Distance Formula - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

“Cut!”

This was the third time Director Liu had called a halt. Su Yanshi had taken three solid slaps, and half of her face had begun to swell. The Alpha pressed her tongue against the inside of her cheek, her expression so dark that no one dared to speak. In contrast, Cui Xiaojiu watched her with a face full of smug satisfaction.

Anyone with eyes could see there was a grudge between them, but no one dared to make a sound. Instead, they all peeked at Director Liu’s expression out of the corners of their eyes.

Director Liu was famously strict. Cui Xiaojiu’s performance in the earlier parts of the scene was flawless, but as soon as they reached the end, either her gaze was wrong or she missed her mark. Su Yanshi’s face remained grim as she held an ice pack handed to her by Bai Biqing against her cheek.

Bai Biqing’s fingers were cold. She walked over to Director Liu’s side and said in a low voice, “If the funding falls short, I’ll fill the gap. Director Liu, this is your film.”

Director Liu was also suppressing a mountain of rage. While Cui Xiaojiu was indeed within his range of candidates, the nature of her being forced into the role was different. Having spent years in the industry, how could he not recognize someone using a public role to settle a private score?

He lifted his eyelids to glance briefly at Bai Biqing, his grip tightening. Finally, he slammed his hand down on the table in front of the monitor and erupted at Cui Xiaojiu, “Do you even know how to act? If not, get the hell out! Do you really think no one else wants to audition for this role? If you don’t love acting, leave immediately, Cui Xiaojiu.”

He called her name in a low growl, strode to her side, and said fiercely, “I don’t care what grievances you have with Su Yanshi, but if there’s another NG, don’t bother filming this movie anymore.”

Cui Xiaojiu’s eyes widened. She wanted to say something but choked it back, saying dryly, “Understood.”

Su Yanshi put down the ice pack and remained silent. She exchanged a distant look with Bai Biqing; the Beta could easily see the stifled frustration in the Alpha’s eyes. She gave her a small, reassuring smile.

The scene began filming once more. This time, no further trouble arose, though the final slap was undeniably loud. The moment the director shouted “Cut,” Bai Biqing rushed over. She carefully cupped Su Yanshi’s face to inspect it, her brows furrowing in heartache. “Does it hurt?” she asked softly.

Su Yanshi nodded and whispered, “Mm.”

“But it’s okay, I can keep filming.” Bai Biqing looked at her with disapproval, yet still asked, “You want to continue?”

“Mm, let’s finish before resting.” Su Yanshi took Bai Biqing’s wrist and signaled to the director her intent to keep shooting.

Bai Biqing remained silent, her eyes downcast as she thought of something unknown. Fearing she had upset her, Su Yanshi lowered her head to catch her gaze and asked tentatively, “Teacher Bai, are you angry?”

“I’m sorry.”

Su Yanshi’s gaze was incredibly sincere, as if she were truly afraid while waiting for an answer. Bai Biqing helplessly stroked her hair. “No, don’t worry.”

She weighed her tone, trying not to sound too stern. “Yanshi, protect yourself better next time.”

Su Yanshi nodded rapidly. Seeing that she wasn’t angry, she immediately started to smile, only to hiss in pain as the movement pulled at her injury.

The next scene was Bai Yunyan waking from her dream. Su Yanshi lay on the bed, doing her best to keep the unswollen side of her face toward the camera.

Director Liu shouted, “Action!”

A dreamscape is a person’s inner monologue. Bai Yunyan jolted awake from her dream, sitting up and gasping for breath. She looked around blankly before suddenly collapsing, covering her face and weeping silently.

It was true; she was indeed a coward. She didn’t dare face Jiang Yin’s burning affection. The failure of her previous marriage had caused her to lock her heart away, yet she had still mindlessly drawn close to Jiang Yin.

Bai Yunyan checked the time and suddenly remembered that today was the day Jiang Yin was supposed to leave. Not even sure of what she was doing, she stumbled out of bed, only for her legs to give way, sending her crashing to the floor. She stared vacantly at the chaotic mess of a painting in front of her. At that moment, she seemed to finally understand something and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Her gaze became almost manic. She sat on the floor with her head hanging, the room filled only with the sound of her heavy breathing.

Suddenly, Bai Yunyan raised her hand and fiercely slapped herself several times. She swept the painting onto the floor with a violent motion and frantically grabbed a pair of scissors, stabbing them into the canvas with raw fury. Stroke after stroke, she watched the fragmented painting, tears flowing uncontrollably.

She laughed blankly, her eyes filled with desolation. She had long been unable to paint anything; every day she spent immersed in a beautiful dream of her own weaving, like a fool.

“Hello, my name is Jiang Yin.”

“Bai Yunyan, you’re so amazing!”

“It’s okay, I’m grateful you gave me the chance to pursue you.”

“Me? I want to take a photo with you.”

“Bai Yunyan, you clearly moved your heart, so why don’t you dare admit it?”

Countless pieces of the past gathered into a mass and crashed into her. Bai Yunyan murmured “Jiang Yin” as she scrambled up from the floor. With unsteady steps, she walked out and knocked on Jiang Yin’s door.

Jiang Yin climbed out of bed in a daze. Realizing it was Bai Yunyan, she quickly opened the door, only to be thrown into a panic by Bai Yunyan’s disheveled state. She asked, stunned, “How are you…”

Bai Yunyan kissed her directly, picking her up and pinning her against the wall. The atmosphere was eerie yet passionate, as if hiding every single word within a single kiss, throwing all her courage toward Jiang Yin.

After an unknown amount of time, Bai Yunyan buried her head in Jiang Yin’s neck, her voice barely audible: “Please, take me away with you.”

“—Please.”

There is too much dissatisfaction in the world. Each person is like an independent planet; light from billions of light-years away crosses the sea of stars to ignite and collide. It is a brilliant combustion that sets the entire plains ablaze.

Bai Yunyan was that light.

And so was Bai Biqing.

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