After Transmigrating, I Fell in Love with a Top-Tier Movie Queen - Chapter 67

Lin Xin had rushed to catch a flight, was locked out of the community for a while, and hadn’t slept all night. Combined with the fatigue from her recent filming schedule, she was utterly exhausted. Therefore, once Ye Linghua tucked her into the blanket, she fell into a very deep sleep.

When she woke up again, it was already dark outside.

Only the nightlight by the bed was on, making the entire room feel dim.

Lin Xin woke to find no one beside her. The light switch for the room was right by the bedside, easily reachable.

She flipped on the main light. The room instantly became brightly illuminated, and for the first time, Lin Xin got a clear look at the room’s appearance.

The door was slightly diagonal to the bed. To the right of the bed was a floor-to-ceiling glass door, which led to that huge balcony. To the left was a glass window, and on the other side was a small desk with a laptop on it.

Opposite the bed was a simple wardrobe sectioned off by a cloth curtain, incredibly minimal—even the wardrobe was as basic as could be.

This room didn’t have a separate toilet and bathroom. Judging from this, it shouldn’t have been intended as a bedroom initially; Ye Linghua must have converted the bedroom to this location.

She got up and checked, noticing that the bed was very low. There was a huge, plush carpet underneath, and the mattress rested directly on the carpet.

Lin Xin looked around, observing intently, and quietly thought: So, this is Ye Linghua’s bedroom!

Ye Linghua was a person who didn’t fuss over details; this much could be generally inferred from this room.

Thinking about it now, when Ye Linghua was with her, aside from her inability to do housework, she actually didn’t have high demands for anything else.

Lin Xin couldn’t help but smile faintly, even though she was someone richer than herself.

Even though this apartment was more expensive than her own villa in You City.

Even though she wouldn’t be ordered around like a servant if she hadn’t stayed with her.

But, Ye Linghua had still come to her side.

That’s wonderful.

Lin Xin couldn’t help but feel lucky. If Ye Linghua hadn’t taken the initiative to approach her, they might never have crossed paths in this lifetime.

Because the room was full of heating, even wearing a thin undershirt, Lin Xin didn’t feel cold; rather, she felt a little warm.

She walked over to the closet sectioned off by the cloth curtain and secretly peeked inside. Sure enough, a row of clothes was hanging there. Whether they were pajamas, home wear, outerwear, or even one or two evening gowns, they were all hanging on hangers.

Given Ye Linghua’s personality, the clothes dried outside were probably brought in and hung up directly.

Mm, she’s capable of doing something like that.

Lin Xin couldn’t help but recall that she had once suggested the same thing, saying that it was too troublesome to collect the dried clothes and fold them. It would be easier to just hang them in the closet so they didn’t need folding.

But Lin Xin didn’t like that; she liked everything to be neat and tidy. And Ye Linghua, though she originally didn’t want to do these things, still diligently collected and folded the clothes after her suggestion was refused.

At the time, Lin Xin only thought that because Ye Linghua couldn’t cook, she worked harder at household chores to compensate for her shortcomings in the kitchen.

Looking back now, how was this not a change made just for Lin Xin?

Even though Ye Linghua had certainly been a bit “good for nothing” in the past!

Lin Xin chuckled softly. She looked around the simple room again and thought: I wonder what this place was used for before; she just took it as a bedroom and didn’t even ask someone to make adjustments.

This was another side of Ye Linghua that Lin Xin hadn’t seen—the true Ye Linghua that she always wanted to get closer to.

After surveying the room, Lin Xin opened the door and walked out of the bedroom.

Stepping out, she was in the whole first-floor hall. The lights were bright, driving away the darkness of the night. Looking around, besides the living room, the dining area, and some unknown rooms, there was the kitchen.

Hearing sounds and smelling the aroma of food coming from the kitchen’s direction, Lin Xin looked that way.

She saw Ye Linghua busy alone in the kitchen, her figure moving back and forth. A pot on the gas stove was making a bubbling sound. The scene, filled with the everyday scent of cooking, appeared before her eyes.

It had been a long time since she had seen this sight. Lin Xin was so moved she felt a little teary-eyed.

This was a scene she was once used to—the sight of the old Ye Linghua, who, even though she couldn’t cook, still tried hard to make meals for her. It was often seen in the villa. It was a sight Lin Xin never knew to cherish until Ye Linghua left!

She never thought that after Ye Linghua left, she would have a chance to see it again.

At that time, she often felt as if she could see Ye Linghua busy in the house.

These illusions happened so often that even seeing Ye Linghua truly busy in the kitchen now felt somewhat unreal to Lin Xin.

Ye Linghua was holding her phone between her head and shoulder, saying to the person on the other end: “George, if I knew everything, would I still need to ask you?”

“Nonsense. Of course, I know what salt is! I’ve cooked at Lin Xin’s house before. No, I live alone, and I cook.”

“Hmm? Okay, what is that seasoning? Did you buy it already?”

The chattering conversation between Ye Linghua and Tang Qiaozi (the George she was speaking to) on the phone finally made Lin Xin feel that everything was real.

Ye Linghua sensed something and suddenly turned to look at Lin Xin. Her dark pupils widened in surprise when she saw Lin Xin standing in the living room.

Ye Linghua blinked, then said to the person on the phone: “Alright, I’ll figure out the rest myself!”

She hung up the phone and put it aside. Ye Linghua stood straight and said to Lin Xin: “You’re up? Are you still sleepy?”

Lin Xin shook her head, sat down on the sofa chair behind her, and said: “I’m not sleepy anymore. Are you cooking?”

Ye Linghua laughed: “Otherwise, what would you eat when you woke up?”

Lin Xin: “We could order takeout!”

Ye Linghua paused, apparently having never considered that option, and was momentarily stunned when she heard the suggestion.

Seeing her reaction, Lin Xin gave a gentle smile and said: “That’s right, it’s the New Year; delivery people aren’t working!”

Ye Linghua smiled helplessly: “They are working.” She had ordered a meal during the day today. Moreover, during the holiday season, delivery prices doubled or tripled, so someone would still take the order even this late.

Lin Xin just smiled, propped her chin on her hands, and happily said: “I know they’re working.”

Ye Linghua: “Huh?”

Lin Xin: “But if I said that, you would cook for me.”

Ye Linghua: “…”

The bright nighttime lights shone down on the two of them. Ye Linghua was speechless for a moment because of this answer. Just as she was thinking about how to reply, Lin Xin suddenly stood up and walked to the outside of the kitchen island. Separated by the counter, she gave a radiant smile and said: “I really miss the food you make.”

Ye Linghua: “…”

The air felt thick and heavy. Heat rushed to her face, and Ye Linghua was instantly shaken by Lin Xin’s sudden declaration.

Thus, Lin Xin watched as Ye Linghua’s pale face was tinged with red because of her words. Gradually, her flushed face resembled a spring peach blossom—a captivating, intoxicating red that was truly charming.

While Lin Xin was momentarily stunned, she thought: So it’s not just me. Even Ye Linghua will get shy and blush when she hears a declaration from someone she likes!

This side of Ye Linghua was much more vivid and alive than when she calmly made her own confession to Lin Xin.

At that moment, Lin Xin suddenly felt like she had found a strange key.

Fortunately, Ye Linghua was a woman of consequence; she quickly composed herself. Then she said: “You sit first! The soup is done; I’ll just quickly stir-fry a few simple dishes.”

Lin Xin rolled up her sleeves and said: “Let me do the stir-frying!”

Just as Ye Linghua was about to say something else, Lin Xin, blushing, said in an embarrassed way: “I originally came to take care of you, but I ended up sleeping all day and letting you take care of me instead. You’re the patient; you go sit down! I can handle the rest.”

Seeing her insistence, Ye Linghua could only ask with uncertainty: “Are you sure?”

Lin Xin immediately flexed her fair, tender, and soft muscles to demonstrate, saying: “I’m completely fine.”

Ye Linghua’s gaze lingered on her arm. Because of how pale and soft it was, it seemed to reflect the light.

Her gaze paused involuntarily, and the hidden, ambiguous thoughts were buried even deeper by Lin Xin’s action.

Lin Xin walked to Ye Linghua’s spot, getting a clearer look at her kitchen.

To Lin Xin’s surprise, Ye Linghua, whom she thought couldn’t cook, had a kitchen equipped with more comprehensive tools than her own.

There was a dishwasher, a toaster, a coffee machine, and a juicer. Of course, besides these small appliances, just for pots, there were a steamer, a wok, a frying pan, a casserole dish, and a milk pan. For smaller utensils, there were a soup ladle, a skimmer, and spatulas made of wood and stainless steel. Not to mention the stacks and sets of dishes, bowls, and plates stored in the cabinets.

And these were just the kitchen tools Lin Xin could name; there were also many she couldn’t identify.

Ye Linghua saw that she was staring blankly at the kitchen items and, for some reason, spontaneously offered an explanation: “Tang Qiaozi bought all of these. They often come here to gather, and Tang Qiaozi usually does most of the cooking. We only order takeout if she doesn’t want to cook. But she doesn’t actually dislike cooking; she just complained about my lack of equipment. As they visited more often, she gradually added all of this.”

Lin Xin smiled. She thought about it and guessed it must have been Tang Qiaozi. After all, Tang Qiaozi was a chef. She would naturally know more about these things in the kitchen than Ye Linghua.

Lin Xin checked the available pans and chose a wok. Then she turned to Ye Linghua and said: “You should go rest first!”

Ye Linghua was still worried: “Let me help you!”

Lin Xin shook her head, stepped forward, turned her around, and pushed her toward the bedroom door, saying: “Go rest! I’ve got this.”

Ye Linghua had no choice but to return to the bedroom.

Lin Xin saw her take out clothes and head into the bathroom, guessing that she was going to shower.

Lin Xin then focused on cooking. She returned to the kitchen and looked at the soup in the pot. This was a soup that Lin Xin had drunk before—in fact, it was one she had once mentioned that she liked very much.

Lin Xin felt happy and wondered if Ye Linghua had cooked this soup because she had mentioned liking it.

It was Russian Borscht (luo song tang). Lin Xin occasionally liked to simmer it, usually substituting the Russian beetroot with tomatoes. This was mainly because beetroot was difficult to purchase in You City. Thus, Lin Xin had always made a modified version of Borscht.

However, Ye Linghua’s pot was clearly not the modified version. In addition to beetroot as the main ingredient, the common materials included cabbage, potatoes, onions, radishes, and celery. And to make the soup taste even more delicious, Ye Linghua had used a clear beef broth as the base for simmering.

Lin Xin tasted a small spoonful first, then widened her eyes in amazement—it was genuinely good.

Of course, Lin Xin didn’t know how distraught Tang Qiaozi was all day today; this wasn’t the first pot, just the first successful one.

Lin Xin covered the soup pot again, then looked at the ingredients Ye Linghua had prepared.

While the soup could be taught verbally by Tang Qiaozi, stir-frying was truly a matter of skill.

After checking which ingredients were available, Lin Xin looked in the refrigerator and saw that there were many choices, so she felt confident.

When the soup was almost ready, she set the pot aside. Soon after, the sound of Lin Xin stir-frying could be heard in the kitchen.

When everything was prepared, Lin Xin looked at the table full of dishes with satisfaction and went to knock on the bedroom door.

Before she could knock twice, Ye Linghua opened the door.

She had indeed showered. Her hair looked even smoother, probably newly washed, and was simply tied up with an elastic band. She had also changed out of the clothes that had gotten the smell of the cooking soup on them.

Lin Xin was close to her and felt as though she could smell the fresh scent of her shower, with a faint aroma of soap at the tip of her nose.

Ye Linghua saw her sniffing and asked strangely: “What’s wrong?”

Lin Xin froze. She couldn’t admit to her intrusive action. She could only widen her eyes and naturally change the topic, saying: “I’ve finished making the food.”

Ye Linghua smiled and said: “Thank you.”

When they sat down, Ye Linghua saw that Lin Xin had stir-fried several dishes and couldn’t help but say: “There are only two of us. You didn’t need to make so much.”

Lin Xin: “You were sick; you need nutrition.”

Ye Linghua was stumped for a moment, then said: “I only had a fever for a few hours. I was much better this morning.”

Lin Xin was surprised: “That quickly?” Every time she got sick, it was tumultuous! And it lasted for a long time. Lin Xin had even asked for a week’s leave!

Fortunately, since it was the New Year, the director had originally considered a break.

However, because the cost of the filming location and other expenses ran into the millions every day, they naturally abandoned the idea of taking holiday breaks, though they were conscientious enough not to rush things as much as before.

And since Lin Xin had been rushing between locations for her new variety show, even taking a week off now wouldn’t cause her progress to fall behind.

The director readily granted her leave, but Meng Kelin was unhappy that she had run off.

But the key point now was, Ye Linghua was better? Then what reason did she have to stay?

Lin Xin’s surprised exclamation even carried a faint hint of disappointment. This was so noticeable that Ye Linghua couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow and ask: “You’re not happy that I’m better?”

Lin Xin gently bit her chopstick, then quickly realized that was impolite.

She put down her chopsticks and said: “I’m happy, very happy.”

Ye Linghua acknowledged: “That’s good.”

Lin Xin: “…” No! I can think of a reason to stay!

Lin Xin’s cooking was excellent; every dish was exquisite and delicious. But even this couldn’t make Lin Xin look at the food more or eat a few more bites.

Ye Linghua also noticed Lin Xin’s distraction. She had been energetic when she called Ye Linghua for dinner, so why did she look so preoccupied after only a short while?

Was it related to work? Ye Linghua couldn’t figure it out.

“Is work going smoothly recently?” So, Ye Linghua decided to ask indirectly.

Lin Xin said “Ah?” and only then realized Ye Linghua was asking her. She nodded and said: “It’s going very smoothly!”

Ye Linghua was stumped: “…When I resigned as your personal assistant, did you hire someone new?”

Lin Xin nodded: “Sister Meng found someone quickly. She’s been personally training Zhu Fang. Zhu Fang has followed me for many years, and as the company develops, it needs its own people to take care of things. So, Zhu Fang is now starting to help out in the company and can no longer serve as my personal assistant.”

Meng Kelin had intended to train Zhu Fang before Ye Linghua left. Ye Linghua had noticed this at the time, so she wasn’t surprised to hear Lin Xin say this now.

Lin Xin: “The new personal assistant is also very nice. Ye Linghua, don’t worry about me.”

Confirming that Lin Xin was sincere and not forcing herself, Ye Linghua could only let the matter rest. The two ate quietly. Lin Xin highly praised the Borscht that Ye Linghua had made for her.

Ye Linghua was happy to see that she liked it. She drank a mouthful herself and thought the taste was indeed quite good. She resolved to reward Tang Qiaozi well later.

The two continued to eat for a while. Lin Xin suddenly figured something out and said something nonsensical: “You like this soup. I’ll learn how to make it and cook it for you later?”

Ye Linghua: “…Isn’t it you who likes it?”

Lin Xin replied “Oh?”: “Then you cook it for me?”

Ye Linghua: “…These aren’t the main points.”

Lin Xin just pretended not to hear, and Ye Linghua could only shake her head helplessly.

When the two finished eating and were preparing to wash up and go to sleep, Ye Linghua suddenly realized something…

Where was Lin Xin going to sleep?

She looked toward the second floor. When everyone came over for gatherings, the few rooms upstairs were reserved for them. Over time, those rooms had essentially become fixed.

But…

Ye Linghua looked at Lin Xin’s innocent face, gritted her teeth, and said: “I’ll go up and tidy one up for you. You can sleep in Ye Fang’s room!”

(Ye Fang:  I thank you so much!)

Lin Xin was surprised: “Am I not sleeping with you?”

The question was asked so matter-of-factly that Ye Linghua didn’t react immediately. When she finally understood the meaning, she blushed and said: “How could that be!”

Lin Xin disagreed: “Why not!”

Ye Linghua was stunned by the question. Why? There’s no specific reason why not!

Lin Xin asked again: “Are you worried you’ll take advantage of me?”

Ye Linghua: “…I would not.”

Lin Xin then asked again: “Then why not!!!”

Ye Linghua choked on her words, finally saying: “Is it… appropriate between us?”

She thought that by saying this, Lin Xin would understand.

But for some reason, Lin Xin was being unusually stubborn today and said: “It is appropriate! I don’t mind, and you don’t mind, right?”

Ye Linghua: “I do mind!”

Lin Xin was shocked: “Why!!!”

Great, they were back to square one.

Ye Linghua could only say: “Because I like you!”

Lin Xin was delighted. She stepped forward and grabbed Ye Linghua’s wrist, saying: “I like you too! You said you wouldn’t push me away again.”

Ye Linghua was shocked: …

Was that the same meaning? Is that what she meant?

Lin Xin pulled Ye Linghua into the bedroom, declaring shamelessly: “I don’t care! I’m afraid to sleep upstairs alone. Even if we have to sleep separately, it has to be in this room. You sleep in the bed, and I’ll sleep on the floor. Otherwise, in an unfamiliar environment, I’m scared alone!”

Ye Linghua was rendered speechless by her terrible acting: “…But when you’re filming…”

“Ye Linghua,” Lin Xin interrupted her discontentedly. Ye Linghua stopped speaking as expected, and Lin Xin turned to look at her. Her dark eyes were as clear as a spring, sparkling and moist. She asked Ye Linghua: “Can’t you just indulge me? Is it not okay to spoil me just a little?”

Ye Linghua’s heart skipped a beat. She wanted to ask, how much more spoil her?

Lin Xin, however, had already lowered her head, exposing the back of her neck to Ye Linghua’s gaze—clean, white, and full, seemingly inviting one to take a bite.

Distracted by Lin Xin’s actions, Ye Linghua forgot what she was going to say. Lin Xin continued pitifully: “I know we aren’t a couple yet! But aren’t we mutually fond of each other? Isn’t it okay to be a little closer than other people? Right? I’ll just sleep right next to you; just give me a blanket.”

Her voice seemed softer and more delicate than usual, causing Ye Linghua to be unable to utter a single word of rebuttal.

Lin Xin frowned, feigning anger as she asked: “No?”

Ye Linghua closed her eyes, suppressing the fluttering in her heart, and finally said: “Sleep on the bed! It’s the dead of winter; I can’t let you sleep on the floor. Besides, I am a Liuxia Hui (a famous figure in Chinese history known for his self-control in the face of temptation), I can endure.”

“I can too.” After hearing Ye Linghua’s words, Lin Xin was finally happy. Sure enough, she also had a way to conquer Ye Linghua.

Then, humming a little tune, she happily went into the bathroom to shower.

Once they were in bed, Ye Linghua was already sleepy. Lin Xin had just woken up not long ago and wasn’t sleepy, so she let Ye Linghua sleep first.

Ye Linghua was indeed tired, so she went to sleep.

As a result, she was woken up in the middle of the night by being crushed…

Looking at Lin Xin, who was completely sprawled on top of her, Ye Linghua stared wide-eyed at the ceiling and began to wonder: Did she also sprawl on Meng Kelin when she slept at her place last time at the Ocean Park?