Going from "Fanservice" to Reality with My Goddess - Chapter 14

Yu Nianzhi snapped back to reality, her face flushing a deep crimson. She scrambled to hide her phone, explaining stiltedly, “Shen… Teacher Shen, let me explain. I just happened to scroll to this by accident. I…”

Shen Yan did not listen to her explanation, merely chuckling. “Your method of getting into character is quite unique.”

Shen Yan had originally seen Yu Nianzhi sitting alone in deep thought and wanted to help her find the right emotional state. She hadn’t expected to walk over and find the girl reading her old tabloid scandals.

Shen Yan’s mouth twitched, but for some reason, the first thing she did wasn’t to tease Yu Nianzhi, but to clarify urgently that those messy reports had absolutely nothing to do with her.

Of course, Yu Nianzhi didn’t notice the urgency; she only wanted to dig a hole and bury herself alive.

Facing Yu Nianzhi now, Shen Yan couldn’t quite describe her own feelings. She couldn’t bring herself to ignore the girl or stop interacting with her; she couldn’t stop her gaze from landing on her. All she could do was try her best to treat Yu Nianzhi as she always had.

Once Yu Nianzhi had composed her emotions, they began the take again.

Luo Qin informed Yu Nianzhi of the tragic news. Yu Nianzhi froze on the spot, the clothes slipping from her hands. She stood there, looking out the window; the rain had stopped and the sky had cleared it was a beautiful day.

Wounded by a hidden arrow? Died on the battlefield?

But you said you had things to tell me when you returned. Come back quickly.

She didn’t make a sound, just stood there silently.

Luo Qin stood by helplessly. If Yu Nianzhi had broken into loud wailing or refused to believe it and questioned her, she could at least offer comfort. But Yu Nianzhi was too quiet.

Luo Qin didn’t know what else to say, only manage a dry, “Your Highness, please restrain your grief!”

Yu Nianzhi didn’t speak. After a long while, she said, “I understand. You may leave.”

Her voice was as raspy as sandpaper rubbing against the floor, her tone completely devoid of fluctuation.

“Cut!” Duan Yi reviewed the playback. “Excellent, passed.”

Yu Nianzhi remained standing in place, seemingly not hearing Duan Yi’s voice. Lin Xin approached and whispered, “Sister Yu, it’s over. Are you okay?”

Still immersed in her emotions, Yu Nianzhi looked at Lin Xin with eyes brimming with tears. “Huh?”

Lin Xin: “…” Oh, heavens!

Before Lin Xin could react, Shen Yan had already walked over. She patted Yu Nianzhi’s shoulder. “Filming is done. Go back and rest.”

Yu Nianzhi turned her head to look at Shen Yan and responded obediently, “Okay.”

Shen Yan: “…” That aggrieved little look was simply too easy to bully.

Shen Yan suppressed the impulse that suddenly rose within her and corrected her thoughts: Shen Yan, you are a decent person.

Seeing this, Lin Xin made a swift exit.

Left with no choice and unable to say much else, Shen Yan could only help the other woman sit down. She gently pulled her into an embrace, coaxing her, “Don’t be sad anymore. Your husband is right here.”

After a while, Yu Nianzhi finally calmed down and recovered. Then, the embarrassment set in. Being coaxed by Shen Yan because she was too deep in a state of grief…

Doubtless, digging a hole to bury herself was still the most reliable plan.

Today had truly been eventful. Returning to the hotel that night, Yu Nianzhi lay exhausted on her bed. Recalling the day’s events made her feel mortified, yet remembering that Shen Yan had initiated a hug to comfort her made her heart feel warm and glowing. She felt as though she could blow out a string of happy bubbles with every breath.

While warning herself not to be over-affectionate, she couldn’t help but feel that perhaps Shen Yan truly did treat her a little differently. Though she knew it was likely non-existent, the mere possibility made her spirits soar.

She had lived for twenty-two years and had never liked anyone. But with Shen Yan, she had been head over heels from the very first glance. She was willing to remain intoxicated by this feeling for a lifetime.

That night, a sudden torrential rain fell. In the pitch-black night, a figure in black quietly infiltrated the Wen Manor.

Inside the Wen Manor study, Ye Wu stood by the window, watching the pouring rain while listening to a report from the spy he had sent to Fujiang.

“Is the information accurate? Is the Crown Prince truly dead?” Ye Wu’s hand rested on the desk, trembling slightly with excitement.

“It is absolutely certain. I heard the news with my own ears outside the commander’s tent. The Beiyan army was no match for our troops and resorted to a sneak attack with hidden arrows while the Prince was engaged with an enemy general. However, the Prince dodged that arrow. I took advantage of the chaos to fire a follow-up arrow, striking the Prince in a vital spot. He died in the camp before medical aid could reach him.”

“Well done!” Ye Wu could not suppress the upward curve of his lips and nearly laughed out loud.

At this moment, he was not alone; several confidants of the Wen Faction in the court had gathered at the manor under the cover of night.

“My Lord,” one said in a low voice, “news has come from the border; the Prince’s death is confirmed. Should we not begin our move early?”

Another chimed in, “Yes, My Lord. Success comes to those who act early, lest long nights bring many dreams.”

Ye Wu remained noncommittal. After a moment of silence, he spoke: “Feng Ji has always been crafty; we must not rush for success. We must wait until the army returns to the capital. If Feng Ji is not dead, an early move will only lead to us being outmaneuvered. If he is indeed dead,” Ye Wu sneered coldly, “taking this kingdom is only a matter of time. Is the young Prince Feng Huan properly arranged?”

“Please rest assured, My Lord. Everything is prepared. We only await your command to strike immediately.”

“Good!” With his greatest worry eliminated, Ye Wu felt a lightness he had never known. “Feng Ji, this is the price of opposing me. The Feng Dynasty is about to change masters!”

A sudden bolt of lightning flashed across the night sky, illuminating the dim room. Ye Wu’s aged face flickered in the light and shadow, and the smile curling his lips was chilling.

“Cut! This take is passed,” Duan Yi praised with a smile. “Teacher Ye’s acting is as masterful as ever.”

The moment filming ended, Ye Wu shed the hideous mask of the treacherous official and reverted to his usual amiable self.

Lin Xin whispered to Yu Nianzhi, “Teacher Ye is truly powerful. His portrayal of Wen Jian makes me want to run up and bash that traitor’s head in.”

Yu Nianzhi nodded in agreement, silent in her admiration. He was not only a seasoned actor but could also exit his role immediately without letting the character affect his own emotions. This was exactly what Yu Nianzhi lacked. She often struggled to leave a role long after filming, like last time. She was still inexperienced and needed to hone her craft and learn more from the seniors.

While Wen Jian was already planning his usurpation, the set was prepared for the next scene.

A month later, at the Southern Gate of the Capital.

The gate was crowded with people, all waiting for the return of their hero. No one spoke; the surroundings were shrouded in silence. The Emperor was frail and had not come in person, sending a trusted confidant to receive the army instead.

Yu Nianzhi was dressed in white, standing silently at the very front of the crowd. She looked haggard, her already slender face appearing even more fragile.

Finally, in the silent wait, the sound of galloping hooves approached from afar. An army gradually appeared in the people’s line of sight. The person leading them sat atop a horse, handsome and dashing, with a precious sword at their waist.

Seeing the face of the person on the horse, Yu Nianzhi almost thought her grief had caused her eyes to deceive her.

Not just Yu Nianzhi, but whispers began to break out in the crowd, followed by cries of disbelief, which eventually turned into shouts of “His Highness the Crown Prince!”

The Crown Prince had returned! He was alive!

Yu Nianzhi could not believe her eyes. Her heart, which had seemingly stopped beating, began to throb again as wild joy surged through her chest. From profound grief to sudden ecstasy, she couldn’t react in time and remained dazed where she stood.

The army drew closer and finally halted before the crowd.

Shen Yan dismounted and bowed, announcing loudly, “Everyone, the messenger’s previous information was incorrect. I am unharmed. I have caused you all worry, and for that, I, Feng, offer my apologies!”

Seeing the living Crown Prince, who had time to care about the details? The crowd shouted in a confused jumble, thanking the heavens for the Prince’s safe return.

Shen Yan first offered words of comfort to the waiting crowd, then walked to Yu Nianzhi’s side and smiled. “My lady has been frightened. Go back and rest well first. Men,” he turned and shouted, “quickly escort the Crown Princess back to the manor to rest.”

A soldier stepped out of the ranks. “As you command, General.”

“I must go into the palace to have an audience with the Emperor first; I will return to the manor shortly,” Shen Yan said to Yu Nianzhi.

The words “I’ll go with you” nearly escaped Yu Nianzhi’s lips. But before she could speak, the soldier had already stepped in front of her, saying, “Your Highness, forgive my rudeness.” Before she could react, he lightly took her by the waist and used Qinggong (lightness skill) to carry her toward the Prince’s Manor.

Yu Nianzhi could not break free and looked back at Shen Yan in disbelief. She saw the other woman heading toward the city center under the lead of the officials.

She didn’t look up at her even once more.

Yu Nianzhi’s struggling stopped. She allowed the soldier to carry her toward the Eastern Palace.

Shen Yan… what is wrong with her?