After Redeeming the Female Lead, I Faked My Death and Escaped - Chapter 53

Even as she sat in the interview makeup room, Ying Xu still hadn’t thought of a good response.

What left her even more bewildered was the sudden realization that, even if Gu Qingzhu had done this, her first instinct wasn’t to blame Gu Qingzhu but to subconsciously find excuses for her.

Maybe it was just convenient. Maybe the release date was approaching, and now was the best time to use Xia Qing to generate buzz…

Yet all these thoughts would come to an abrupt halt the moment she recalled those words “I like you.”

What was she even doing? Why was she thinking about Gu Qingzhu’s reasons for doing this? Why was she worrying about the other’s feelings?

Did it even matter?

Wasn’t her only task to complete the mission?

In the silence, the door was pushed open at some point, the sound of high heels grating against her ears.

Ying Xu looked up to see the impeccably dressed host asking softly, “Ms. Ying, here are the new questions. Please take a look first.”

The sheet of paper handed to her bore several handwritten questions, glaringly conspicuous.

[What were your impressions of Xia Qing during filming?]
[What kind of person do you think Xia Qing is?]
[Do you have anything you’d like to say to Xia Qing?]

The original set of questions had also included inquiries about Ying Xu’s impressions of the other actors. The questions themselves were normal, but choosing this timing was clearly meant to stir conflict and milk the drama for attention.

The director, trailing behind the host, chimed in eagerly.

No one had expected Xia Qing to withdraw from the industry outright such a decisive move, yet also somewhat shameless. Even if the allegations were later proven true, the hype would have already died down.

But today, one of the involved parties just happened to have an interview, and it was live. With just a few ambiguous responses, the director could already envision the ratings soaring to new heights.

He had assumed that even if the sensational claim “Xia Qing nearly killed Ying Xu” wasn’t true, there was still conflict between the two, and Ying Xu would surely agree to kick someone while they were down.

Yet the woman merely froze for a few seconds before refusing, “Sorry, let’s stick to the original script.”

The director hadn’t anticipated rejection and blurted out, “This is a win-win situation.”

“Win-win?”

Xia Qing had already left the industry. Even if Ying Xu answered these questions, it would only invite more backlash against the alpha. Where was the “win” in that?

The director clearly knew his reasoning was flimsy but still wanted to argue. Before he could, Ying Xu cut in, “If you insist on changing the script, talk to my agent.”

That shut him up immediately.

Ying Xu had Gu Qingzhu’s backing, and by extension, Luo Zhu’s status had risen as well. Whenever they negotiated business deals, no matter who they were dealing with, the other party treated Luo Zhu with excessive politeness. Over time, her methods inevitably became more assertive.

If they really took it up with Luo Zhu, she would naturally defer to Ying Xu’s stance, not only refusing but also demanding compensation from the production team for breach of contract.

The two left soon after. Whether it was Ying Xu’s imagination or not, the host deliberately glanced toward the makeup room next door before leaving.

Noticing Ying Xu’s gaze, she flashed a radiant smile, as if hinting at something.

But before Ying Xu took the stage, that door had already been opened, revealing an empty room. The air faintly carried a familiar scent.

By the time she stepped onto the stage, the audience seats were packed. Every pair of eyes gleamed with curiosity, clearly having seen the trending topics and eagerly awaiting Ying Xu’s response.

The program’s flow had been rehearsed many times. Ying Xu took her seat, the opening remarks lingering in her ears. With a slight lift of her head, she could clearly see her own face on the screen, along with the blinking red light in the upper right corner indicating they were live.

This face belonged to Ying Xu, but it had once belonged to Xu Ying. At times, when Ying Xu locked eyes with Gu Qingzhu and saw the undisguised affection in the other’s gaze, she would feel a fleeting sense of bewilderment.

It was the same face, how did Gu Qingzhu distinguish between the two of them? And what was it that she truly loved?

Human sight couldn’t penetrate the skin to see the soul hidden within the bones.

“The first question what do you think.”

Lost in thought, Ying Xu realized the host had already begun the interview. She answered softly with the rehearsed responses, but her mind drifted back to the conversation she’d had with Gu Qingzhu that afternoon.

When Gu Qingzhu had asked if she liked the arranged questions, Ying Xu had replied: It’s not that I dislike them.

But there had been another sentence left unsent after that.

It’s just that I don’t see the point.

There was no need to display their intimacy in front of outsiders anymore.

Even now, Ying Xu wasn’t entirely sure how things had come to this.

At the start of the variety show recordings, Ying Xu had deliberately acted familiar and affectionate with Gu Qingzhu partly to steer public opinion.

Gu Qingzhu had been under the spotlight for too long; it was impossible for her to completely detach from outside commentary. Moreover, she already harbored guilt toward Ying Xu. With external forces at play, even a single comment about how well-matched they were could sway Gu Qingzhu’s emotions and deepen her fondness.

To Ying Xu, the entire process was just a means to complete a task. The only difference from the past was the presence of an audience.

It was like a performance, Ying Xu playing the role of the devoted lover who catered to Gu Qingzhu’s every whim.

Everything should have gone according to plan, without a hitch until Gu Qingzhu’s sudden confession.

At that moment, under the scrutiny of countless cameras, even the slightest hint of excessive emotion from Gu Qingzhu would have given people reason to criticize her.

Her favorability ratings would have plummeted instead of rising.

Ying Xu couldn’t possibly refuse her.

But to actually be in a relationship with Gu Qingzhu… Ying Xu couldn’t do that either.

To return to their previous ambiguous dynamic, Ying Xu had tried many remedies, doing things that displeased Gu Qingzhu, deliberately ignoring her messages, acting indifferent toward anything related to her.

If Gu Qingzhu showed even the slightest dissatisfaction, Ying Xu had the perfect script ready to end the relationship.

But Gu Qingzhu never minded.

In her eyes, everything Ying Xu did had its own reasoning.

If Ying Xu didn’t reply, perhaps the topic Gu Qingzhu brought up wasn’t engaging enough. So Gu Qingzhu learned to take the initiative, her attitude even bordering on enthusiasm. If Ying Xu treated her coldly, maybe she was just too tired.

Gu Qingzhu began to tolerate everything Ying Xu did, no longer demanding that she conform to her own expectations. Instead, she started changing for Ying Xu, adapting to her.

Like water rushing in when one side retreated, the other surged forward without hesitation.

Gu Qingzhu now held the upper hand.

Their roles had reversed.

Ying Xu gradually felt a loss of control. What unsettled her even more was that she could no longer bring herself to hate Gu Qingzhu the way she once had.

Ying Xu had hated Gu Qingzhu, when her kindness was ignored, when she was humiliated, when she endured cold indifference day after day.

That hatred had once been the only reason she had for trying to please the omega.

Because of hatred, she wanted Gu Qingzhu to pay the price

An omega marked for life could only have one mate. Without the comfort of an alpha’s pheromones, they would face a slow, inevitable death.

Even if the gland were removed, the body would suffer severe damage.

And in the mission, there just happened to be a clause about marking Gu Qingzhu for life.

But at some point, when Ying Xu thought of “hating Gu Qingzhu,” what surfaced in her mind faster than those gray, lifeless images were the moments she had spent with Gu Qingzhu.

Gu Qingzhu in tears, Gu Qingzhu instinctively smiling upon seeing her, Gu Qingzhu insisting she didn’t care while stubbornly fixing her gaze on her.

She didn’t know how to treat Gu Qingzhu, nor did she understand what these emotions of hers even meant.

Like. Love.

These words were easy to say, requiring no responsibility.

But when Ying Xu truly tried to apply them to Gu Qingzhu, what came to mind was that snowy night.

The scarf saturated with a woman’s scent, those eyes, the rapid rise and fall of her breath.

One glance was enough to freeze Ying Xu’s blood.

Yet even so, Ying Xu had to admit that the things that had once filled her with resistance, even rage, were gradually melting away.

Perhaps, if not for today’s events, she would have

“What kind of person do you think is?”

The host’s trailing voice snapped Ying Xu back to reality as thunderous applause erupted in the venue.

The host’s enunciation had been soft, and distracted, Ying Xu hadn’t caught it clearly. But according to the script, the question had been about her opinion of Gu Qingzhu.

Trusting her memory, Ying Xu turned slightly and instinctively began, “I think Gu ”

The next second, as her gaze swept over the audience seeing their flushed faces, even the reporters scribbling furiously her voice abruptly halted.

“Sorry,” Ying Xu looked at the host. “Who did you just ask about? I didn’t hear clearly.”

“Xia Qing,” the host repeated with a smile. “What kind of person do you think Xia Qing is?”

Behind her, the director locked eyes with Ying Xu before turning away.

Clearly, compared to the contract, he cared more about ratings and public opinion.

Ying Xu’s smile faded slightly as she considered how to steer the conversation back. But then the host suddenly spoke again, “This question seems a bit difficult to answer.”

Amplified by the speakers, the woman’s voice sounded almost distorted. “Today, we’ve invited a special guest. Perhaps after seeing her, Miss Ying will find the answer quickly.”

This segment was clearly not part of the director’s plan. His eyes widened in disbelief as he grabbed the microphone, ready to intervene but the guest entrance music blared through the venue.

The microphone was abruptly muted, leaving the director frozen in place, utterly clueless about who had arranged this.

Until a familiar voice sounded behind him.

“Director Xiang.” He spun around in shock to see Luo Zhu standing nearby. “The rest will be handled by our company’s legal team. Your cooperation is appreciated.”

The “special guest” wasn’t so special.

Or rather, the moment the host mentioned those words, combined with her earlier hints and that familiar scent, Ying Xu already knew who would appear.

Gu Qingzhu.

Summer was approaching, and the weather had grown stiflingly hot. The woman wore an elegant moon-white dress, her long hair simply pinned up with a single hairpin. Though her look was understated, every step she took exuded grace and allure.

Only when passing by the cameras did she pause almost imperceptibly, relaxing only when facing the audience as she greeted, “Hello, everyone.”

No introduction was needed everyone recognized Gu Qingzhu’s face.

As the omega passed by, a faint trace of her perfume lingered in the air, strikingly similar to the scent in the dressing room earlier.

Clearly, she had already coordinated everything with the rest of the crew. The only one left in the dark was the director, who held the highest authority.

This in itself was a silent act of defiance.

Compared to the inexperienced Ying Xu, Gu Qingzhu had spent far too long under the spotlight so much so that the audience’s gaze was like a sedative to her. The atmosphere quickly warmed up under her and the host’s joint efforts. If Ying Xu had initially been unsure why Gu Qingzhu was here, she could now vaguely guess.

Sure enough, before long, the conversation circled back to the beginning in a different way.

“Has any artist’s behavior left a particularly deep impression on you?”

Almost as soon as the question was asked, a mocking smile flickered across Gu Qingzhu’s lips, brief but instantly captured and widely shared.

When she began answering, not once did she mention Xia Qing by name. Yet every word whether referencing infidelity, emotional neglect, or harassment aligned perfectly with Xia Qing’s actions.

In the past, even if there were conflicts between artists, none would dare to insinuate so blatantly in public.

Especially not someone like Gu Qingzhu.

Even if those things weren’t true, under her portrayal in this moment, they would inevitably become “facts.”

As Gu Qingzhu started speaking, Ying Xu picked up her microphone, trying to join in, only to be skillfully diverted by the host. Eventually, she stopped speaking altogether, quietly watching Gu Qingzhu instead.

The woman should have remained unresponsive, as she always did in front of outsiders aloof and composed.

But Gu Qingzhu made no effort to hide her reaction. Not only did she turn her head to look at Ying Xu, she even blinked, as if questioning her intentions.

She saw her own reflection in Ying Xu’s eyes, but the moment their gazes met, the alpha flinched as if burned, lowering her lashes.

Instantly, the amusement in Gu Qingzhu’s eyes deepened. She thought to herself, if not for all the cameras present, she might have already taken Ying Xu’s hand.

The thought left her with a twinge of regret.

The interview was already nearing its end after the veiled references to Xia Qing. Seizing the moment, the host asked, “There’s been a lot of speculation about your relationship. Since you’re both here today, could you give us a little hint?”

As the words “outside speculation” were spoken, the screen conveniently split in two, focusing on both of their expressions.

Gu Qingzhu smiled. “Our relationship?”

In the past, she had been asked countless times about her connections with various artists. Most of the time, she had no real ties to them, so her answers were predictably bland.

The few she did have connections with were usually enemies, so her responses were even colder. Some had even compiled collections of these moments.

This was the first time Gu Qingzhu had ever reacted differently to such a question.

A single smile was enough to speak volumes.

For a moment, not only did the live audience erupt in exclamations, but even the barrage of comments in the live stream froze briefly before surging with renewed intensity.

[Master @xx predicted this months ago it’s true! Anyone in need can consult her.]

[Xia Qing just went live again to apologize, crying her eyes out, looking utterly pitiful. Meanwhile, you guys are acting like this is a wedding scene.]

[Even if Xia Qing did something wrong, was it right for Gu Qingzhu to arbitrarily change her scenes to give Ying Xu more screen time without prior notice? I’m not a fan of Xia Qing, by the way.]

[I’m just a good person.]

[So what exactly is their relationship?]

“We are very good friends.”

Gu Qingzhu’s answer, however, took everyone by surprise.

The host, clearly startled as well, asked, “Miss Ying, do you agree with that?”

Gu Qingzhu turned to Ying Xu, equally curious about her response.

Naturally, she wanted to publicly announce their relationship, but Ying Xu was still in her fledgling phase. Revealing their romance rashly would only invite unfavorable public opinion toward Ying Xu.

Having suffered enough from public scrutiny herself, Gu Qingzhu had no desire to subject Ying Xu to the same barrage of negativity. Over time, she grew less impatient about it.

After all, as long as she was by Ying Xu’s side, the latter’s path would remain smooth. Rather than rushing to trade Ying Xu’s future for a fleeting sense of security, it was better to wait a little longer, until Ying Xu’s wings were fully grown before going public.

By then, no amount of gossip would be able to shake them.

Just imagining that scene lifted Gu Qingzhu’s spirits.

Of course, she was also prepared for the alternative. If Ying Xu suddenly decided to go public, even if it seemed abrupt, Gu Qingzhu had already arranged the necessary PR measures.

Whichever path they took, Gu Qingzhu had the patience and time to handle it.

The alpha before her seemed lost in thought, her expression dazed. Seeing her like this, Gu Qingzhu found her utterly adorable and asked with a smile, “Miss Ying, don’t you agree?”

Her tone carried an unmistakable intimacy, as if any further hesitation from Ying Xu would prompt her to seize the initiative.

At that moment, Ying Xu finally snapped out of her reverie.

“I, very much agree.”

Almost the moment they stepped offstage, Gu Qingzhu reached out and grasped Ying Xu’s wrist.

Backstage was bustling with staff, and the sight drew surprised glances. Yet everyone assumed it was part of a publicity stunt, silently sealing their lips.

Ying Xu looked down at the entwined wrists, pressed so tightly together it almost seemed as if she had initiated the hold.

This realization unsettled her slightly. Pausing, she tried to pull away gently, but Gu Qingzhu noticed immediately. Without a word, she tightened her grip and asked, “What’s wrong?”

At such close proximity, Ying Xu noticed the changes in Gu Qingzhu since before filming began. Her face had filled out slightly, no longer as gaunt and pale as before she looked livelier. And around her neck, a necklace now rested, its pendant hidden beneath her collar, out of sight.

“Why are you here?” Ying Xu finally spoke, her tone cool. The next second, realizing how harsh she sounded, she softened her voice. “I mean, don’t you have filming today?”

Gu Qingzhu’s eyes curved into crescents. “The crew took an unexpected break, so I came to see you. I’ll head back in a few days.”

With the excuse of an impromptu break, Ying Xu didn’t even need to ask why Gu Qingzhu hadn’t given her a heads-up.

“Because I wanted to surprise you,” just as Ying Xu had once done. In a way, it was even something she had taught Gu Qingzhu.

As they exchanged words, the two arrived at the car. The interior was sprayed with a heavy fragrance, the scent so overpowering it made Ying Xu slightly uncomfortable. When Luo Zhu saw them, she instinctively addressed Gu Qingzhu first: “The car is here.”

Only then did she glance at Ying Xu with a fawning expression, quickly averting her eyes after a few seconds.

If Luo Zhu had been more composed, Ying Xu might not have suspected her. But that evasive gesture was far too obvious.

The partition lowered, blocking both sight and sound.

The car started, and without needing to provide an address, the driver had already set course for the hotel.

Ying Xu had only arrived in this city yesterday, and she was certain she hadn’t told Gu Qingzhu the address.

Yet when she looked at Gu Qingzhu, the omega’s expression remained unperturbed. She didn’t seem to care about this detail at all, instead fiddling with her device, slightly displeased: “Why didn’t you reply to my messages?”

Ying Xu averted her gaze, lying without batting an eye: “I was too tired this afternoon and rested the whole time. What did you send?”

Hearing the word “tired,” Gu Qingzhu’s annoyance faded somewhat, replaced by a hint of concern.

“It wasn’t anything important,” Gu Qingzhu said, then recalled the name Luo Zhu had mentioned before the show started. “I know about Chi Nian.”

The déjà vu in that statement was overwhelming. Ying Xu’s fingers paused as she unlocked her device, taking a moment to remember. back when the incident with Xia Qing had reached Gu Qingzhu’s ears, the woman had said the exact same thing:

“I know.”

Not long after that, the investor was replaced, Xia Qing’s scenes were cut, and she was even forced to film multiple water scenes in succession.

Ying Xu had always assumed that was the extent of Gu Qingzhu’s retaliation, so she hadn’t dwelled on it further.

“About Xia Qing,” she finally spoke, her voice low. “Why?”

A seemingly abrupt question, but Gu Qingzhu understood.

As she said this, the alpha’s eyes held clear confusion, as if she genuinely didn’t grasp the reasoning behind it all.

Every time Ying Xu looked at her like this, Gu Qingzhu felt a peculiar thrill, as though a blank canvas were laid before her, waiting to be painted in her colors.

She knew Ying Xu truly didn’t understand, so it was her duty to teach her.

This was a lover’s obligation, a necessary step in Ying Xu’s growth.

Gu Qingzhu’s tone softened: “She did something wrong, so she should face the consequences. That’s only natural.”

Ying Xu realized Gu Qingzhu had misunderstood her. She wasn’t trying to defend Xia Qing, she simply wanted to know why Gu Qingzhu had chosen this method.

There were many things she wanted to ask, to say, but when she met Gu Qingzhu’s gaze, the words vanished.

Even if she asked, what answer would she get? Or rather, what kind of answer did she even want?

Even if Gu Qingzhu, confronted with the question, suddenly realized she had once treated Ying Xu the same way, the only possible reactions would be guilt or self-reproach.

Either emotion would only make Gu Qingzhu grow more dependent on this relationship.

That was completely contrary to Ying Xu’s plans. She couldn’t ask couldn’t even bring herself to.

When Xu Ying remained silent, Gu Qingzhu, after a moment of contemplation, spoke again: “Xia Qing’s network of connections is very complex. Her issues go far beyond this. I know you have a soft heart, but some people and situations can’t be resolved with kindness alone.”

Xu Ying understood.

For Xia Qing, leaving the industry was already the simplest solution, perhaps she should even be grateful for Gu Qingzhu’s mercy.

After a few seconds of silence, Xu Ying said, “But Chi Nian has nothing to do with this. It was just a misunderstanding.”

Gu Qingzhu smiled faintly, realizing Xu Ying hadn’t fully grasped the latter half of her words. But she wasn’t in a hurry and was willing to tolerate Xu Ying’s occasional kindness.

“I see,” Gu Qingzhu nodded gently. “Alright, let’s not talk about these people anymore. Let’s change the subject.”

Before Xu Ying could even realize what “something else” meant, the back of her hand was already covered by a palm. The skin was soft and warm, yet it sent an involuntary shiver through her.

The next second, Gu Qingzhu leaned in closer: “This time, did you see my question?”

Xu Ying didn’t dare to look at her, her voice unusually soft, as if keeping it low enough could make it seem like she had never spoken those words.

But Gu Qingzhu heard her.

Strands of hair brushed against her neck, bringing a slight chill, while warm breaths mingled. She felt the woman exhale softly by her ear, her words fragrant as orchids: “I like you too.”