After the Agreement, the Aloof Movie Queen is Chasing Me All Over the Internet - Chapter 8

“I’m not the same as I was before.”

Shen Qing didn’t take the water.

The old Shen Qing hadn’t cared about Du Yaozhi; she’d cut her off with a cold, abrupt indifference. Now, a year after their breakup, she suddenly cared?

Du Yaozhi didn’t buy that kind of nonsense for a second.

Take today, for instance. Du Yaozhi was more inclined to believe that Shen Qing’s probing, her indulgence, and even her choice to answer a phone call she’d never normally pick up, were all for the sake of her own reputation.

After all, the media narrative would be entirely different if Du Yaozhi were photographed taking a taxi alone versus being seen in a car with Shen Qing.

The former would only drag Shen Qing’s name further into messy, trivial gossip. The latter, however, could be framed as “Shen Qing magnanimously forgiving a washed-up star” or “Shen Qing mentoring a junior.”

Either way, it was a solid bit of PR.

The moonlight caught the shadows of Shen Qing’s face with perfect precision. When Du Yaozhi looked at her, there was only a familiar calm left in the depths of Shen Qing’s eyes, as if she were used to this.

Shen Qing simply repeated, “I’m not the same as I was before.”

Shen Qing rarely gave direct “yes” or “no” answers. She preferred to lead others and hand the power of choice over to them instead.

For example, this phrase “not the same” prompted a scoff from Du Yaozhi, who then spent half the car ride processing it.

Shen Qing was always like this, using ambiguous answers to easily trap people on the edge of speculation and testing.

By the time you’d poured your heart and soul into figuring out the answer, she would coldly reject you, reminding you just how far apart you truly were.

At its core, the entertainment industry is a “people” business, yet it’s different. It’s a massive ecosystem supported by directors, producers, media, investors, and brands.

Even as one of the top figures in the industry with immense power and influence, Shen Qing was, ironically, the one who most needed to maintain and guide the atmosphere at the dinner table.

When it mattered, Shen Qing could act.

But when she deemed it unimportant, she wouldn’t bother to put on a show at all.

Her noble image and powerful, effortless aura were things no one else could replicate.

Even less so her status and confidence.

To her, what others thought of her or did to her didn’t really matter. Even if they acted against her, it would never have any substantive impact.

So, you could never tell what she actually meant by a comment, because you didn’t know if you were a “key” person in her heart.

Or perhaps, in Shen Qing’s privileged life, there was no need for “key” people at all.

The air felt stifling after the drinks.

Du Yaozhi took off her sunglasses and chose to ignore Shen Qing’s words. Clasping the glasses in her hands, she said, “Teacher Shen, your styling gets more beautiful every day. Of course you’re not the same as before.”

For instance, she’d added a beauty mark in the exact same spot as Du Yaozhi’s.

The mocked Shen Qing didn’t respond. She just looked straight ahead calmly, watching the car speed down the highway.

If Du Yaozhi could stay by her side, it didn’t matter if she kept stinging her like this.

But are you truly happy doing this?

Shen Qing watched Du Yaozhi’s reflection in the car window.

Autumn in Jiangcheng was far too dry. Combined with the confrontation with Xu Wanxin and not having had any water, Du Yaozhi’s throat felt parched halfway through the trip. She covered her mouth and coughed dryly twice.

Politely covering her mouth, Du Yaozhi turned to look at Zhou Yue in the back seat.

The considerate Zhou Yue understood instantly. “Are you thirsty? Want some water? Wait a sec!”

Zhou Yue finally found a chance to speak and break the oppressive silence.

She hurriedly rummaged through her bag, pulled out her own thermos, and handed it over. “It should still be warm! I’ve used the spout, though, so you’ll have to unscrew the lid to drink”

Before she could finish the word “it,” Zhou Yue’s thermos collided as if by some freak accident, with the unopened bottle of mineral water Shen Qing had just reached out to offer.

Thump.

A sound both light and heavy.

Shen Qing’s water bottle was emblazoned with a luxury brand logo. She held it by her long fingers, her movements elegant and poised.

As it collided with Zhou Yue’s thermos, her wrist recoiled slightly; she clearly hadn’t expected it either.

Zhou Yue’s reaction was far more dramatic. She pulled her arm back like a frightened quail, her body going weak. “I…”

Holy crap!

Good God, this was Shen Qing!!!

How could a literal nobody like her explain this away? Was her career over before it even started?

Zhou Yue felt doomed. Her mind raced through a thousand excuses, but her lips felt numb, and the thermos in her hand felt like it weighed a ton.

What now? She suddenly wanted to jump out of the car.

Was it too late to tuck and roll?

While Zhou Yue was spiralling, Du Yaozhi calmly took the thermos from her and took a small sip. “Thanks.”

Shen Qing was Du Yaozhi’s ex; they had history and bad blood. There was no way Du Yaozhi would accept anything from Shen Qing, nor was she comfortable rejecting a friend’s kindness.

Consequently, the atmosphere escalated from “subtle” to “peak awkwardness.”

Zhou Yue didn’t dare make a sound, nervously rubbing her sleeves while stealing glances at Shen Qing’s reaction.

Shen Qing didn’t say a word. She silently placed the mineral water back into the cup holder, the bottom hitting the plastic with a faint clink.

That soft sound was exceptionally clear in the silent cabin.

The look Shen Qing cast her way was calm and rippleless, yet it carried an invisible weight that forced one to overthink it—it felt like a silent interrogation ringing in her ears.

“Thanks to Teacher Shen as well,” Du Yaozhi said with faux politeness.

What does an ex-girlfriend even mean? Why is she handing me water?

Du Yaozhi frowned, unable to believe it.

“You’re welcome,” Shen Qing replied quickly. Her tone was neutral, but the back-and-forth between them sounded like the polite banter between a host and a guest.

As she spoke, she glanced at Zhou Yue in the back.

Zhou Yue’s heart skipped a beat. Where is this hostility coming from?!

She tried to shrink herself into the seat cushions, clutching her thermos and wailing inwardly.

What was wrong with these two heavyweights? she really couldn’t handle this!!

“Qing, although I’d love to keep pretending I’m invisible, I have to remind you that we’re almost at the city centre,” Jing Ping, in the passenger seat, finally spoke up like a customer service rep.

To Zhou Yue, she looked like a towering saviour.

Jing Ping tapped quickly on her tablet, pulling up the navigation interface.

When she turned around, she gave a professional yet friendly nod, greeting Du Yaozhi and Zhou Yue.

After receiving a slight nod of permission from Shen Qing, Jing Ping looked away and asked brightly, “Where are you two lovely ladies staying? I’ll plan the route and drop you off first.”

“Sister Jing,” Du Yaozhi responded with a smile, leaning forward slightly. “Jiangbei, Jiahe Yue Ting.”

“Got it.” Jing Ping quickly marked the location on the map and continued without missing a beat, “And the little beauty in the back? Where do you live?”

Zhou Yue seemed like she hadn’t quite recovered yet. She jumped when she was called on and answered hurriedly, “Oh, I live there too.”

“You’re in Jiahe Yue Ting as well? You two live together?”

Du Yaozhi nodded, seeing no issue with the statement. “Yes.”

Jing Ping’s surprised voice was particularly loud. Her finger paused abruptly on the tablet screen, and she looked up in shock.

Her gaze instinctively flickered toward Shen Qing. Realising she’d overstepped, and seeing the minor celebrity in the back looking at her like she was a “harbinger of doom,” she quickly recovered and smoothed things over. “Well, that’s perfect then. Saves us a detour.”

Actually, Du Yaozhi and Zhou Yue didn’t technically live together; they just lived on the same floor as neighbours.

The layout of Jiahe Yue Ting was average, but the location was good, offering privacy for celebrities and proximity to various venues.

At the time, property prices were high, and the group discount was much better than buying individually. So, they simply decided to buy two units on the same floor together. The developer even threw in a year of free property management fees, and the salesperson was happy to hit their quota.

After Du Yaozhi broke up with Shen Qing, she received a substantial settlement. Considering the difficult road ahead, Du Yaozhi preferred to save her money for when she really needed it.

So, she bought the place with Zhou Yue.

After the breakup, Du Yaozhi naturally moved her things out of Shen Qing’s house and into her new home.

It was what she deserved, wasn’t it?

Shen Qing sat upright, her arms resting on her expensive white gown.

Her profile was as flawless as quiet moonlight. When she looked up, her beauty mark was hidden. Throughout the ride, she only occasionally asked about the traffic.

Still no reaction.

Du Yaozhi had already tested her twice.

A chill rose in Du Yaozhi’s heart, and she gripped her sunglasses tighter.

Shen Qing showed no emotion, and something deep inside Du Yaozhi sank.

Sure enough, she was right not to trust Shen Qing.

Shen Qing was just a trashy person who trampled on sincere feelings; there was no need to show any more grace.

The roads were clear, perhaps because it was so late. Even though tonight was supposed to be the night the whole world went crazy for Shen Qing, they didn’t encounter any congestion or paparazzi lying in wait.

The car drove straight into the underground garage of Jiahe Yue Ting.

Du Yaozhi put her mask and sunglasses back on, wrapping herself up tightly.

As she tidied her long, curly hair, she tucked it all under her hat for convenience and opened her phone’s front camera.

Her finger accidentally brushed the shutter button.

It captured a photo.

Shen Qing wasn’t in the frame, but it caught half of Du Yaozhi’s profile, her eyes, and the car seat behind her.

The unique perforations on that seat were designed by a famous overseas designer and custom-made—only the absolute elite of the industry had the chance to own one.

Du Yaozhi blanked her screen with an expressionless face. Her stilettos hit the ground as she said, “Thank you, Teacher Shen. Thank you, Sister Jing.”

“Thank you, thank you, everyone!” Zhou Yue followed suit, thanking them repeatedly as she scurried after Du Yaozhi.

Du Yaozhi took Zhou Yue’s arm, fearing she might trip.

Shen Qing watched them, her gaze never wavering. “Be careful on your way up.”

Du Yaozhi nodded, and side-by-side with Zhou Yue, she whispered “Let’s go” before they entered the lift together.

Shen Qing flicked the handle behind her to close the door.

The car door slid shut automatically, completely separating Shen Qing from the sight of their retreating backs.

As soon as they left, the heavy, silent pressure of a top-tier business vehicle returned to the cabin.

After a long while, Shen Qing spoke slowly. “Jing Ping.”

“Yes?”

“Tell Director Chen that Miss Xu from Huasheng is too focused on off-screen networking. Her professionalism and reputation are lacking. Don’t consider her for the casting of the new film.”

Shen Qing’s tone was steady, as if this were just a minor decision made after calmly weighing the pros and cons.

She was busy.

Rather than wasting time learning someone’s name or their background, it was more efficient to simply cut off the path they were fighting so hard to take.

This was likely the last time Shen Qing would help Du Yaozhi.

She had indeed permitted Du Yaozhi’s exposé. Du Yaozhi was someone Shen Qing had taught herself, how could Shen Qing not know what she was thinking?

Du Yaozhi wanted to stage a comeback and, while she was at it, get some cold revenge on her.

“Understood. What about the Miss Zhou with Miss Du? Should I look into her?” Jing Ping asked habitually. Knowing Shen Qing was in a bad mood, her tone was a bit more sincere.

“No need.”

Shen Qing looked down, her gaze falling on the fingertips that had just offered the water. “There’s no point anymore.”

The scent of Du Yaozhi’s hairspray still lingered in the car. Shen Qing closed her eyes and leaned back against the leather headrest, her neck tilting back, revealing a weariness she had never shown before.

“Let’s go back.”

Shen Qing had given up.

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