After Becoming a Spare Tire, I Got Together with My White Moonlight - Chapter 34

“By the way, Sister Gu mentioned it was a classmate?” Yan Guizhou asked another question. “Do you know them?”

“Probably her former classmate,” Yan Guiqiu replied.

“Oh.” Yan Guizhou nodded. “Then you two go quickly and come back soon. We’ll go prepare another guest room.”

Once they were in the car, Yan Guiqiu brought up the matter of the classmate with Jiang Xuehe.

Gu Yuyin was actually Yan Guiqiu’s high school classmate, but she had transferred there in her second year of high school.

Her mother was seriously ill and needed treatment in a big city, so to take care of her, Gu Yuyin had no choice but to transfer schools as well.

Unlike her other friends, Gu Yuyin’s family circumstances were quite poor. Her mother’s illness had nearly dragged the family to the point where she couldn’t even afford to continue her studies. Fortunately, she had excellent grades, and the school provided some support, which allowed her to finish her education.

It was said that ever since graduating from middle school, she would spend her winter and summer breaks working as an extra in film studios. Because she was pretty and lucky enough to land a few lines, she earned a bit more money.

Later, after her mother passed away, she had accumulated enough connections to fully commit to the industry.

The person who dragged Gu Yuyin to the gathering today was her classmate from her first year of high school. They had been friends since middle school, lived close by, and had a fairly good relationship. Over the years, they had kept in touch intermittently.

To be honest, this had little to do with Yan Guiqiu and even less with Jiang Xuehe.

In Yan Guiqiu’s eyes, Gu Yuyin didn’t seem any more special than her other two friends, so after briefly explaining the situation, she didn’t elaborate further.

She only mentioned that Gu Yuyin was more steady than A Luan and gentler than Song Anchen, and not a difficult person to get along with.

Jiang Xuehe listened quietly without pressing for more details, but she couldn’t help pondering inwardly.

She was particularly sensitive to the name Gu Yuyin, not because Yan Guiqiu’s reaction was especially noteworthy or because those around them were being evasive, but because of Gu Yuyin’s own public reputation.

Unlike the currently popular stars and influencers, Gu Yuyin was seriously dedicated to the path of acting and had achieved some success. Even before her time as an extra, her first leading role in a TV series at eighteen had won awards and garnered numerous nominations. Though not particularly heavyweight awards, they were still a recognition of her acting skills.

After that, instead of capitalizing on the momentum to hype herself or cash in on her fame, she diligently attended classes and steadily honed her craft. Unless required for promotional purposes, she avoided interviews and variety shows. Once the promotional period ended, she would vanish from the public eye.

Combined with her natural talent and her visibly improving acting skills over the years, her public reputation was quite positive. Many netizens jokingly referred to her as a “mudslide” among the new generation of actors though in a complimentary way.

However, due to her lack of self-promotion and marketing, Gu Yuyin didn’t stand out much among the big stars, and no one had delved deeply into her personal relationships.

But the public’s enthusiasm for gossip and rumors never wanes, especially when it comes to a promising actor like Gu Yuyin, who has both talent and resources. Even Jiang Xuehe, who doesn’t pay much attention to entertainment gossip, had heard some rumors about Gu Yuyin’s love life after watching a certain movie.

Many people said that Gu Yuyin liked women.

Jiang Xuehe had never delved into where these rumors originated, but with so many people talking, she had formed a vague impression.

To say she suspected anything between Gu Yuyin and Yan Guiqiu because of this would be an overstatement. Even if the rumors explicitly pointed fingers at Yan Guiqiu, claiming they had an improper relationship, she would rather trust Yan Guiqiu and her own judgment than be troubled by gossip.

As for whether Gu Yuyin truly liked women, that was hardly something one could determine based on hearsay.

In the end, it was just a slight, lingering curiosity.

That wasn’t good.

Jiang Xuehe thought to herself, instinctively shifting her gaze to the night scenery outside the window.

Perhaps because she had been silent for too long, Yan Guiqiu seemed to suddenly remember the small matter that needed explaining.

“Oh, by the way, you don’t need to believe those rumors about Yuyin. She’s straighter than even A Luan and An Chen,” Yan Guiqiu said. “Even if A Luan were to suddenly switch teams and find herself a girl, Yuyin never would.”

“Is there some context I should know?”

“Remember that survey that went around, saying bisexuals make up the majority, while homosexuals and pure heterosexuals are the minority?” Yan Guiqiu explained. “If that’s true, Yuyin is a pure heterosexual. Once, while filming an intimate scene with another actress, she actually threw up.”

Jiang Xuehe was taken aback.

Yan Guiqiu quickly added, “Of course, not in front of the other person. She has nothing against homosexuality, it was just a physical reaction. It hasn’t happened since.”

“That was during the filming of a same-sex-themed movie. The director was very demanding. After it was released, many fans thought they had actually been involved. The other party wanted to capitalize on the rumors, and since Yuyin owed them a favor, she let it slide and didn’t bother clarifying. But generally, she doesn’t pay much attention to such things.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xuehe recalled that she had indeed heard about Gu Yuyin starring in such a film, which had gained quite some fame.

“She doesn’t usually lose her temper, but she wouldn’t be happy hearing about this kind of thing. It’s best not to bring it up in front of her,” Yan Guiqiu casually reminded Jiang Xuehe.

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind,” Jiang Xuehe nodded in agreement.

After chatting for a while, they soon arrived outside the hotel Gu Yuyin had mentioned.

Yan Guiqiu stopped by a nearby convenience store to buy a cup of hot milk, then called Gu Yuyin again. It took a while for someone to answer, saying they were on the fifth floor.

It was just the time when many people were finishing their meals. Yan Guiqiu and Jiang Xuehe waited at the elevator for quite some time before a group of people came down. They went up to the fifth floor, where another crowd was waiting for the elevator.

“Won’t it be a problem if someone sees us?” Jiang Xuehe asked.

It took Yan Guiqiu a moment to realize what she meant, then she shook her head. “It’s fine. Yuyin isn’t that famous yet, and even if someone recognizes her, it’s not a big deal. It’s not like we’re doing anything illegal in private.”

From the elevator on the fifth floor, they turned left and walked to the end, where a small banquet hall was located.

Yan Guiqiu checked the number on the doorplate to confirm it was the right place, then called Gu Yuyin again.

This time, no one answered the phone, but the sound of a ringing phone grew louder from behind the door.

Just as Yan Guiqiu was about to knock, the door swung open from the inside.

Gu Yuyin held her phone, looking up with a tipsy smile, her cheeks flushed and a faint scent of alcohol lingering around her. It seemed she had been plied with quite a bit to drink.

Yan Guiqiu breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her and handed over a warm carton of milk, asking, “How much did you drink? Did you say goodbye to your classmates?”

Gu Yuyin nodded and reached for the milk, but as she stepped forward, she unexpectedly tripped over the doorframe.

Thud.

The milk carton fell to the floor.

Gu Yuyin stumbled right into Yan Guiqiu’s arms.

Yan Guiqiu instinctively reached out to steady her but immediately furrowed her brows and scolded in a low, warning tone, “Yuyin!”

She made sure to keep her voice down.

Gu Yuyin ended up collapsing into her embrace, her lips brushing against Yan Guiqiu’s earlobe and her chin resting on her shoulder. She opened her bleary, drunken eyes and met the gaze of Jiang Xuehe, who stood not far away.

In that moment, there was no trace of a smile on Jiang Xuehe’s face.

Yan Guiqiu couldn’t see the expression of the person behind her, but her entire body stiffened.

It lasted only two or three seconds, and no one else seemed to notice the scene unfolding in that corner.

Yan Guiqiu pressed Gu Yuyin’s shoulder to steady her and bent down to pick up the fallen milk carton.

“Thanks.” Gu Yuyin’s hand wavered unsteadily before finally grasping the carton. She took it and then said slowly, “Why so nervous? Afraid of being misunderstood?”

Yan Guiqiu inserted the straw into the carton and took a step back, glaring at her. “What’s gotten into you?”

Gu Yuyin sipped the milk and glanced ahead. “I’ve had too much to drink.”

“You don’t mind, do you?” Gu Yuyin looked past Yan Guiqiu, squinting as if trying to focus. “Guiqiu’s girlfriend, what’s your name?”

“Jiang Xuehe.” Jiang Xuehe stepped closer to Yan Guiqiu, paused briefly, and offered a faint smile. “You can call me Xuehe.”

“Sister Xuehe, just now.” Yan Guiqiu turned to her, looking somewhat awkward.

“It’s fine. I know Miss Gu had a bit too much to drink.” Jiang Xuehe smoothed things over. “It’s normal among friends. Don’t worry, I don’t mind.”

Yan Guiqiu wanted to say more but swallowed her words.

Gu Yuyin had somehow finished the milk already. She crushed the carton and, with a flick of her wrist, tossed it accurately into the trash can diagonally across from them.

“Shouldn’t we head back now?” Gu Yuyin suggested.

“Let’s go.” Yan Guiqiu nodded helplessly.

Gu Yuyin seemed genuinely drunk, her steps unsteady as she wobbled along, nearly tracing a semicircle and almost bumping into people several times.

Yan Guiqiu had no choice but to reach out and support her.

Jiang Xuehe also stepped forward, taking Gu Yuyin’s hand to guide her along the right path.

Fortunately, the elevator area wasn’t crowded, the previous group must have just left.

Yan Guiqiu stole glances at Jiang Xuehe, wanting to say something but unsure what.

Gu Yuyin certainly had no special feelings for her.

But perhaps the alcohol had stirred up a mischievous impulse.

She’d never been one for causing trouble before had she been influenced by A Luan?

Yan Guiqiu’s thoughts wandered, hoping Jiang Xuehe wouldn’t misunderstand, yet feeling a vague sense of disappointment. By the time she snapped out of it, the elevator had already reached the ground floor.

Jiang Xuehe had pre-booked a ride, and as the three of them reached the entrance, the car happened to pull up by the roadside.

Gu Yuyin looked like she was about to fall asleep, so the other two had to work together to help her into the passenger seat, fasten her seatbelt, and then settle into the back.

After greeting the driver and giving the address, they finally let out a sigh of relief.

In the front seat, Gu Yuyin leaned quietly against the headrest with her eyes closed, as if already asleep.

Silence filled the car, and the two in the backseat gazed out their respective windows, the atmosphere tinged with a subtle tension.

“Just now.” Yan Guiqiu wanted to explain.

“It’s fine.” Jiang Xuehe turned to look at her. “I don’t hold grudges against drunkards either.”

She genuinely didn’t seem angry and even tried to reassure Yan Guiqiu.

“She rarely drinks, and she’s not usually like this.” Yan Guiqiu couldn’t help but add a bit more explanation.

Jiang Xuehe took her hand and gently massaged it a few times, as if to soothe her.

Only when Yan Guiqiu had calmed down a little did Jiang Xuehe turn to face her, her tone gentle yet firm: “I believe you.”

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