Going from "Fanservice" to Reality with My Goddess - Chapter 16

A warm current of air brushed past her ear, causing Yu Nianzhi’s ears to twitch sensitively as a deep crimson blush slowly crept up.

Although Shen Yan had not said it explicitly, how could Yu Nianzhi not understand her meaning?

“Mhm,” Yu Nianzhi hummed softly in agreement.

Shen Yan let out a low chuckle and reached out to remove the hairpin securing Yu Nianzhi’s hair. A waterfall of black hair cascaded down. Under the ambiguous glow of the candlelight, her skin shimmered with a translucent luster, accentuating a beauty as vivid as spring flowers stunningly gorgeous beyond compare.

Even though she knew they were filming a scene, Yu Nianzhi’s heart could not help but race faster and faster, thumping against her ribs until even breathing seemed difficult.

The red candles flickered as they leaned into one another. Behind the light gauze curtains, the silhouettes of the two beauties became a hazy blur.

“My lady…” Shen Yan whispered, her tone gentle yet laced with suppressed restraint. She lowered her eyes, her raven-feather lashes fluttering softly.

“I am here,” Yu Nianzhi replied softly.

Unbeknownst to them, a drizzling rain had begun to fall outside the window. In the courtyard, the lush leaves of the Abrus tree swayed in the wind. Fine raindrops lightly swept over the branches, causing the vermilion Love Seeds to rock gently as they underwent the baptism of the wind and rain.

Yu Nianzhi’s voice was husky, carrying a slight tremor. “Your Highness… Your Highness, I…”

Shen Yan looked up slightly, her lips as vivid and tender as a freshly bloomed rose. Her breath was as fragrant as orchids, and her voice carried an unmaskable heat: “Why are you still calling me ‘Your Highness,’ hmm?”

Yu Nianzhi felt a numbing current of electricity jolt straight to her heart. Her body trembled slightly; after a moment of hesitation, she called out softly, “Husband…”

These two simple words seemed to carry the weight of a thousand pounds, and the gaze in Shen Yan’s eyes grew increasingly profound. Looking at her own reflection in Shen Yan’s eyes, Yu Nianzhi felt as though she were about to be consumed by the flames within them.

Outside, the wind and rain intertwined; inside, the temperature rose sharply. The night was long, and the hibiscus curtains were warm.

The footage was already sufficient, but sitting behind the monitor, Duan Yi was somewhat reluctant to break this lingering, tender atmosphere. However, as a responsible director, he eventually spoke after a moment of silence: “Cut!”

The figures of Shen Yan and Yu Nianzhi froze simultaneously. Their strength dissipated as they ceased their movements. Shen Yan slowly sat up, then helped Yu Nianzhi up before they each rearranged their clothing.

Neither spoke; they simply sat apart, calming their slightly ragged breathing. Not only Yu Nianzhi, but even Shen Yan needed a moment to settle her heart. The atmosphere was filled with an indescribable mix of ambiguity and awkwardness.

It was Shen Yan who finally broke the silence. “There’s nothing else for us today. Let’s go back and rest.”

“Mhm, alright,” Yu Nianzhi responded. She stood up and walked toward Duan Yi alongside Shen Yan.

Shen Yan’s gaze drifted toward Yu Nianzhi. The rosy flush on the girl’s face had not yet faded, making her look like a ripe honey peach—tender, succulent, and making one want to take a bite. She forced herself to look away.

Duan Yi watched them approach. “You’ve both worked hard. Go back and get some early rest.” He then began calling people to tidy the set for pick-up shots with other cast members.

The two changed out of their costumes and returned to the hotel. After parting ways with Shen Yan at the door, the first thing Yu Nianzhi did upon entering her room was take a shower. Standing under the showerhead, the warm water flowed over her face, clumping into droplets on her long lashes before being washed away. Yu Nianzhi tried her best to shake off the stray thoughts in her head so she could finish her bath in peace.

Sigh… filming that scene today was truly exhausting for both the mind and body.

Following the previous period of upheaval, Beiyan finally settled into a temporary silence, no longer deliberately provoking South Liao.

Feng Ji and Wen Yan ushered in their sweetest and most heartwarming time together. With the complete fusion of body and soul, the “wife and wife” pair had become one entity.

As spring departed and autumn arrived, through summer moons and winter snows, the fruit on the Abrus tree grew and fell. In the blink of an eye, the Lantern Festival (Shangyuan) arrived.

On this night, every household hung lanterns. The streets and alleys were packed with people as the commoners stepped out to celebrate the holiday. Even the towering, cold Imperial Palace and the noble manors gained a touch of lively spirit.

Yu Nianzhi leaned against the window alone, watching the shimmering lights flickering between the pavilions. Listening to the occasional laughter of the maidservants, her heart filled with longing.

Shen Yan pushed the door open. Seeing Yu Nianzhi sitting by the window with a face full of envy, she couldn’t help but smile. “Do you want to go play?”

Yu Nianzhi turned and smiled back. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a lively scene. I’m a bit restless.”

“Come, I’ll take you out for a stroll,” Shen Yan said immediately. “It’s been a long time since I’ve gone out to have fun, too.”

Shen Yan reached out to lead her away, but Yu Nianzhi laughed. “Don’t be in such a hurry. If we go out like this, few people would recognize me, but what if the Crown Prince is recognized by others?”

Shen Yan realized her mistake and laughed. “That was my oversight. We must go in disguise.”

Thinking of something, Yu Nianzhi suddenly suggested, “How about this: why don’t you remove your current makeup and dress up as a pair of sisters with me?”

Shen Yan paused. She had been the Crown Prince for over ten years; this masculine guise was practically etched into her soul. She hadn’t shown herself with a feminine appearance for countless years. Hearing Yu Nianzhi’s suggestion, her heart stirred.

“Alright.”

Shen Yan washed away her usual makeup and sat before the dressing mirror. She removed the jade crown, letting her black hair slide down until it reached her waist. Looking at herself in the mirror, she had a momentary illusion of a lifetime passing by. She couldn’t remember how many years she had worn that other face; if she didn’t wash off her makeup every day, she might have forgotten her true self.

She hesitated for a moment, picking up the rouge, unsure where to begin. Yu Nianzhi walked up behind her, placing her hands lightly on Shen Yan’s shoulders with a smile. “Let me do my husband’s makeup.”

Shen Yan flashed a grin and looked up at her. “Then I shall trouble my lady.”

Yu Nianzhi took a wooden comb, her slender fingers threading through Shen Yan’s hair, gently gathering the dark tresses. One sat while the other stood; Yu Nianzhi focused intently on combing the hair while Shen Yan watched Yu Nianzhi’s serious expression in the mirror.

After inserting the final jade hairpin, Yu Nianzhi picked up the rouge and powders. She traced the eyebrows, lined the eyes, and touched the lips with a crimson tint. Because Shen Yan had an excellent natural foundation, Yu Nianzhi only applied simple makeup.

“It’s done.” Yu Nianzhi finally finished and smiled. “Are you satisfied?”

Shen Yan looked at herself in the mirror and, for a moment, hardly recognized the woman looking back. The woman in the mirror had lightly tinted lips and a face like a peach blossom. Her phoenix eyes were full of wandering affection; with her youthful radiance and dark hair, she was truly a peerless beauty.

The Crown Prince, who was usually calm and casual, now appeared somewhat constrained. A rosy blush from the rouge seemed to spread naturally across her cheeks. “My lady’s handiwork is naturally the best.”

Shen Yan then brought over a red fox-fur cloak and draped it over Yu Nianzhi. Yu Nianzhi adjusted the hem, her expression somewhat bashful. “Do I look good?” She always seemed to lack confidence in her own appearance.

Shen Yan’s eyes were full of wonder. “Red truly suits you.” She couldn’t help but recall their first meeting, when Yu Nianzhi appeared before her in a fiery red wedding dress; one look was enough to make one fall deep.

“Brother! Sister!” As they were speaking, a figure suddenly appeared nearby. He didn’t walk fast, but his face was full of smiles. He walked straight to Yu Nianzhi and called out sweetly, “Sister!”

The newcomer was Jiang Hongyi (playing Feng Huan). Although his health was much better than before, he was still frail. Unless he sneaked out, he was rarely permitted to go outside. Since tonight was the Lantern Festival, he had been given the chance to stroll around.

Looking at Feng Huan’s face which shared a forty to fifty percent resemblance to her own—a complex, indescribable feeling surged in Shen Yan’s heart. As this younger brother grew older, her confidants in the court had repeatedly advised her, both overtly and subtly, to eliminate him and pull the problem out by the roots. Even though he spoke with the innocence of a child and was mentally impaired, he remained a potential threat.

Shen Yan had hesitated before. But her brother had the mind of a seven or eight-year-old; though he didn’t understand the ways of the world, he was very likable. Furthermore, the current political situation was stable, making it impossible for him to pose a threat. People had brought it up many times, but in the end, the matter always faded into silence through her repeated indecision.

Seeing Feng Huan’s eyes crinkle into two crescent moons as he laughed, Shen Yan’s own lips curled up. Let it be like this for now, she thought. Their Imperial Father was still healthy; there was still a long time ahead.

Shen Yan looked up at the bright lanterns in the market. Today was the Lantern Festival, after all. At that time, she did not know that this would be her last one.

After seeing off Feng Huan, Shen Yan and Yu Nianzhi walked out of the manor hand-in-hand. Led by Shen Yan, they stepped onto the most prosperous street in the capital.

The streets were bustling with the roar of voices. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes could be seen everywhere. The shouts of street vendors and the laughter of tourists intertwined to create the most harmonious, noisy melody.

This was Yu Nianzhi’s first time playing in the streets. She was curious about everything and wanted to lean in and look at every stall. Shen Yan followed close behind her. Whenever Yu Nianzhi didn’t understand something, Shen Yan provided a timely explanation—and proceeded to buy every item Yu Nianzhi had touched.

By the time Yu Nianzhi noticed, Shen Yan’s hands were full. Yu Nianzhi was startled. “Why did you buy so many things?”

Shen Yan laughed. “They are all things my lady likes.”

Realizing that everything in Shen Yan’s hands was something she had just looked at with interest, Yu Nianzhi said bashfully, “I was just looking; you didn’t have to buy them all.”

Shen Yan arched an eyebrow. “There’s no need for my lady to be polite. The Crown Prince’s Manor still has this much pocket change.”

As they walked, Shen Yan bought some snacks for Yu Nianzhi. They ate as they strolled, feeling quite leisurely. They passed an old man selling Tanghulu (candied haws). Yu Nianzhi asked, “What is this?”

“Tanghulu,” Shen Yan explained. “Do you want to eat some?” Without waiting for an answer, she said, “Old Uncle, give me a skewer.”

“Coming right up!” the old man chirped. “I’ll give this young lady the reddest and best skewer.” He handed it to Yu Nianzhi with a smile. “Take it, miss.”

Yu Nianzhi thanked him and took the skewer. Instead of eating it herself, she held it to Shen Yan’s mouth. “Ah—”

Shen Yan obediently opened her mouth. “Ah” and bit off the topmost hawthorn berry.

Yu Nianzhi also bit one off and chewed, her eyes narrowing slightly as she smiled at Shen Yan. “It’s so sweet.”

The old man watched the interaction and smiled. “You two young ladies have such a wonderful relationship.”

The two shared a smile, thanked the old man, and continued walking side-by-side. When Yu Nianzhi grew tired of walking, she pulled Shen Yan to a quiet spot to rest and finish the Tanghulu.

“I want another taste,” Shen Yan said.

Yu Nianzhi had just bitten a berry and held it between her lips. Hearing this, she moved the skewer toward Shen Yan.

But Shen Yan didn’t follow the usual rules. She leaned directly toward Yu Nianzhi’s lips, snatched away the hawthorn berry before the girl could even pull it into her mouth, and took the opportunity to steal a kiss.

Caught completely off guard, Yu Nianzhi froze on the spot.

Shen Yan wasn’t finished. After she slowly swallowed the berry, she licked her lips and smiled. “It really is sweet.”