After Kissing the World-Weary Female Supporting Character [Transmigration] - Chapter 21

I want to break off the engagement with Li Yebai!

No matter how hard she tried, Ji Ruyue could not utter the words after ‘Li.’ Her throat felt gripped by some invisible force, preventing any sound from escaping. Ji Ruyue tightly clutched the armrest with one hand, repeating the word almost like a scream: “I want to break off the engagement with Li… I want to break off the engagement with Li… I want to break off the engagement with Li… Yebai!!!”

Why, why can’t I say it?! Ji Ruyue’s throat bled, yet she repeated the word with an agonizing persistence.

Ji Hongguang couldn’t hear the rest of his daughter’s words. He asked in confusion, “What’s wrong, Xiaoyue? Did Li Yebai anger you again?”

Song Xingzi, sitting nearby, was also confused. Why does Ji-Ji keep repeating the first part of the sentence? What is she trying to say? Is she trying to say she wants to break off the engagement with the Male Lead? Why won’t she finish?

“No, nothing. I just miss you, Dad,” Ji Ruyue choked on the words, swallowing the blood in her throat.

It’s no use. Was I wrong? Did I think too simply? It doesn’t matter. It was just a beautiful dream that woke up before it even began. It doesn’t matter. What can Ji Ruyue not accept? I expected this result from the start, so it’s not a surprise.

Ji Ruyue didn’t know whether the pain in her body or the agony in her spirit was stronger, or perhaps she had slept too little today. Her eyes felt a little sore. Holding the phone, she sniffled, hearing her father’s concerned voice:

“If you miss home, just come back to visit. Your mother and I are here at the old estate. It’s always the same whenever you come back. You say you miss home, but you haven’t been back since you started Starlight. Your mother worries sick every day, afraid that you, a young woman, are suffering outside. Even if you didn’t work so hard, isn’t the Ji Corporation enough for you to squander?”

Ji Hongguang’s voice was deep, earnest, and slow.

Ji Ruyue listened silently. The pain in her throat hadn’t subsided. She had once madly retaliated against the Male Lead for the ‘programmed’ love of her family. After several cycles, this unchanging love, which reeked of falsehood, disgusted her. She always felt that this concern and affection were worse than the oblivious background characters. Later, she grew indifferent to most things in the world, showing no joy or sorrow, like a pool of stagnant water trapped in a fixed shape—her biggest activity was the cycle of vapor, liquid, and solid. Her parents and home were merely a stage she visited according to the fixed plot.

After silently listening to Ji Hongguang’s nagging, she felt as if she were in a dream, unable to discern reality. After a long silence, she said in a strained voice, “The Lunar New Year is coming soon. I’ll come home this year. Sorry to have worried you and Mom.”

“Good. It’s good that you know to come home. You must take good care of yourself and not let anyone bully you.”

Blood seeped into her throat again. Ji Ruyue looked up at the tea set, and Song Xingzi immediately handed her a glass of warm water. She accepted it, swallowing the warm water mixed with blood, and softly said, “Okay.”

“Do whatever you want to do. You are the little princess of the Ji family. Mom and Dad will always support you.”

“Mhm.”

Ji Hongguang tried to think if there was anything else to say, but everything seemed to have been covered. He picked up his documents again and said into the phone, “If there’s nothing else, you can get busy. Dad needs to get busy too.”

“Okay, goodbye, Dad.”

“Goodbye, Xiaoyue.”

Ji Ruyue hung up the phone. The agony of her battered body and almost torn soul rushed over her. She leaned back, sinking into the sofa, speechless.

Song Xingzi didn’t know what had happened. Ever since Ji Ruyue called her name with red eyes, everything that transpired was far removed from her normal experience. She could feel Ji Ruyue’s intense emotional turmoil and knew Ji Ruyue was in great pain and unhappiness right now.

But just as Ji Ruyue didn’t know that Song Xingzi’s extreme joys and sorrows were due to her spiritual power, Song Xingzi didn’t know that Ji Ruyue’s sorrow and despair were for an unchangeable fate.

Human sorrows are not always the same. All Song Xingzi could do was sit obediently next to Ji Ruyue, quietly accompanying her.

“Ji-Ji, are you going to sleep?”

After a long time, seeing no improvement in Ji Ruyue, Song Xingzi felt a little helpless and searched for a topic. She was new to the human world and didn’t quite know how to comfort someone whose sorrow she didn’t understand.

Ji Ruyue opened her eyes. The opulent chandelier in the hall was off; Song Xingzi had only turned on the soft peripheral lights. Song Xingzi’s gentle, pure face looked warm and bright under the white light, as if it were glowing. Ji Ruyue watched her for a moment and softly said, “Song Xingzi, I’m hungry.”

Song Xingzi quickly stood up and said gently, “The porridge is still warm. I’ll go get you some.”

Ji Ruyue shook her head, displaying a rare, unreasonable childlike demeanor. “I want to eat candy.”

“I’ll go get it. Ji-Ji, wait a moment.”

Ji Ruyue watched Song Xingzi busying herself, her slender figure moving between the kitchen and the living room. The pain in her body was surprisingly less noticeable than the sudden feeling of hunger. She added, “And I want porridge too.”

“Okay,” Song Xingzi’s heart settled slightly, hearing the ‘little one’ had an appetite. She gently agreed and brought out pine nut candy and white porridge.

Song Xingzi stayed with Ji Ruyue until she finished eating, waited until Ji Ruyue had washed up, and watched her enter her room to sleep before beginning her own bedtime preparations.

…

Emotions came and went quickly, especially since Ji Ruyue was already accustomed to this life. In just one night, she returned to her usual state.

A few days later, the crew finished arranging auditions and preparing the groundwork, then notified Song Xingzi that she had passed the audition.

Ji Ruyue, as agreed, had Zhang Yuan communicate with the crew and secured the role of the Imperial Consort Mu Yu. The person recommended by Li Yebai was given the final role, Fang Mei, the legitimate older sister of Fang Miao.

Perhaps due to the unpredictable change that was Song Xingzi, the drama, which should have started filming, was delayed until the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month and still hadn’t started. The screenwriter, Qi Nanchun, did, however, notify the main cast to gather for a read-through, saying that some character scenes still had room for modification, hinting at script revisions.

Thus, even before filming began, seven or eight main actors were gathered together, each displaying their own skills.

In a luxury clubhouse private room in the Imperial Capital.

Ji Ruyue sat at the main table, her face cold. Song Xingzi sat obediently beside her. Because the biggest investor was in a bad mood, the atmosphere, which should have been cheerful, felt like it had fallen into the Ice Age—cold and silent.

He Ya slightly rotated the round table, stopping a brightly colored vegetarian stir-fry dish in front of Ji Ruyue. She said gently, “Would CEO Ji like to try this signature dish? The vegetarian food here is very delicious, and you absolutely don’t have to worry about gaining weight.”

He Ya was startled when she first saw Ji Ruyue enter, following behind Song Xingzi. After all, as Li Yebai’s long-term bed partner, her understanding of Ji Ruyue far exceeded most people’s. She had complex feelings toward this legendary genius girl, a business prodigy who was surprisingly blind to love: admiration for the legend, guilt toward the official fiancée, and deep-seated jealousy.

So, CEO Ji took the role of Mu Yu. After realizing this, she noticed the atmosphere in the private room had dropped to freezing point. As the perennial peacemaker, she proactively took on the role of livening things up.

Ji Ruyue glanced at her proudly, did not touch her chopsticks, her face showing the arrogance and disdain of the upper class.

Why does CEO Ji seem to know everything? Impossible, no one else knows about my relationship with Li Yebai. He Ya, don’t overthink it. She’s always like this, even with CEO Li.

He Ya awkwardly took a sip of red wine, falling silent.

Ji Ruyue sat with her arms crossed, her entire demeanor screaming, “I’m not happy, I’m deeply dissatisfied, why was I forced to attend this waste of life!”

Song Xingzi took the glass pitcher of plain water, poured a cup for Ji Ruyue, and pushed it toward her. She leaned in and softly asked, “Ji-Ji, are you unhappy? Is it because of that person who asked you to taste the dish?”

Ji Ruyue raised an eyebrow. Song Xingzi’s sensitivity to emotion was beyond her expectation. She had been unhappy ever since she learned she had to attend this meeting, so why did Song Xingzi only know she was angry because of He Ya after entering the room?

In truth, she shouldn’t have been angry. Although He Ya had kicked her when she was down, mocking and humiliating her, it wasn’t a big deal. Compared to what the Male Lead and Liu Bai did, it wasn’t even worth mentioning over a cup of tea.

But seeing the Female Lead, who was acting like a clueless idiot who hadn’t even graduated from kindergarten, smile and greet the Second Female Lead who had deceived and humiliated her, and even softly comment on how gentle He Ya was, Ji Ruyue felt a surge of “disappointment” boil up from some unknown source. She couldn’t help but make He Ya lose face in front of everyone.

Ji Ruyue didn’t realize that she had gradually started caring about the Female Lead, who always appeared during her most vulnerable and pathetic moments. But the top Second Female Lead, who had a completely blank romantic history and no interest in love, attributed the emotion only to being protective.

What a joke. Song Xingzi is my subordinate now. Why should I let a black-hearted lotus like you bully her?

Ji Ruyue glanced at the people acting like timid quail, picked up her glass, and took a small sip of tea. She didn’t deny it and asked Song Xingzi, “Are you hungry? This unreliable screenwriter is nowhere to be found. If you’re hungry, just eat first.”

Song Xingzi shook her head. It was only after four in the afternoon, not her usual mealtime. Besides, she always felt that food made by others wasn’t as delicious as her own ‘Little Pine Nut’ cooking. Although eating it wouldn’t cause poisoning, she still wasn’t very interested.

“I’m not hungry, but if Ji-Ji keeps a straight face, no one will dare to speak.”

Song Xingzi’s voice was light. She knew Ji-Ji didn’t like the woman across the table, but being angry all the time was bad for her health, so she advised her.

“Oh,” Ji Ruyue was unmoved. After Song Xingzi sat up straight, Ji Ruyue tapped the table with her index finger, lifted her chin, and said coldly, “Why are you all silent? And not touching your chopsticks? Do none of you need to eat?”

Song Xingzi: That’s not it, Ji-Ji. Just be your usual gentle and cute self.

“Should we introduce ourselves?” Song Xingzi’s innocent and pretty face managed a gentle smile, silently trying to salvage the situation. “I’m Song Xingzi, an extra who has always been insignificant. I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to work with all of you respected teachers. I’ve watched all of your work on TV!”

The Female Lead is lying? Other than reading novels, cooking, eating, and staring blankly, when has she ever been addicted to watching dramas?

Ji Ruyue kept a straight face and didn’t expose her. She followed up by introducing herself, “Ji Ruyue, your CEO. Next.”

The next person was Gu Zhu, whom Song Xingzi had complimented earlier for her big eyes. She was still young, carrying the arrogance of a newcomer. “I’m Gu Zhu, also a newcomer. I just debuted. This is my first drama. My role is Princess Yongle, Li Yongle. I look forward to working with everyone.”

Song Xingzi nodded seriously, leaned over to Ji Ruyue, and whispered, “I’ve seen her before. Her eyes are so big. I was worried she’d roll them right out of her head!”

Ji Ruyue’s eyebrows twitched, but she didn’t say anything.

The introductions continued, one by one. They were all people Ji Ruyue recognized, and the introductions were all proper.

After the introductions, the atmosphere became awkward again. Song Xingzi didn’t press the issue, silently pouring herself a cup of water and sipping it.

“You should eat. I’m not going to eat people,” Ji Ruyue couldn’t stand it. She said with a laugh, then stood up and walked to a nearby sofa. She sat down with her chin resting on her hand, gazing at the screen across from her.

Figuring that they still wouldn’t relax, Ji Ruyue took out her phone, her eyes scanning the screen.

“Everyone, please eat! CEO Ji isn’t hungry, but you can’t all go without eating.”

Saying this, Song Xingzi picked up a piece of the signature dish that He Ya had highly recommended and took a small bite. Her eyes darkened. It’s not tasty at all. No wonder Ji-Ji doesn’t like her.

Following Song Xingzi’s actions, He Ya also picked up a nearby dish and put a piece in her bowl. She smiled gently and asked, “Xingzi, how do you find this? I heard everyone calling you that; do you mind?”

Song Xingzi obediently shook her head, acting even more gentle and fragile than He Ya. She said timidly, “It’s quite delicious. Senior He Ya is really experienced!”

“Is that so? I’ll try it too!” Gu Zhu also seized the opportunity to eat a piece. “It really is delicious!”

With someone leading and others following, the atmosphere quickly became lively.

Ji Ruyue appeared oblivious to the liveliness beside her. Although she had no interest in her phone, she kept a look of amused interest on her face.

Song Xingzi ate a few bites, chatted with everyone, and then took out her phone to message Ji Ruyue:

“Ji-Ji, Ji-Ji, I understand how you feel now!”

Ji Ruyue: “…” What’s wrong with the Female Lead?

“???”

While Song Xingzi was complimenting the restaurant’s food to everyone, she typed her complaint: “He Ya has absolutely no taste. That signature dish is not as good as my cold celery salad! No wonder you were angry with her; she was completely lying.”

Although Ji Ruyue was slightly happy that the Female Lead wasn’t easily fooled by He Ya as before, why is the reason so strange?

Ji Ruyue always showed a bit more curiosity towards the Female Lead than her usual world-weary, emotionless self. After thinking for a while, she realized the focus seemed to be on food again. Ji Ruyue nodded indifferently, “You’re right.”

“Ji-Ji is so smart. You could tell at a glance that He Ya has no taste. If she tried to be a chef, my restaurant definitely wouldn’t hire her.”

Song Xingzi typed her thoughts, then smiled and raised her glass with everyone, delicately and miserably wetting the rim. “This fruit wine is also very delicious. Senior He is truly amazing! She knows so many good places to eat!”

Ji Ruyue received the message, glanced at the content, looked at Song Xingzi’s weak smile, and then looked back at the message.

It’s true. The Female Lead’s acting is really good!

Emotionless compliance machine—Ji Ruyue: “You’re right.”

“Ji-Ji, don’t eat the food here. I’ll make you something delicious when we get back.”

“You’re right.” Ji Ruyue sent it out, realized her mistake, and recalled it without any guilt. She sent another message: “Okay.”

“Ji-Ji, why hasn’t the screenwriter come yet? Didn’t she say she wanted to revise the script?”

“I don’t know,” The previous Ji Ruyue had never joined the cast, nor did she pay attention to her subordinates’ daily routines. She had never heard of a script revision like this before. It must be Fate’s self-correction. She wasn’t sure how it would develop.

Screenwriter Qi Nanchun, who hadn’t appeared yet, was currently in the monitoring room, excitedly scribbling on a piece of paper with a pen.

“I say, Chun Chun, if you want to revise the script, you could have just started filming and modified it along the way. Why did you call everyone here and observe them secretly like a peeping tom?” The plump assistant director, Wang Qiang, was puzzled. Qi Nanchun looked normal, but in reality, like her boyfriend Zhao Yu, she had a ‘deep-well sickness’—she would occasionally go crazy and do things normal people couldn’t understand.

Zhao Yu was sulking because his random comment came true, resulting in the sudden addition of another important supporting character to the cast. He hadn’t spoken to Qi Nanchun for days, so Qi Nanchun brought him along to observe the actors and find inspiration for pre-production script revisions.

“You don’t understand! Don’t butt in! Look at CEO Ji! She looks rebellious and like a lone wolf on the outside, but her eyes are filled with unstoppable numbness and a lack of interest in life! This contrast is simply fantastic! I know where the problem is with the Mu Yu character line!!!”