After the Agreement, the Aloof Movie Queen is Chasing Me All Over the Internet - Chapter 60

The world outside had been in a state of upheaval lately. Xu Wanxin was being dragged through the mud, with her past misdeeds being unearthed one after another, she was just one solid piece of evidence away from total ruin.

[Xu Wanxin’s team is maliciously piggybacking on Shen Qing! Get this manipulative artist out of the industry!]

[A friend told me Huasheng suppresses newcomers just to push Xu Wanxin?? Is the internal bullying real or what?]

While Huasheng Entertainment was a mess internally, a sense of harmony prevailed on the set where Du Yaozhi was working.

The lead actors and their managers sat in a private booth, while the director and producers occupied the main hall. The minor actors of the Jing Luo crew had their own small table; Director Chen and the other seniors looked on, creating a warm, familial atmosphere.

Inside the private booth, Lin Song pushed the menu forward, playing the gracious host. “Order whatever you need. It’s our Rong’er’s birthday today, don’t stand on ceremony.”

Jing Ping accepted it readily. “Right then, I won’t be polite.” It’s all going on the eldest Miss Shen’s tab anyway, she thought.

Gu Rong’er hadn’t arrived yet, and Du Yaozhi and Gong Lin were also late. Jing Ping naturally turned her wrist and handed the menu to Shen Qing first. “Boss, have a look. Anything you want to add?”

Shen Qing scanned the menu, then glanced at the table, and said coldly, “Coconut milk.”

“What now?” Jing Ping’s brow furrowed. Everyone at the table was drinking alcohol, yet Shen Qing opened with an order for coconut milk. “Do you want to go sit at the kids’ table too?”

Shen Qing rested her fingertips on the edge of the table. “I quit drinking a long time ago. Didn’t you know?”

“Fine, fine. You win, Miss Shen. I can’t do anything with you.” Jing Ping sighed helplessly and got up to handle it. “Waiter, another bottle of coconut milk, please.”

The dinner venue was close to the set, but Du Yaozhi had been monitoring Xu Wanxin’s movements, so she arrived a bit late. Xu Wanxin wasn’t completely stupid; the Fashion Gala had likely been a smokescreen, but she was greedy, she wanted to dig a pit for Du Yaozhi at every turn, which caused her plan to backfire. Du Yaozhi hadn’t fallen for it at all, and Xu Wanxin had ended up being “counter-played” by Shen Qing.

Du Yaozhi reminded Gong Lin, “Keep a close eye on An Dongling. We have to stay vigilant.”

Xu Wanxin’s sudden visit to Gu Lin’s set was suspicious, and since Zhou Yue was still over there just “eating melon” and idling about, Du Yaozhi couldn’t set her mind at ease.

With her hands in her coat pockets, Du Yaozhi was deep in thought as her gaze swept over the centre of the dining table. Seeing the table full of alcohol, she seemed accustomed to it. She sat down, put away her bag, and took off her coat without a ripple of emotion.

She paused, looking at the wine bottles, and then quietly began to rise. She hadn’t had a chance to explain that awkward moment with Gu Rong’er the other day, the poor girl had been too scared to look her in the eye for days. Since there was a feast, she figured she’d have a little drink. She didn’t want Gu Rong’er to think she was being cold or avoiding her.

Just as she was about to pour a glass, a long, pale hand entered her field of vision. Shen Qing pushed a glass of coconut milk toward her.

When Du Yaozhi turned to look at her, Shen Qing’s eyelids were slightly lowered, her long lashes casting shallow shadows. She didn’t look back; she simply tapped her knuckles on the table.

Du Yaozhi stared at Shen Qing’s profile, her heart stirring slightly as she gave a helpless smile. In the end, Shen Qing is still the only person who knows I’m alcohol intolerant.

“Thank you, Teacher Shen,” Du Yaozhi sat back down and took the glass.

“You’re welcome,” Shen Qing replied.

After a long wait with nothing to do, Du Yaozhi looked for a topic. “What gift did you prepare?” She noticed the gift box beside Shen Qing’s seat. The jewelry from this brand was astronomical in price; even A-list stars couldn’t always get a purchase slot.

Shen Qing said with a straight face, “A silk scarf.”

Du Yaozhi was taken aback. “A silk scarf?”

Shen Qing straightened the cutlery on the table and continued, “It can be worn around the neck or the wrist. It’s very practical.”

Du Yaozhi immediately felt a sense of dread. “No, you can’t give her that.”

“Why?” Shen Qing’s tone shifted subtly, yet remained cool. “Does Miss Du find something improper about this gift?”

As Shen Qing spoke, her snowy wrist inadvertently flickered in front of Du Yaozhi, elegant and deliberate.

You know exactly what’s improper about it!!

Du Yaozhi was nearly fuming, but the scarf was undeniably valuable. For the old Du Yaozhi, it would have taken ten lifetimes of playing bit parts to save up for it. As a birthday gift, it was certainly sincere. Du Yaozhi didn’t have the heart to scold Shen Qing further; she could only pray that Gu Rong’er would actually like it.

Before long, Gu Rong’er, Gong Lin, and the others arrived, and the room grew lively.

After everyone had their fill of food and drink, it was time for the gift exchange. The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkwardly tense—everyone was staring at Shen Qing’s exquisitely wrapped gift, waiting for Gu Rong’er to open it.

When Gu Rong’er saw the gift, her eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed deep red. She exchanged a glance with Lin Song, swallowed hard, and stood in front of Du Yaozhi.

Du Yaozhi’s heart sank, her fingers tightening. Oh no. She doesn’t like it.

“Sister… no, Teacher Du, I have something to say to you.” Gu Rong’er twiddled her fingers, her head bowed low. She, too, was about to start her “performance.”

The room went silent instantly. The clatter of cutlery ceased, and every eye was focused on Gu Rong’er, filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

Du Yaozhi’s heart skipped a beat. She stood up quickly, her voice a bit frantic. “Wh-what is it?”

Under the table, Jing Ping immediately swatted Shen Qing’s leg, her eyes full of gossip and tension. What is this girl doing? A birthday confession?

Shen Qing’s fingertips unconsciously brushed the rim of her glass. she threw on her coat and rose, turning slightly to avoid the crowd’s gaze. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

But before Shen Qing could retreat, Gu Rong’er spoke up, seemingly on purpose so that Shen Qing would hear as well.

“Actually, I didn’t mean to do it that day!” Gu Rong’er’s voice halted Shen Qing in her tracks.

She let it all out in one breath: “I arrived early, and behind the door, I accidentally overheard you and Teacher Shen… ‘exchanging feelings.’ I heard someone shouting ‘Teacher Du, Teacher Du’… but I have no problem with your… ‘dynamic’! I won’t have any improper thoughts about it! I’m so sorry!”

The “S” (Sadist), the “0” (Bottom), the secret admirer, the “1” (Top).

What on earth??!

Du Yaozhi froze, her pupils shrinking. The blood drained from her face instantly, and she didn’t know where to put her hands or feet.

Everyone was stunned. Their gaze shifted from Gu Rong’er to the ashen-faced Du Yaozhi. Gong Lin was dumbfounded; Shu Yuanxiang was staring blankly. “Huh?”

Jing Ping was nearly hysterical with laughter. She doubled over, clutching Shen Qing’s shoulder, tears practically springing from her eyes. “Shen Qing… Shen Qing, I beg you, just dock my pay. I really have to laugh at you for this, Hahahahaha! You’ve actually become…”

You’ve become a “McD-Top”! (A play on the ‘M’ in McDonald’s and ‘1’ for Top).

Du Yaozhi stood there, so embarrassed she felt like she might have a fit. For such terms to come out of the mouth of a pure 19-year-old girl!

No wonder… no wonder Gu Rong’er made her stand with Shen Qing at the opening ceremony! No wonder Gu Rong’er was so nervous facing Shen Qing alone on set, even insisting Du Yaozhi be present when Shen Qing gave her acting tips. No wonder she called her “Sister” and tried so hard to get on her good side.

It wasn’t because she liked Du Yaozhi, it was because she was terrified of offending “the couple” and just wanted Shen Qing and Du Yaozhi to stay together!

Save me!

Du Yaozhi and Shen Qing had enjoyed their “stolen moments” of acting a bit too much, leading the poor girl to think they were playing kinky games. She was so terrified she only dared to apologize and beg for forgiveness on her own birthday.

Du Yaozhi took a sharp, shaky breath. For the first time, her legs felt weak in her high heels. “It’s okay… it’s okay, Rong’er. It’s not what you think.”

Du Yaozhi spent a good while comforting Gu Rong’er until the atmosphere finally softened. She secretly kicked Shen Qing’s shoe under the table. The atmosphere is like this, why aren’t you helping me? Say something!

When Du Yaozhi looked at Shen Qing, she met her gaze directly. Then, to her horror, she saw a flicker of a very different kind of surprise in Shen Qing’s cool eyes.

Shen Qing stared at Du Yaozhi. She rested her thumb against her wrist, pressing it with her index finger, and slowly rubbed her wrist right under Du Yaozhi’s gaze. Her eyes were calm, but her wrist was slightly flushed.

It was as if she were asking Du Yaozhi:

So, you weren’t actually thinking that?

She had been playing along with Du Yaozhi’s “wicked” ideas for a long time. She had almost reached the point where she couldn’t keep up the act.

**

That day, Shen Qing had given Jing Ping a subtle look and had the silk scarf gift replaced, citing an “unsuitable style.” She chose a different gift of equal value for Gu Rong’er.

Since that day, Du Yaozhi had stopped “rewarding” Shen Qing. Shen Qing was definitely a woman who held a grudge; that deliberate rubbing of her wrist had nearly mortified Du Yaozhi.

Du Yaozhi wailed internally. Not only had Shen Qing seen right through her naughty intentions, but she had also lost all her dignity. It was so embarrassing. She had thought the girl liked her and was worried about hurting her feelings, she’d even planned to gently let her down.

She never expected that Gu Rong’er didn’t like her at all! She was just traumatised by Du Yaozhi’s… little “stunt.”

Every night before bed, Du Yaozhi would remember this. She would grab her pillow, cover her ears and face, and writhe around on the bed, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into. This state continued until the day they went up the mountain to film.

Du Yaozhi was a professional; once she started filming, her mind was clear. Her character, Wen Jinyue, had a scene involving mountain climbing, so Du Yaozhi arrived early to scout the location, familiarizing herself with the slopes and camera angles, practicing the “immortal” way of walking so her robes would flutter perfectly.

She practiced until she was drenched in sweat despite the winter chill, utterly exhausted. Shen Qing stepped in to film some of her own shots first to give Du Yaozhi time to rest.

The mountain road was steep with many sharp bends, so the motorhomes couldn’t make it up. The production coordinator, sweating profusely, told Shen Qing that the motorhomes had to stay in the car park at the foot of the mountain. He spoke very softly, terrified of offending the Film Queen. Last time, when they had sent too few hands to help Du Yaozhi, Shen Qing had just looked at them with a cold, oppressive gaze that screamed “I’m holding you personally responsible.”

This time, Shen Qing lowered her head to straighten the folds of her sleeves. Hearing this, she slowly looked up, her gaze calm and rippleless. She simply hummed an acknowledgment. She had no complaints or extra questions about the arrangement.

The coordinator was stunned: This Film Queen is truly “whipped,” she only cares about her “wife.”

Seeing the coordinator still dazed, Shen Qing walked past him. Her voice remained cold, but she gave him an out: “No need to wait for me. Just follow the original plan.”

“Oh, right, of course.” The coordinator snapped out of it. “Teacher Shen, please wait a moment. The catering crew is bringing fast food soon. Could you please take some to Teacher Du while she’s climbing?”

Shen Qing: “Mm, alright.”

Who knows what the crew was thinking—maybe they couldn’t find any other food nearby—but the catering team brought up boxes of McDonald’s. They gave Shen Qing two portions.

When Shen Qing found her, Du Yaozhi leaned over. “What’s for lunch?”

Shen Qing: “McD’s.”

“Fine.” Du Yaozhi wasn’t a picky eater. She used her index and middle fingers to brush back a stray hair, then bent over to unstrap her knee pads.

Halfway through the meal, Du Yaozhi noticed Shen Qing hadn’t moved. She turned her head in confusion. Shen Qing remained silent. She held the McDonald’s bag, turned her face, and pointedly looked at Du Yaozhi.

Du Yaozhi’s hand, which was wiping away sweat, paused. She looked at the bright English letter “M” on the bag.

Du Yaozhi was speechless. The “M” stands for “Master,” but it refers to you, not me!

And why was the letter “M” followed by a “1” (Top) in the subculture jokes, while Du Yaozhi was still the “0” (Bottom)? Even though Du Yaozhi had been the one “on top” lately.

Feeling indignant, Du Yaozhi finished her meal in a few bites, strapped her knee pads back on, and went back to climbing the mountain.

During the lunch break, Shen Qing followed behind her, keeping her company. She had caused the trouble, so she was quietly coaxing her back. Throughout the walk, Shen Qing maintained a distance but stayed right on her heels. When Du Yaozhi sped up, Shen Qing followed suit. When Du Yaozhi slowed down, Shen Qing put her hands in her pockets and quietly admired the fallen leaves.

Du Yaozhi found it funny and glanced back at her. Shen Qing seemed to know she would look back and was waiting for her. She stood by a pile of leaves, her dark hair loosely pinned back, a few stray locks fluttering against her neck in the breeze. Her nose was high and elegant, her lip line sharp, and her exposed wrists were clean and pale.

There was no emotion in her eyes and no ripple on her face, just like the previous times. Even though things had been so… excessive the biting, the pinning…

Du Yaozhi was suddenly baffled. How could she have no reaction at all? Her competitive streak began to stir once more.

Shen Qing’s voice drifted over from a distance. “Are you still cross with me?”

Du Yaozhi walked back two steps. “Who’s cross with you? I’m just practicing my positioning.”

**

Filming continued all day. The guesthouse was too far from the location, and the actors were exhausted. So, the crew set up tents in a safe area with hot water to stay overnight on the mountain. This wasn’t common for xianxia dramas, but to make time for the New Year holidays and save on commuting, they had to make do for one night. Du Yaozhi didn’t mind, though it was hard on the crew who had to be on duty 24/7.

After taking a shower in the temporary shower cubicle, Du Yaozhi came out, and a stagehand came over to assign tents. Unsurprisingly, she was sharing with Shen Qing.

The mountain wind was strong, making her shiver. Du Yaozhi went to collect thermal mats and thick blankets, wrapping herself up as she headed to the tent area. On the way, she saw several supporting actors shivering in their tents. She stopped and shared the extra moisture-proof mats she had collected. “Let me help you lay these down. They’ll block the chill.”

Du Yaozhi knelt and helped them smooth out the mats layer by layer, then taught them how to fold the blankets to a comfortable thickness. She was gentle and attentive. She patted the soft mats and looked up at the actors huddled in the corner of the tent. “Try zipping it up. Is it still cold?”

The other actors were deeply moved. “Teacher Du, you’re much warmer than these mats.”

Du Yaozhi smiled. “As long as you’re warm.”

She got up to go prepare her and Shen Qing’s tent. Just then, Shen Qing emerged from the showers. Her tall figure and cool, ethereal aura were incredibly striking even from a distance. The other actors’ eyes automatically followed her.

One actor remarked right in front of Du Yaozhi, “Teacher Shen really is the ‘Top Sis’ voted by the whole internet. Her aura is just incredible.”

Looking at her earnest expression, Du Yaozhi repeated the words under her breath. “Top… Sis?”

Her naughty thoughts bubbled up again. She leaned in subtly and whispered, “Why isn’t she ‘Bottom Sis’?”

The actress looked shocked and indignant. “How is that possible! With that image? That face! If Teacher Shen isn’t a Top, I’ll turn straight immediately!!”

Well… that’s quite a vow.

Du Yaozhi bit her lip, completely out of options.

That night, Du Yaozhi scrutinized Shen Qing from above with a resentful look. Top Sis, Top Sis… where does she look like one?

“Uncomfortable?” Shen Qing leaned on her side on the mat, her fingertips resting casually on her knee, her calm gaze on Du Yaozhi’s face.

“No.” Du Yaozhi turned her face away and smoothed out the mat.

The ground beneath was still a bit rough; a small protruding stone poked through the mat, making her frown.

Shen Qing: “You look like you have something on your mind. Why not tell me?”

The light from the small lamp reflected on Shen Qing’s face, outlining her sharp profile. Her long lashes cast faint shadows. Under the light, they looked almost colorless.

The saying that Shen Qing could “become” whoever she played was well-founded. Despite her cold beauty, when she relaxed, she carried a faint, decadent charm. It was the same when she played Jun Luo; Shen Qing seemed born for the stage. With one glance, her imposing aura would soften. She was like ice chips soaking in a stream—chilled, yet possessing an undetectable pull.

It was as if she were yielding.

Du Yaozhi stared at Shen Qing. Using the excuse of smoothing the mat, her hands swept past Shen Qing’s waist, pinning her down by bracing both hands on either side of her.

Playing with fire.

Shen Qing was caught off guard as she lay back, but she didn’t show a hint of panic. Her eyelashes didn’t even quiver. She simply looked up at Du Yaozhi, who was pinning her down. Her eyes were rippleless, filled only with pure scrutiny, as if she were looking at something she had expected all along.

Why?

Du Yaozhi was dissatisfied. Did she look that incompetent? She gave an arrogant “hmph” and threw the blanket aside. “Keep guessing.” She didn’t want to talk to Shen Qing anymore.

“Is this how we guess?”

Shen Qing lay beneath Du Yaozhi, her voice holding the moist clarity of someone fresh from the shower, mixed with a trace of cool fragrance. Her breath brushed against Du Yaozhi’s neck. She looked at Du Yaozhi, her eyes deep, and asked slowly, “What happens if I guess right?”

Du Yaozhi didn’t believe her. “How could you possibly guess?” Does this enchantress have mind-reading powers? Could she really guess that Du Yaozhi’s competitive streak was acting up? That even though she hadn’t forgiven Shen Qing, she desperately wanted to outdo her and be the one on top?

Outside the tent, the mountain wind howled, battering the fabric. Inside, the small lamp cast a warm glow, stretching their shadows.

“I just thought of a question.”

Shen Qing’s fingertips sank into her dark hair. She locked eyes with Du Yaozhi, her gaze like a feather brushing against her heart as she gave a shallow smile.

“What?”

“Du Yaozhi.” Shen Qing’s voice dropped, the inquisitive lilt at the end of her words rising slightly. “Do you even know how?”

She guessed it.

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