After Being Targeted by the Gloomy and Obsessive Movie Queen - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Wrap Party – Meeting the Romantic Rival

“There’s a wrap party tonight, and you must accompany me to the event.” As Yu Shujin stood up, her fingertip brushed against Xu Yinyu’s slightly open neckline and the almost invisible wrinkles of her shirt.

She warned, “Stay with me during the event. Don’t go looking at other random people.”

Xu Yinyu’s throat tightened. She breathed deeply and rapidly, her hands clasped by Yu Shujin against her warm chest. The skin, separated by the thin silk pajamas, radiated a scorching temperature.

She responded with a shaky voice, “I understand.”

Yu Shujin kissed Xu Yinyu’s lips again, fixated on the small mole on her lower lip, always tearing and biting at it. Xu Yinyu was forced to endure her touch, her breathing becoming increasingly erratic.

“I… I need to go water the flowers,” Xu Yinyu abruptly turned her head away, avoiding the excessively hot, penetrating gaze.

“There’s a new swing set in the garden. I’ll take you there.” Yu Shujin’s hand moved to intertwine with Xu Yinyu’s fingers. She laced their fingers together and pulled Xu Yinyu toward the garden.

They walked one after the other across the neatly trimmed lawn. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and earth.

Next, they crossed a white corridor. Pale purple vines wound around the pillars, and wind chimes hung below. A slight breeze would stir a clear, pleasant sound.

Beside the corridor was a gurgling artificial river. The water was crystal clear, and a quick glance revealed several active koi fish. The end of the river was the garden.

It was the tail end of summer, and many rare and expensive flowers were blooming lavishly, forming clusters of bright, diverse colors, like a paradise on earth.

Yu Shujin let go of Xu Yinyu’s hand and sat on the rattan swing. The swing seat was covered with a soft, off-white cushion, and there was clearly space for one more person beside her.

Xu Yinyu walked behind Yu Shujin and gently pushed the swing.

The swing lifted, brushing past a few pink and white roses. As the swing reached its highest point, Yu Shujin spread her arms, humming a tune freely.

She wore a white dress, her long hair billowing in the wind. Her profile looked exceptionally soft and lovely in the sunlight, like a beautiful fairy who had secretly left her home, ventured into the dangerous human world, and was playing freely, stealing a moment of liberty.

Xu Yinyu’s eyes were also softened by a hint of Yu Shujin’s emotion.

Everything in the garden felt like a dream, like a sweet, pure dream they shared when they were seventeen.

Xu Yinyu was captivated, wishing only that time could stop at this moment. At this moment, she didn’t need to consider the burden of her family or the compulsion of her lover. Like a caged bird, she focused only on the beautiful scenery of the old woods, forgetting the chain shackled to her ankle.

As long as she remained in denial, she possessed everything.

“Ah-Yu, do you want to fly?” Yu Shujin stood up from the swing, looking at Xu Yinyu with dark, inky eyes.

“Sure,” Xu Yinyu sat on the swing, experiencing the same freedom.

When her feet lifted off the ground and her whole body was suspended in the air, the restraint around her heart loosened for a while.

It wasn’t until she and Yu Shujin, dressed in formal attire and luxurious accessories, appeared together at the bustling wrap party that the self-deceptive freedom and equality were utterly shattered.

The crystal chandeliers in the banquet hall shone dazzlingly. Melodious music flowed through the air, and impeccably dressed guests conversed, clinking glasses.

“Do you know who that person standing next to Yu Shujin is?” Xu Qingyu wore a sky-blue, playful evening gown, its skirt adorned with scattered sequins, and a spinel necklace of the same color around her neck. She sparkled, attracting several young women from the same social circle.

As soon as she spoke, someone in the know answered quietly.

“They say she’s a newly signed cartoonist for Yu Family Star Entertainment, and also the artist who dared to go against Su Baili before.” Chen Zhuxing was a child star. Her appearance was slightly younger than her peers, but her industry experience made her like a seasoned fox. She could sense the undercurrents of the entertainment industry with just a hint of trouble.

“Oh, it’s her. I heard Sister Chi Xia said she hit Su Qingqing.” Xu Qingyu’s lips curled up, and she looked at Xu Yinyu with intense interest. “She looks quiet and aloof, but I didn’t expect her to have such fiery guts. Exciting.”

Chen Zhuxing saw Xu Qingyu’s expression and kindly whispered in her ear, “I heard she’s currently living with Yu Shujin.”

Xu Qingyu’s expression changed repeatedly. “How is that possible?”

Chen Zhuxing spread her hands. “Don’t you think the distance between the two of them is too close?”

Xu Qingyu followed Chen Zhuxing’s gaze. Yu Shujin and Xu Yinyu were toasting the big bosses at the main table one by one.

Yu Shujin held a wine glass in one hand, while the other hand was tightly clasped around Xu Yinyu’s waist. The distance between them could only be described as intimate.

Especially the unique, unbreachable atmosphere between the two and Yu Shujin’s unusually attentive attitude towards Xu Yinyu made Xu Yinyu’s special status immediately clear to everyone.

A woman in a red evening gown nearby had a perpetually gloomy look, as if covered in a thick layer of frost. Watching Yu Shujin patiently guide Xu Yinyu, her heart was already filled with deep hatred for Xu Yinyu.

Xu Qingyu felt the cold gaze behind her and abruptly turned around, meeting a pair of shadowed eyes. Startled, she asked, “Shen Lu, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?”

Shen Lu forced a smile. Her fair complexion looked even more delicate, radiating a fragile beauty. “I’m fine. I just don’t feel very comfortable seeing Shujin care so much about someone else.”

Xu Qingyu gave an awkward laugh, unsure how to respond.

“Let me help you back to the private room to rest first.” Chen Zhuxing understood Shen Lu’s feelings better than anyone. “It’s crowded here, and the air isn’t circulating well.”

Shen Lu didn’t refuse. She lowered her head, revealing her slender neck and a dazzling ruby necklace. As she turned, her gaze fleetingly swept over Xu Yinyu’s direction once more.

Chen Zhuxing excused herself to the people at the table, explained the reason, and then took Shen Lu’s cold hand, leading her away from the seating area.

“Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my newly signed artist, Xu Yinyu. Please give her your guidance in the future.” Yu Shujin smiled, raising her glass. “I’ll drink this one first. Please help yourselves.”

Xu Yinyu sat beside Yu Shujin, startled by her assertive manner. She looked helplessly at the big shots she usually only saw in financial magazines, who were now directing their gaze at her.

After Yu Shujin finished her drink and set the glass down, someone immediately stood up to toast Xu Yinyu.

“Anyone Boss Yu favors must possess great talent. Miss Xu, I’m Zhang Lin, founder of Songli Group. I’ve also followed Miss Xu’s comics—they’re truly excellent.” Zhang Lin was the first to stand up, raising her glass to Xu Yinyu.

Xu Yinyu’s face immediately flushed. She subconsciously stood up, ready to return the toast, but the drink in her hand was intercepted by Yu Shujin, who instead placed a glass of plain water in her hand.

Everyone’s eyes widened. Even Xu Yinyu was stunned. Few people dared to so brazenly substitute water for alcohol at a formal banquet.

“What is the meaning of this, Boss Yu?” Although Zhang Lin was smiling, anyone could see her displeasure.

Yu Shujin stood up, taking her glass. “Ah-Yu isn’t feeling well and cannot drink alcohol. I will drink in her place.”

“Thank you for your high regard, Director Zhang.”

Xu Yinyu felt embarrassed. She saw everyone’s eyes fixed on her, filled with unfamiliar curiosity and a top-down scrutiny.

After the two sat down, the people at the table congratulated Yu Shujin on the success of her new drama.

The nearby Director Liu asked, “Boss Yu, there have been rumors online recently that you plan to retire. Is this true?”

As soon as this question was asked, the atmosphere at the entire table instantly became delicate. Everyone’s gaze focused on Yu Shujin, forcing her to answer.

“You’ve all watched my temperament develop,” Yu Shujin took a sip of her drink, her tone somewhat nonchalant. “Even if I were to retire, I’d have to have had enough fun first.”

Even the slow-witted Xu Yinyu felt the palpable relief from everyone at the table upon hearing Yu Shujin’s answer.

They seemed terrified that Yu Shujin would retire and vanish at this moment.

Director Liu’s question voiced the feelings of many. Director Zhang also took the opportunity to compliment her. “Boss Yu’s acting skills and beauty will be unmatched for another decade.”

Yu Shujin smiled. “Director Zhang, you flatter me. Director Huang recently mentioned that your daughter graduated from film school and appeared in a web drama. Director Huang praised her for having great spiritual charisma.”

Zhang Lin beamed. “Yes, yes, but compared to Boss Yu, these are just minor ventures.”

Chi Xia entered from outside, walked to Yu Shujin’s side, and whispered in her ear.

Yu Shujin’s eyes lit up. She patted Xu Yinyu. “I need to handle some work. Feel free to look around.”

She specifically left Chi Xia by Xu Yinyu’s side.

Many people saw Yu Shujin leave. Some were instantly disappointed that the main subject had gone. Others, however, proactively walked up to Xu Yinyu.

“Hello, Miss Xu, I’m Xu Qingyu, and I really love your comics.” Xu Qingyu walked next to Xu Yinyu, holding a red wine glass, her eyes fixed on the little white rabbit who had lost her protection.

“Hello,” Xu Yinyu looked up at the girl who was striking up a conversation. She looked barely of age, extremely young, with an outstanding appearance. She didn’t resemble a minor celebrity in the entertainment industry and carried a rebellious air.

In this regard, she resembled Yu Shujin somewhat.

“Thank you for your liking.”

Chi Xia, seated in a chair, asked, “Qingyu, does Auntie Xu know you’re here?”

Xu Qingyu walked over to Chi Xia and pleaded playfully, “Sister Chi Xia, I snuck out. Don’t tell my mom.”

“Who got you a ticket? Was it Chen Zhuxing again? Where is she?” Chi Xia noticed that people at the banquet were gradually leaving. The remaining guests were all familiar faces, and she stopped pretending to hide anything.

Xu Yinyu stood up. She left the area where she couldn’t contribute to the conversation. The bright lights, the smell of alcohol, and the cloying sweetness of the desserts went straight to her head. She quietly left the uncomfortable place and escaped to the rooftop terrace.

Xu Yinyu took a deep breath of air that wasn’t heavily saturated with people.

She sat in a dark, shaded corner, rubbing her ankles, which were swollen and blistered from wearing unaccustomed high heels.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard two familiar voices.

“Sister Chi Xia, why do you care so much about Miss Xu?” It was Xu Qingyu, who had just spoken to her.

“It’s not that I care about her. It’s Yu Shujin. She treasures this person like a national treasure. If she knew I lost her under my nose, I would be in serious trouble.” Chi Xia spoke bitterly.

Having had her annual salary docked recently over a single sentence, Chi Xia dared not provoke Yu Shujin again.

“Huh? Why would Yu Shujin care about a little artist with no background, no qualifications, and who looks completely useless?” Xu Qingyu was surprised. The two walked and talked. Their voices weren’t loud, but they clearly reached Xu Yinyu’s ears.

“Who knows,” Chi Xia wouldn’t dare discuss Yu Shujin’s affairs.

Just moments ago, she looked so fond and respectful.

Xu Yinyu sat in the dark corner, feeling cold all over, deeply stung by the phrase “completely useless.” She coldly watched the two figures, who hadn’t noticed her in the darkness, hurry away.

She went to the restroom and splashed water on her face. Under the bright white light, her reflection in the mirror was clear.

She could even see the bloodshot veins in her eyes.

Xu Yinyu composed herself and returned to the banquet hall.

She could see Chi Xia’s visible sigh of relief upon seeing her.

Xu Yinyu took two steps and was stopped by a woman in a red evening gown. She looked up, her expression freezing.

“Shen Lu?”

“Long time no see, Xu Yinyu. You look much more expensive now.” Shen Lu smoothed the loose hair behind her ear, clearly exposing a dazzling gemstone earring.

The surrounding guests were scattered, but their distant gazes were subtly fixed on the scene.

Xu Yinyu hadn’t expected to run into Shen Lu here, and her expression darkened.

Many people present only knew Xu Yinyu as Yu Shujin’s newly signed artist, unaware of their past.

But Shen Lu was different. She knew. From the beginning to the end of their relationship, Xu Yinyu had openly shared details with Shen Lu, treating her as a friend.

“Step aside,” Xu Yinyu looked at her coldly, showing none of the courtesy expected of old acquaintances meeting.

Shen Lu seemed even less concerned about old feelings. “Yinyu, do you look so miserable seeing your old friend? Are you unhappy?”

“Move,” Xu Yinyu’s voice was icy. “You know well why I don’t want to see you. Don’t provoke me.”

“I’m so hurt,” Shen Lu looked at Xu Yinyu with an innocent expression, her eyes reddening, appearing pitiful. “I don’t understand what I did to make Yinyu resent me so much. But I’ve missed you all along.”

“I’ve even kept the birthday gift you gave me. It’s displayed in my bedroom, so I can see it every day when I wake up.”

“I really wanted to talk to you about the past.”

Xu Yinyu heartlessly flung away Shen Lu’s hand that was on her shoulder, even showing disgust.

This scene was perfectly witnessed by Yu Shujin, who was returning from the private room.

She frowned and looked at Xu Yinyu.

Hearing Xu Yinyu’s icy voice: “Everything from the past, in my presence, you don’t deserve to mention a single word.”

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