After Transmigrating, I Fell in Love with a Top-Tier Movie Queen - Chapter 86

After dinner was served, Mao Heng and the others returned from their outing, and Zheng Lanwen was called down from upstairs.

Everyone gathered around the table again. Lin Xin seemed to have suddenly lost all inhibitions, pulling up a chair and sitting right next to Ye Linghua.

Ye Linghua served her favorite dishes. Lin Xin ate and smiled at her. She was still wearing the white T-shirt she had mistakenly put on, and hadn’t changed.

The cooking process had left a few grease spots, making the white shirt look a little messy.

Qu Hejing smiled and said, “You got her shirt dirty; shouldn’t you buy her a replacement?”

Lin Xin replied, “I’ll buy her one when I go back.”

Ye Linghua gave her a side-eye and chuckled, “Good, I’ll wait for you to buy it.”

Lin Xin feigned surprise and annoyance. “You’re actually going to hold me to it!”

Ye Linghua smiled, leaned toward Lin Xin, and said charmingly, “Why shouldn’t I?”

Lin Xin’s heart suddenly raced. She turned her head away. “Hmph, I’ll replace it then.”

Ye Linghua: “Just in case you back out, I’ll have to take the flight with you.”

Lin Xin was stunned. She looked at Ye Linghua, understanding that Ye Linghua meant they would leave together after filming ended. She immediately smiled happily.

“You promised!”

The two flirted openly, completely ignoring the others, who were bewildered. In just two days, did something significant happen?

Zheng Lanwen watched, remembering how Ye Linghua had left looking upset after their chat that afternoon, and how Lin Xin had chased after her. She herself had foolishly followed, standing downstairs and listening to the emotional confession above. Zheng Lanwen took a deep breath, unable to understand how things had escalated to this point.

In just a single day, they had reached a mutual understanding, and their relationship had progressed astonishingly fast.

Meanwhile, not only had she failed to move forward, but she might very well be permanently separated from Lin Xin now.

Watching the two laugh and chat, and seeing Lin Xin’s shy expression despite her bold words, Zheng Lanwen could only lower her head and eat in silence. She had pushed aside or postponed all possible announcements for this show, right when she needed maximum exposure for her soaring career.

Zheng Lanwen felt she had sacrificed a lot, but she couldn’t even earn a glance from Lin Xin.

Working the Land

After dinner, everyone found chairs and gathered in the courtyard to chat.

Mao Heng informed everyone of the director’s intention: “I hope you’ve all adjusted to the pace of the leisurely courtyard. Director Yan wants us to experience growing our own vegetables tomorrow.”

In simple terms, the “leisurely courtyard” was not actually for the guests to lead a carefree life, but rather to present a carefree country life to the viewers. The guests couldn’t actually be idle, as no one would watch two hours of people sleeping or eating.

Besides, country life was naturally not leisurely. The truly “leisurely” life was reserved for the wealthy.

Farming was just a small task to fill a part of the day.

Tan Wenchang: “The owner of this place has a plot of land near the mountain. They grow various edible greens there. We’ve been taking care of it until now, but starting tomorrow, we’ll take turns managing the vegetable patch.”

Mao Heng looked at the five new guests and asked, “The patch is quite large. A group of three is just right. You’ll rotate every three days.”

The production team had already planned the assignments. After a brief discussion, Ye Linghua, Lin Xin, and Zheng Lanwen were confirmed as one team.

The others were also paired into teams of three. Once the groups were set and no one objected, the meeting ended, and everyone went to rest.

That night, Lin Xin told Ye Linghua, “They must have done it on purpose for the show’s effect.” She couldn’t think of any other reason why she, Ye Linghua, and Zheng Lanwen would be grouped together.

Ye Linghua lay with her hands clasped under her head and said indifferently, “I know.”

Lin Xin looked at her sideways, unable to discern the emotion in her voice.

Ye Linghua knew what she was worried about, so she gave a light laugh and comforted Lin Xin. “Since I agreed to participate, I’m not that small-minded.”

Seeing that Ye Linghua wasn’t genuinely angry, Lin Xin felt relieved.

Lin Xin knew that, as Meng Kelin had said, Ye Linghua was not an ordinary person. She didn’t have to put up with being annoyed here just to be with Lin Xin.

As a non-celebrity, Ye Linghua had the ability to come and the ability to leave whenever she wanted.

Lin Xin closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Lin Xin woke up just as the sky began to lighten.

When they first arrived, they were treated as guests and slept in later.

However, this was still just a reality show. Not only were they not guests, but simply people recording the show. Even to avoid public criticism, Lin Xin had to fight her fatigue, get up, and prepare to help make breakfast.

She didn’t want to wake Ye Linghua, but the sound of her getting up roused Ye Linghua.

Seeing her sneakiness, Ye Linghua chuckled and asked hoarsely, “What are you doing?”

Lin Xin jumped, startled. She had reached the door but turned back to see Ye Linghua leaning against the headboard. Her pure cotton shirt pajamas were loose, giving a clear view of her tempting collarbone.

Lin Xin swallowed and said, “I’m going downstairs to see if anyone needs help.”

Ye Linghua nodded, then pushed the blanket off her. “I’ll go with you!”

Lin Xin said, “You should rest properly!”

Ye Linghua smiled gently, changed into a T-shirt and shorts, preparing for the work in the vegetable patch.

Lin Xin kept trying to persuade her: “You went to bed late yesterday; you don’t need to come with me today.”

Overnight, Lin Xin had heard Ye Linghua wearing an earpiece, briefing someone on the phone. For the first time, Lin Xin realized that Ye Linghua lived in a world quite foreign to her own.

She had stayed up late working, and now she was getting up so early, having only slept for three or four hours, just to work alongside Lin Xin. Lin Xin suddenly felt a little bad. Besides, they still had to go to the vegetable patch later! Could Ye Linghua handle it if she didn’t rest properly?

Ye Linghua was already dressed. She walked over, gently patted Lin Xin’s head, and said, “Alright, don’t worry about it.”

She opened the door. The sun hadn’t appeared yet. The deep blue sky merged with the sea. Only the distant lights of one or two fishing boats that had sailed out late could be faintly seen.

The silence of the night was about to end. Occasional bird calls, accompanied by the persistent sound of the waves, signaled the awakening of dawn.

They could already hear guests talking downstairs. As people aged, their sleep time decreased.

Before the sky was completely light, Mao Heng and the others were already in the kitchen cooking porridge.

When Lin Xin and Ye Linghua entered, Mao Heng and Tan Wenchang were surprised. “You two are up so early?”

Ye Linghua smiled and said, “Lin Xin insisted on coming down to help.” As a non-celebrity, her reputation meant nothing.

Lin Xin, who was working in this industry, needed a good image more than Ye Linghua did.

Since Lin Xin had proposed coming down herself, Ye Linghua decided to help her cultivate an image of being diligent and well-behaved.

Mao Heng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “You young people, sleep in if you’re tired. Old Tan and I aren’t really sleepy. We’re just cooking a little porridge. Think of it as passing the time.” He thought about how Lin Xin had gotten up early yesterday, and realized the young girl had taken it to heart. He couldn’t help but feel a greater fondness for her.

Lin Xin said, “It’s fine, I went to bed early yesterday.”

Tan Wenchang smiled and ushered them out. “Alright, go and wash up! There’s nothing much to do here.”

Mao Heng added, “That’s right! People here prefer simple white porridge in the morning with a few side dishes. Old Tan and I will just stir-fry some greens, and breakfast will be done.”

Lin Xin and Ye Linghua were gently pushed out and could only go to the water jar to wash up first.

The Live Stream and the Fans’ Reaction

At this moment, the live stream, which had been silent for a long time, finally opened.

On the screen, Lin Xin and Ye Linghua stood with their backs to the camera, seemingly brushing their teeth beside a large water jar.

With more people following the show, early-bird fans were already watching, even at this hour.

Seeing the first shot, viewers immediately posted comments:

【Wow, it’s Lin Xin and Ye Linghua!】

【Wuwuwu, Hail Qiming Star! Saw them as soon as I joined.】

【Xinbao, Xinbao, Xinbao!!! My Xinbao is so cute!!!】

【Hey Star fans, didn’t your main artist used to take the cold and aloof route?】

【Is this the collapse of a celebrity persona due to a reality show?】

【Hahaha, are you saying she went from cold, authoritative sister to sweet and cute?】

【What are you talking about? My Xinbao has always been both salty and sweet

Unaware that the live stream was on, Lin Xin and Ye Linghua finished brushing their teeth and washing their faces. They looked at each other and smiled.

Then, the sun began to rise. The first ray of golden light pierced between their smiling faces and shot directly into the camera.

The scene was instantly rendered beautiful and sweet.

【Aaaaaah, so much love.】

【They even have to smile at each other after brushing their teeth. Is this some kind of divine friendship?】

【Above, are you allergic to romance? That’s clearly love, and you call it friendship?】

【Damn it, if they keep this up, I’m going to unfollow and become a Qiming Star fan.】

Ye Linghua noticed that Lin Xin’s hair was wet and stuck to her forehead from washing her face, so she reached out and tidied it.

The comments on the screen immediately erupted in fan shrieks.

【Aaaaaaaah, is this something friends do?!】

【Aaaaaaaah.】

【Aaaaaaaah!!!】

【Aaaaaaaah!】

【Hands-on, what an outrage aaaaaaaah.】

【Our little Qiming is already so caring, I can’t take it! How does Xinbao manage?!】

Qiming Star fans, calm down! Friends do things like that.】

【Get out, above!!!】

Lin Xin felt the fleeting warmth on her forehead. She smiled shyly, touched the spot where Ye Linghua had touched her, and whispered, “Thank you.”

Ye Linghua: “You’re welcome.”

The two entered the kitchen, where Mao Heng and Tan Wenchang had already prepared breakfast. It just needed to be taken off the heat when cooked. At this time, Qu Hejing and the others also woke up.

With more hands, even if there was a lot to do, distributing the tasks made it easier.

Everyone prepared things and helped carry breakfast to the dining table in the courtyard.

By now, the sun was fully up. Everyone gathered around the table to eat. Mao Heng announced the work assignments for the day: “Lin Xin’s group will go help at the vegetable patch. Old Tan and I are going to buy vegetables from the villagers, and Xiao Jing and Zhuo Yaxin will go to the mountain to gather some firewood. The rest of you will clean up the house. Is that alright?”

The large stove in the courtyard required a fire for cooking. Therefore, everyone periodically went to the mountain behind the house to collect dry branches.

Everyone agreed to the division of labor, including Lin Xin and Ye Linghua. After breakfast, the two went to the wood storage room to find tools.

Although it was still spring, the southern sun was still intense, especially for Lin Xin, whose career depended on her looks.

In addition to slathering on thick sunscreen, she also needed to find a hat for shade.

They found straw hats in the wood storage room. Lin Xin tried one on; it was a bit too big but managed to shade her face.

She turned to look at Ye Linghua, smiling brightly. “Do I look ugly in this?”

Ye Linghua was looking for weeding tools. Hearing her, she looked up. Lin Xin’s beautiful face, even paired with the simplest clothes and the most ordinary straw hat, couldn’t hide her graceful and delicate appearance.

And such a beautiful girl was looking at her with clear, bright eyes.

“Her charming figure and beautiful face surpass a multitude of flowers.” Ye Linghua spoke a classical poem that suddenly came to mind.

Lin Xin smiled, her laugh sweet and melodious.

【Wuwuwuwu, that’s too sweet!】

【Seriously, if they’re together, I can ship them for a year.】

【Who says no? After the last live stream ended, Qiming Star gained 200,000 followers overnight. Who understands that feeling?! (^o^)/~】

【And the momentum is huge. They’re still gaining tens of thousands of followers every day.】

【Their super-topic is flooded with photos and videos from their last live stream. Now they’re this sweet. I can’t keep up with shipping them!】

The comments section was frantically refreshing due to the friendly interaction between the two. Soon, someone noticed that Zheng Lanwen was standing alone at the door and hadn’t come in.

【Zheng Lanwen is truly miserable; she can’t even get in.】

【Hahahahaha, so what? When there was that couples show before, Lin Xin and she appeared for a few episodes, and she was just as cold to Lin Xin then.】

【Are you talking about My Love, My Home?】

【Yes, yes, yes. The host stayed at different couples’ homes for a few days to film their daily interactions.】

【I’m just saying, their episode was so awkward. I don’t know how the ‘Xinwen CP’ fans could even ship them. At least the Qiming Star pairing has some love.】

Xinwen CP fans: 【We didn’t offend anyone, thank you. (Smiling goodbye)】

Zheng Lanwen, standing at the door, was unaware of the fans’ schadenfreude. She didn’t want to be in the same room as them, so she simply stood at the door, waiting for them to finish before going in to look for something herself.

Lin Xin glanced at Zheng Lanwen at the door but eventually looked down and ignored her.

When she and Ye Linghua left the wood storage room, Zheng Lanwen silently entered.

The Field Incident

As the sun climbed into the sky, the three women, led by the TV crew, finally arrived at the vegetable patch.

The patch was located near the mountain, far from the beach, and took them 20 minutes to walk there. When they arrived, they saw the owner had planted an array of vegetables: eggplant, chili peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, loofah, cabbage, radishes, and more.

Yan Li followed their group and had set up the equipment nearby early that morning. He had to monitor the cameras while simultaneously watching the online comments, constantly ensuring that trolls didn’t contaminate the entire feed.

The crew members were hiding under the trees, and the pre-arranged villager was brought in to teach the women about planting.

Lin Xin knew nothing about gardening and listened blankly as the villager introduced the tasks.

Ye Linghua, apart from domestic matters and cooking, seemed to have a talent for everything. After the villager finished, she quickly started trying to build frames and tend to the vines.

Lin Xin watched, full of admiration, and couldn’t help but praise her: “You’re so amazing!”

Ye Linghua smiled and replied, “We all have our own strengths.”

Lin Xin stood beside her and said, “I’ll help you!”

On the other side, Zheng Lanwen also demonstrated her skill after the villager’s explanation. However, the person who would have complimented her was no longer there.

【Oh roar! Our Wolf cub is so awesome!】

【Hahahaha, you Erhas, it’s just farming! Don’t act like your master invented a rocket.】

【As a Xinwen CP fan, my heart aches for our Wolf cub, who is being ignored!】

【Doesn’t Xinbao even look at the Wolf cub? o(╥﹏╥)o】

【Can’t the Xinwen CP fans just leave? This clearly isn’t a show where your Wolf cub has a chance.】

【By the way, Ye Linghua from Qiming Star’s movements are way too skilled, aren’t they?】

【She must be poor!】

【Watch your tone above. Being a farmer doesn’t mean being poor.】

【But Ye Linghua must be poor, otherwise why would she interview to be Lin Xin’s assistant?】

【She’s just a non-celebrity, not necessarily poor.

【Lin Xin is also foolish. She finally raised Zheng Lanwen well, and Zheng Lanwen ran off. Now she’s starting over raising Ye Linghua. Doesn’t she worry Ye Linghua will also run away? Hey, does she have a ‘giver complex’? Should she look at me instead?】

【Do you have Ye Linghua’s beauty?】

【So, Lin Xin is also a face-worshipper?】

These unfriendly discussions were quickly drowned out by the noise from various fan groups.

Meanwhile, Ye Linghua slowly taught Lin Xin various planting techniques. Before long, the three women began to spread out, helping to work on different parts of the field.

As Mao Heng had said, the field was quite large. If all three worked together in one spot, they would be there until evening.

Working separately on different rows would allow them to finish earlier.

Initially, the three started in the same area. Ye Linghua’s movements were fast, and she quickly distanced herself from Lin Xin and Zheng Lanwen.

The comments section also slowed down as the three entered the boring work phase. Viewers who had to work or go to school started leaving the live stream.

In a televised broadcast, these moments would be sped up or edited out.

But in a live stream, that wasn’t possible. Working in the field was boring for the people doing it and boring for the viewers.

Soon, not many people were left in the live stream.

Ye Linghua had almost finished clearing her row. She stood up to stretch her back when she suddenly heard Lin Xin scream behind her.

Ye Linghua was momentarily stunned. She turned, ready to run over, but saw Zheng Lanwen, who was in the next row, push aside the plants and rush to Lin Xin’s side.

Before Ye Linghua could react, Zheng Lanwen had already plucked a small green bug off Lin Xin, thrown it on the ground, and stomped on it.

Then, she reached out and gently patted Lin Xin’s back to comfort her: “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay. Xinxin, the bug is dead. It’s okay.”

Lin Xin gasped, her eyes wide as she looked at the green bug crushed into the dirt. Her large eyes were still filled with physiological tears caused by fear.

Ye Linghua stood still, watching the two’s close embrace without any reaction.

【Oh ho!】

【Fabulous!】

o, Sure enough, it has to be our Xinwen CP!】

Lin Xin was terrified of bugs—extremely terrified. Zheng Lanwen, who had lived with Lin Xin for five years, knew this perfectly well.

So, when she saw Lin Xin screaming and jumping because a bug had fallen on her, she rushed forward without a moment’s thought.

In that instant, all she wanted was to protect her and keep her away from fear.

She gently patted Lin Xin’s back, helping her catch her breath, completely forgetting that Lin Xin had a new girlfriend.

Lin Xin finally regained her composure and looked at Zheng Lanwen in front of her, her emotions complex.

In five years of marriage, Zheng Lanwen had never shown the kind of concern she was showing now. What was the point of displaying it now?

Thinking this, Lin Xin suddenly paused, her gaze shifting to Ye Linghua standing a short distance away. Ye Linghua was backlit and wearing a cap, the shadow completely hiding her expression.

But the sight of her standing there, motionless, made Lin Xin’s heart jump. She abruptly realized the situation.

Pushing Zheng Lanwen away, Lin Xin said coldly, “Thank you.”

Then, quickly, she ran across row after row of the field toward Ye Linghua.

She didn’t see the figure of Zheng Lanwen behind her, which instantly became lonely, desolate, and dark.

In the live stream, as Lin Xin abandoned the old lover and ran to the new one, the comments section became lively again.