Distance Formula - Chapter 24

Cui Xiaojiu seemed completely unfazed by Su Yanshi’s threat. She curled her lips, and without saying anything else, took two steps forward, whispering: “Su Yanshi, I wish us a pleasant time acting together.”

Su Yanshi watched her gloomily, remaining silent.

Having said her piece and seeing Su Yanshi suffer a setback, Cui Xiaojiu’s mood improved instantly. Before leaving, she deliberately collided with Bai Biqing. She looked back once, without the slightest hint of an apology; her expression was one of pure disdain.

Watching her leave, Bai Biqing rubbed her bumped shoulder and turned off the voice recorder in her pocket. When she looked up again, her expression had become much more approachable: “I’m fine, Yanshi.”

“In fact, I’m quite happy.”

Su Yanshi was still fuming, but hearing this, she looked at her in confusion: “Why?”

“It’s nothing.” Bai Biqing didn’t explain. She looked at Su Yanshi warmly and added, “Don’t worry, she won’t be this arrogant for much longer.”

Su Yanshi wasn’t stupid. Hearing these words, she already had an idea of what was happening. Bai Biqing had disappeared earlier, likely to arrange something. Suddenly, she felt the joy of being “taken care of” and called out softly: “Teacher Bai.”

Bai Biqing: “Hmm?”

“Were you just standing up for me?”

Bai Biqing’s eyes praised her: “That’s right, Yanshi. You guessed correctly, but there’s no reward.”

Su Yanshi laughed twice, her previous unpleasantness swept away: “How satisfying.”

“Mm.”

Bai Biqing almost hummed in response. They hadn’t chatted for long before someone knocked on the dressing room door: “Teacher Su, are you finished with your makeup?”

“Ready.” Su Yanshi replied, then looked back at Bai Biqing. “Teacher Bai, I’m going to film now. Let’s go.”

Bai Biqing nodded. She hadn’t talked much lately, largely due to physical fatigue. She prepared the necessary items and silently followed behind Su Yanshi.

This scene wasn’t simple. There wasn’t a single line of dialogue throughout; the filming location was at the guesthouse, implying they had been there before. Because it was Bai Yunyan’s dream sequence, the dramatic intensity needed to be stronger.

Su Yanshi and Cui Xiaojiu sat facing each other with props in front of them. Both had somber expressions and didn’t speak a word.

Once Director Liu confirmed everything was ready, he shouted: “Action!”

The surroundings were silent, leaving only the sound of the two of them chewing. Bai Yunyan ate her meal in silence. Her wife didn’t move; her hand gripping the chopsticks tightened more and more, as if she were immersed in some deep emotion.

Noticing this, Bai Yunyan looked over in confusion, silently asking her what was wrong.

The wife’s tears fell without warning. Her eyes were full of resentment, with not a trace of love left. She stared intensely at Bai Yunyan and let out a low laugh. Suddenly, she stood up, grabbed a painting from the corner, and placed it in front of Bai Yunyan.

Bai Yunyan watched her nervously, gesturing for her to put it down. This painting was a finished work she had spent a long time on; it might even make her famous in one fell swoop. No one was allowed to touch it.

Seeing her reaction, the wife lowered her head in disappointment. She tossed the painting onto the floor carelessly and stomped on it several times. Bai Yunyan immediately stepped forward to stop her.

The lighting in the room was deathly still. The heavy breathing of the two women felt like a countdown to their breaking point. Eventually, Bai Yunyan gained the upper hand, pulling her frantic wife away and looking at her with a face full of rage, as if looking at an enemy.

The wife didn’t speak. She wiped away her tears forcefully, but they simply wouldn’t stop. The endless arguing had left her deeply exhausted. She stood up tremblingly, laughed loudly, and walked step by step toward Bai Yunyan.

She raised her hand and delivered a crisp, clean slap.

She was supposed to turn and leave, but before she could move, she was called to a halt.

“Cut! Cui Xiaojiu, your eyes aren’t right. You didn’t show that final sense of desolation. Let’s go again!”

Su Yanshi touched her burning cheek. Seeing Cui Xiaojiu’s malicious smile, she understood—this scene was going to be a difficult one to get through.