this sleepy. Go to bed. What are you still looking at?”

Sheng Ruxi said defiantly, “I’m just checking if anyone is scolding you.”

Jian Jixing smiled, leaned in, and kissed her forehead. “You really do care about me.”

“…”

Annoying. Why is she so thick-skinned no matter what I say? It’s no fun if she doesn’t get angry at all. Sheng Ruxi immediately pulled the blanket over her head, rolling herself up.

Jian Jixing finished her work for the time being and lay down next to her. In the darkness, she whispered to Sheng Ruxi, “It’s settled. Can we sleep well now?”

Sheng Ruxi fidgeted for a moment but eventually shared half the blanket, allowing herself to be held. She mumbled softly, “I really don’t understand you.”

She could have handled things in a more convenient way, yet she let herself take more of the blame just to salvage Sheng Ruxi’s image in the public eye. How could she care so little about herself, offering up her warm, beating heart so readily?

“You don’t understand me?” Jian Jixing circled her from behind, taking Sheng Ruxi’s wrist and guiding it downward. She whispered, “Then let me teach you to understand.”

Sheng Ruxi: Aaaaah, dammit! I have to film tomorrow—!

…

After that incident was handled, the filming entered a regular, busy, and orderly mode. After a week of shooting in Shanmi, the entire crew moved to the pastoral areas for over half a month.

Thanks to Sheng Ruxi’s previous visit, she adapted smoothly this time. Her performance was consistently on point, earning her the nickname “the mobile textbook” among the other actors. Even those older than her called her “Teacher Sheng,” not daring to be disrespectful.

Yan Huaixi followed the crew through the transitions and didn’t leave. Because of her Alpha physique, her altitude sickness ended after two days. Strangely, her family hadn’t called to urge her home once.

By the end of the month, with the filming halfway done, Jian Jixing announced a short break for the staff, allowing everyone a three-day rotation of leave. A cheer erupted, as if a tight band had been removed from their heads.

As soon as she gave the word, Jian Jixing received calls from both Yan Yaojin and Jian Yanchuan, urging her to come home.

“Don’t decline, you can’t. Great Director Jian, go back. Especially remember to bring your wife and sister…” Yan Fuzheng, who had come to visit, had dark circles under her eyes and gave a huge yawn. “I heard my mom say your moms were anxious last month. They just didn’t want to interrupt your work, so they didn’t push.”

Sheng Ruxi: “Hmm?”

“Those huge trending searches. They saw them and thought you two were really getting a divorce. And in those behind-the-scenes photos, they always see Ruxi losing her temper at you.”

Jian Jixing raised an eyebrow at that. “…That’s just how we interact.”

Yan Fuzheng waved her off. “You’re in for an interrogation.”

Jian Jixing didn’t take a private jet; instead, she and Sheng Ruxi flew business class. At the airport, she even posted a selfie.

[Jian Jixing V: On vacation~ (Image)]

Jian Jixing rarely posted updates. In this photo, she was wearing rimless glasses.

[It looks like Director Jian had a great shoot this time. She’s actually in the mood to interact with us.]

[I rarely see Director Jian with glasses. Please make this a permanent look? I’m smitten.]

[Wait… there’s someone in the reflection of the lenses, sisters!!! Is this a photo taken by her? Oh ho, Director Jian has a situation!!!]

[I heard from the staff that Director Jian’s sister came. It must be the sister. How could Director Jian bring another woman and subtly show off? Don’t spread rumors.]

Jian Jixing hadn’t expected a single photo to cause so much discussion. She knew her family would see it, so she was just checking in.

When they arrived home, Jian Jixing hadn’t expected such a grand reception. Yan Yaojin had not only called Jian Yanchuan over but also Sheng Ruxi’s parents, saying it was a family dinner.

In such a setting, Yue Ai was naturally absent. After dinner, Yan Huaixi immediately hid in her room, not participating in the elders’ discussion.

“You two can film all you want, but those photos—were they intentional or just for hype? Your mother has been so worried,” Sheng Ruxi’s mother, Fang Wanning, sat with Yan Yaojin and asked with a smile.

“It wasn’t hype. It was my fault for making her unhappy,” Jian Jixing answered herself, squeezing Sheng Ruxi’s finger.

Yan Yaojin placed teacups in front of the two juniors. “Be more patient with Ruxi. It wasn’t easy for her to go up there and film with you. Could you take care of her?”

This time it was Sheng Ruxi’s turn to speak up: “Mom, she took very good care of me. You can tell from the photos online—it was always me bullying her.”

Fang Wanning shook her head with a smile. “You actually know how to defend someone now.”

Sheng Ruxi said, “I’m telling the truth. Filming is exhausting for her. She works until one or two in the morning, then gets up at six or seven. No matter who’s late, she never is…” Her voice trailed off, turning into a soft murmur.

Fang Wanning looked at her daughter in surprise, feeling that she had changed quite a bit. She was actually feeling bad for someone.

Jian Yanchuan had been listening, and only now did he pick up his teacup. “Will you keep filming like this?”

The tea room suddenly fell silent. Sheng Ruxi gripped Jian Jixing’s hand, subconsciously looking over. She only saw Jian Jixing give a slight nod and say quietly, “I want to go for a walk.”

Yan Yaojin spoke up: “What your mother meant was, are you going to keep hiding it? You’ve been married for so long—haven’t you thought about when to go public?”

Jian Jixing’s hand was still holding Sheng Ruxi’s, so she naturally led her out.

Sheng Ruxi thought Jian Jixing was upset by what the elders said. She anxiously took Jian Jixing’s arm and followed. “It’s okay. Maybe Mom was just asking in passing, she didn’t mean to pressure us, mmm—”

Jian Jixing suddenly turned around, cradled the back of her head, and kissed her, her other hand pulling her waist close.

Sheng Ruxi was kissed until she was breathless, yet she couldn’t help but respond. Even though she knew they were in the backyard and no one could see, her face flushed. “Wait, hey… what did you come out for!”

“I’m not unhappy, and I’m not uncomfortable. I just couldn’t kiss you while staying in there—it was stifling.” Jian Jixing leaned against Sheng Ruxi’s shoulder with a smile. Where their bodies touched, their hearts beat steadily and powerfully together. “What should I do? I seem to need to kiss you to keep breathing.”