After Transmigrating, I Fell in Love with a Top-Tier Movie Queen - Chapter 8

“Oh?”

Under the clear blue sky, Ye Linghua saw the woman stumble and fall, a look of surprise on her face. Ye Linghua froze for a moment, her body moving faster than her thoughts. She rushed forward to catch her.

In that instant, time slowed down. Every movement became crystal clear. Ye Linghua saw the anxiety in Lin Xin’s eyes, and Lin Xin saw the bewildered look in Ye Linghua’s.

As Ye Linghua reached out, Lin Xin embraced her. Feeling her in her arms, Ye Linghua tightened her grip around Lin Xin’s waist. Through Lin Xin’s thin shirt, Ye Linghua could feel the warmth of her waist and her smooth skin. At the same time, she felt Lin Xin’s slender arms wrap tightly around her neck. She could even feel her frantic heartbeat from fear.

Lin Xin’s hair brushed against Ye Linghua’s face, tickling her. She could smell the floral scent of her shampoo. Lin Xin’s face softened, and she tightened her embrace.

Then came the impact of the fall, sending Ye Linghua stumbling back a few steps before they both fell to the ground. The pain was fleeting. Ye Linghua endured the scrape on her elbow, took a deep breath, and looked down at Lin Xin.

In that short time, Lin Xin hadn’t gotten up. She was still in Ye Linghua’s arms, her head buried in Ye Linghua’s neck. Ye Linghua could still feel the soft skin of Lin Xin’s face. Ye Linghua endured the feeling and called out in a low voice.

“Lin Xin?”

Her voice was full of concern, but Lin Xin buried her head even deeper. She was not only ashamed of falling in front of the same person twice but also because when Ye Linghua caught her, her restless heart seemed to find a safe harbor. Ye Linghua’s embrace was a warmth that Zheng Ranwen had never given her. The feeling of being held so tightly was a sweet temptation that made her suddenly feel greedy.

If only she were mine.

“Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

Just like the first time she fell down the stairs, Ye Linghua’s voice was full of concern. She was always concerned about Lin Xin. This brought Lin Xin back to reality, reminding her that she was just instinctively seeking warmth when she was hurt. But a person must be strong. She peeked out of Ye Linghua’s arms, shook her head, and said, “I’m fine.”

She stood up, only to find that she was still holding the red umbrella tightly. At this moment, the umbrella felt so heavy in her hand. It was hard to give it to her, and it was no longer easy to tell her to leave or to cut their only connection.

Ye Linghua also stood up. The bump on her forehead was still there, and the burn on her right hand wasn’t serious. The redness had gone down the same day. Lin Xin watched her from head to toe, realizing that they were so much like strangers that she couldn’t find a reason to make her stay.

She reluctantly handed over the umbrella. She could live her life alone; she just needed to get used to it.

“Um… I couldn’t get a flight…” Ye Linghua unexpectedly found a reason to speak.

Lin Xin was stunned. She looked up at her with a sincere smile. “Why don’t you stay the night?”

Ye Linghua smiled back, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents. “That would be a bother.”

Lin Xin realized that she really liked Ye Linghua. She was warm, and a person who loved to smile was never too bad. A smile could warm a spring day, and it could also mend a broken heart.

On the way back, neither of them said anything. Ye Linghua held the red umbrella and expertly spun it like a sword. Lin Xin was amazed. Her eyes widened, and she asked, “Why can you do that?”

Ye Linghua laughed. “I learned.”

Lin Xin nodded in surprise and started talking about her own experience. “When I was filming a period drama, the director asked me to spin a sword, but I couldn’t do it. I got yelled at, haha.” She laughed at herself.

Ye Linghua didn’t laugh with her. She said seriously, “But you practiced for a few days and got a perfect score on that scene, didn’t you?”

Lin Xin was stunned. She didn’t expect her to know that. In that instant, Lin Xin’s mind raced through all the possibilities. Then she asked, a little embarrassed, “Are you my fan?”

“No.” Ye Linghua’s answer was so quick that Lin Xin’s smile vanished. Ye Linghua finally realized her mistake. “…Tsk.”

When they got back to the villa, the awkward atmosphere finally faded. Lin Xin looked at Ye Linghua’s arm and saw the scrape she got from catching her. She felt a little bad. Ye Linghua had been getting hurt every day since she came here. At that moment, Lin Xin forgot that she had hired a housekeeper but had been doing all the cooking herself. It was unreasonable and even ridiculous.

She even helped Ye Linghua put the umbrella back on the stand and asked her, “Are you hungry?”

Ye Linghua smiled and shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”

When they got to the living room, Ye Linghua saw a few plates of snacks and three cups of hot tea on the dining table by the glass door. But since the owners had been out for a while, the tea was already cold. Ye Linghua glanced at it and asked Lin Xin, “Were you going to have a talk with her today?”

Lin Xin looked at Ye Linghua and before she could answer, Ye Linghua said apologetically, “I’m sorry. I just wanted her to… be more polite to you.”

If she thought about it carefully, their relationship had nothing to do with her. Before coming here, she had decided to just be there for Lin Xin. To make sure she wasn’t too sad and didn’t spend a few years hurting herself. She never wanted to get involved in their business, and she certainly didn’t plan on making decisions for Lin Xin. She also wasn’t going to do anything to Zheng Ranwen for Lin Xin’s sake.

That’s what she had planned, but when she saw Lin Xin, such a beautiful person, being so undervalued, how could she stand by? She just couldn’t help it in that moment. But maybe she had unintentionally broken something… The more she thought about it, the more she felt she had overstepped. Her guilt deepened, and her apology became more sincere. “I shouldn’t have…”

“Thank you.” Lin Xin interrupted Ye Linghua. Looking back, Ye Linghua had been defending her during their confrontation that afternoon. So, she didn’t need to apologize.

Ye Linghua was stunned. She looked at Lin Xin, who was smiling. “Thank you for standing up for me just now.”

The tension in the air melted away. Ye Linghua smiled in relief. “You’re welcome.”

At dinner, Lin Xin took the lead in cooking. Even though they didn’t talk much, they both felt a sense of peace, as if nothing had happened that afternoon.

When Ye Linghua returned to her room at night, she took out her phone and saw more than ten missed calls. She felt a headache coming on. She opened WeChat and saw that the group chat had blown up. The group was for Ye Linghua’s close friends, and the name was “Who Can Look Without Being Quiet?” There were 99+ new messages.

A sad ending: [Is there any justice? My friend called me during lunch and asked me to book a flight for her. Did she think I was her assistant?]

Music Fan: [Who?]

A sad ending: [Who else? Our group leader, Hua Zi!]

Poisonous Flower: [Hahaha, did you book it?]

A sad ending: [Book it? She hung up on me and hasn’t replied for hours. Get out here and pay me back for the ticket!]

In a flash: [Did she block you? You are too loud.]

A sad ending: [What? What? Are you all ganging up on me now? Are you picking on me? Wah, I’m going to bite all of you!]

Then a bunch of laughing faces followed, and everyone told her to get over it. Ye Linghua was too lazy to read their messages and left the group chat. That night, she slept soundly.

Lin Xin, after confirming that Zheng Ranwen hadn’t done anything bad or used the media to her advantage, also fell asleep with a sense of relief.

Ye Linghua woke up to the sound of birds chirping. She opened her eyes and saw a familiar ceiling. It took her a moment to remember where she was. She sat up and looked at the empty room. She sighed. She had stayed for a day. What excuse could she use to stay today?

Her phone rang again. Ye Linghua guessed it was Ye Fang. Thinking about how she had ignored her calls all day yesterday, she was nice enough to answer this time. As expected, Ye Fang had reached her breaking point and immediately started yelling. “What are you doing? I booked you a flight yesterday and even went to the airport to wait for you! How can you do that?”

Ye Linghua turned on the speakerphone and threw her phone on the bed. She started to get dressed while talking to her friend. “I saw the group chat. Are you sure you came to pick me up at the airport?”

Ye Fang stuttered. “…You had time to play on your phone but not answer my calls.”

Ye Linghua laughed. “Who said I didn’t have time?”

Ye Fang’s voice cracked. “Wah! What’s that supposed to mean?!”

Ye Linghua found it even funnier, but she still comforted her. “I’ll treat you to dinner when I get back. I won’t let you lose any money.”

Ye Fang: “No. Just tell me what you were doing, and I’ll forget about the dinner.”

Hearing this, Ye Linghua paused. She hadn’t told anyone that she was here to see Lin Xin. There was no good reason to, and she didn’t want to lie. At first, she only planned to be with Lin Xin during her most difficult time. She couldn’t possibly be with her for a few years. She just had to be there during the worst of it. Once Lin Xin was able to handle things on her own, she could leave.

It wouldn’t take too long. So, Ye Linghua didn’t want to tell anyone she was here. But now that she thought about it, Lin Xin was… so wonderful. She sighed. “I’ll still treat you to dinner!”

Ye Fang: “…Tsk, so mysterious.”

After hanging up, Ye Linghua washed up and changed into the clothes she had worn when she came. Then she went downstairs. Lin Xin had gotten up early today. Even though Ye Linghua woke up early, Lin Xin had already prepared a simple Western breakfast.

At this moment, Ye Linghua felt like she was a terrible housekeeper. Even though she wasn’t here as a housekeeper, her reason for staying was too far-fetched. She couldn’t help but touch her chin. Should I learn how to cook from Yan Zi first?

Seeing Ye Linghua come downstairs, Lin Xin was stunned to see her in her own clothes. Ye Linghua had come in those clothes, and now she was wearing them again. Lin Xin lowered her head and said calmly, “Let’s eat.”

Ye Linghua smiled gently and sat down across from Lin Xin. They ate in silence. The air was fresh with the scent of wood. The sounds of chirping birds and the rustling of leaves as the wind blew through them filled the peaceful morning.

But even the most beautiful moments couldn’t last forever. Breakfast was over in a flash. As Ye Linghua used a tissue to wipe her mouth, Lin Xin knew it was time for them to part ways.

“Thank you for letting me stay last night.” Ye Linghua’s every move had a sense of grace and elegance that made it hard for Lin Xin to believe she was just a housekeeper.

Lin Xin nodded. Ye Linghua looked at the time on her phone and said, “I have to go, or I’ll miss my flight.”

Lin Xin nodded silently. Ye Linghua looked at her deeply, then stood up and walked toward the door. In that moment, the world seemed to be quiet. Lin Xin watched Ye Linghua’s back. She watched her go to the foyer, pick up the red umbrella, and then look back at her. Her gaze was a mix of appraisal and a final goodbye, and it made Lin Xin’s heart jump.

She’s just a stranger. I’m not so attached that I can’t let her go. But thinking about parting ways made her feel so unwilling. There’s nothing about her that I’m unhappy with. She was with me during the most difficult days. I still need someone to be with me in this house. So… why can’t it be her?

Why do I have to replace her with someone else? Even if she’s just a housekeeper and can’t do anything, isn’t it what’s most important that I’m happy with her? I don’t need a housekeeper who can do everything.

She liked having Ye Linghua around. So… Lin Xin stood up abruptly, startling Ye Linghua. She stood in the foyer, looking at Lin Xin strangely. “Lin Xin?”

Lin Xin had her hands on the table, still looking down. She seemed to be thinking. After a while, she suddenly asked, “Can… can you find a job when you go back?”

Ye Linghua was stunned. She looked at the pink color that was slowly spreading up Lin Xin’s neck and smiled knowingly.

After Lin Xin asked, she felt like her heart was going to burst. Ahhhh! Why did I say that?! Why couldn’t I just say it directly? What if she can find a job? Lin Xin was so frustrated that she had finally worked up the courage but didn’t say the right thing.

The shame and frustration made Lin Xin’s face flush. Seeing her like that, Ye Linghua’s heart softened. She laughed softly and replied to Lin Xin, “No.”

The sound was like a melody. She seemed to know what answer Lin Xin was waiting for. Ye Linghua didn’t want to disappoint her. She didn’t know how Zheng Ranwen could be so cruel to her. Lin Xin, as beautiful as an angel, had such a lovely personality that people would love her from the bottom of their hearts, even if she wasn’t completely honest. How could she bear to let her down?

Ye Linghua’s voice, full of a gentle indulgence she wasn’t even aware of, was also filled with a hint of a smile. Lin Xin was stunned. Her chaotic thoughts disappeared. She looked up at Ye Linghua. She was still standing in the foyer, holding the red umbrella. The smile on her face was like a gentle ripple on the water. Her focused gaze was like a new sprout in a spring mountain. Lin Xin’s face felt warm, and her heart skipped a beat.

Seeing Lin Xin look at her, Ye Linghua’s smile deepened. She reminded her, “I really can’t. After all, you know, I can’t cook.”

Lin Xin came to her senses and chuckled. “Ah, that’s true!” Who would hire her besides me?

Thinking this, Lin Xin felt relieved. She still blushed slightly and suggested, “Since you don’t have a job to go back to, and you’ll waste the money on the flight, why don’t you stay and work here?”

She rubbed her hands together and sneaked a peek at Ye Linghua. “I’ll pay you back for the flight ticket. You know, I’m rich. It’s hard to find a boss as generous as me.”

Ye Linghua looked down at the umbrella in her hand, then gently put it back on the stand and walked toward Lin Xin. As she walked, she reminded her, “But I really can’t cook.”

Lin Xin quickly replied, “You can learn!”

Ye Linghua said softly, “Okay, I’ll learn seriously, boss.”

The last two words rolled off her tongue with a playful tone, making Lin Xin feel like they had a different meaning. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly calmed herself down. She looked at Ye Linghua and smiled. “Don’t worry. You won’t regret staying with me.”

Ye Linghua didn’t deny it. “Mhm, I believe you.”

Lin Xin couldn’t help but smile, a joyful feeling spreading through her. Ye Linghua was so good at making people happy. Even a simple agreement made her feel so joyful.

This person… this person… I’m so lucky I got her to stay.

At this moment, Lin Xin had completely forgotten about Zheng Ranwen, who had come to find her that afternoon. She also forgot about the disgusting things Zheng Ranwen had said.

A few days later, Meng Ke Lin heard that Zheng Ranwen had gone to find Lin Xin. She was so angry that she called their company to file a complaint. Then she drove to Lin Xin’s house, feeling worried.

Meng Ke Lin had never approved of Lin Xin and Zheng Ranwen being together. People outside the industry shipped Zheng Ranwen and Lin Wan, but everyone inside knew that they were really a couple. Why did Lin Wan give up on Zheng Ranwen and go abroad?

Meng Ke Lin scoffed. You just had to ask around a little. How could Lin Wan’s baby face make it in the industry? There were some baby-faced stars who had made it, but in this day and age, how many of them had? Lin Wan had to work harder than others to make a name for herself with a baby face in the difficult entertainment industry. But unfortunately, Lin Wan was an impatient person. After a few failed attempts, she left Zheng Ranwen and went abroad.

Zheng Ranwen was devastated, and that’s when Lin Xin took her in. At that time, Zheng Ranwen was a nobody, but she still acted high and mighty in front of Lin Xin. It made Meng Ke Lin so angry to think about it. And after they got divorced, she had the nerve to come back?

And Lin Xin, she was so useless. She didn’t know where she had dug up a person like that. But somehow, Zheng Ranwen knew how to handle her.

Meng Ke Lin was getting angrier and more anxious. She was worried that Zheng Ranwen had made Lin Xin upset and that she was hiding in the house. She had told her to rest at home after making a statement a few days ago. Who knew Zheng Ranwen would have the nerve to come back?

Meng Ke Lin drove to Lin Xin’s neighborhood. The security guard recognized her. Lin Xin had given him permission to let her in and out freely, so he didn’t stop her. The neighborhood had plenty of parking spaces, but since Lin Xin’s villa had its own, Meng Ke Lin always parked there. When she got out of the car today, she noticed something different.

It looked like there were clothes hanging on the balcony of the room Zheng Ranwen used to live in. Meng Ke Lin: “???”

She didn’t think much of it. She thought Lin Xin had tidied up Zheng Ranwen’s room and washed and dried her clothes. She’s divorced, and she’s still doing this?

Meng Ke Lin was even angrier. She had a key, so she easily entered the villa. She was furious and wanted to find Lin Xin, but the moment she walked in, she froze. The dark and gloomy atmosphere she had expected wasn’t there. The house was bright and airy. The piles of bottles and the smell of alcohol were gone. The place was spotless, and it smelled of flowers.

But that wasn’t the main point. The main point was that in the dining area, Lin Xin was leaning against the table, and a woman was standing in front of her. From Meng Ke Lin’s angle, she could only see the woman’s back as she slowly leaned in, ready to… kiss her?

Meng Ke Lin was shocked. “What are you two doing?!”

The sudden shout made the two people at the table freeze. Lin Xin was stunned and tilted her head to look. At the same time, Ye Linghua turned to look at Meng Ke Lin and smiled politely. “Hello.”

Meng Ke Lin finally saw what was going on. They were both wearing aprons. The strange woman was covered in white flour, on her apron, her clothes, and her face. But it couldn’t hide her beautiful features and her calm demeanor.

Oh! They’re cooking! Realizing she had misunderstood and that Lin Xin hadn’t given up on herself, Meng Ke Lin sighed in relief.

Lin Xin had already pushed Ye Linghua away and was walking toward Meng Ke Lin. “Meng Jie.”

The strange woman followed Lin Xin. She heard Lin Xin call her “Meng Jie,” and she also said, “Hello, Meng Jie. My name is Ye Linghua, and I’m… the new housekeeper.”

Oh? Oh! Meng Ke Lin’s heart completely relaxed. So she was the new housekeeper, and she was cooking. That made perfect sense. She casually asked, “What were you two doing?”

Ye Linghua chuckled. “Xin Xin was teaching me how to cook!”

Lin Xin: “…”

Meng Ke Lin smiled. “???” Xin Xin???

Wait, the main point is—teaching? What did this person say her job was?