I Stole the Male Lead's White Moonlight [Transmigration] - Chapter 22
After finishing her meal, Zhu Xinya watched TV with Que Hanfu for a while before returning to the film set.
In the afternoon, as they changed into their costumes and did their makeup, Que Hanfu stood to the side in a pristine, sheer white gown, her tea-colored voluminous curls cascading down to her waist. Her expression was cool and detached, reminiscent of a celestial goddess. When Zhu Xinya stepped out of the dressing room, she was utterly captivated.
“Sister, you’re just too beautiful!” Zhu Xinya exclaimed, unable to take her eyes off her as she looked her up and down, left and right.
Que Hanfu seemed to enjoy Zhu Xinya’s attention, a faint smile gracing her lips. “You’re very beautiful too.”
Zhu Xinya was dressed in a vibrant, multicolored garment woven from linen threads, exuding an exotic charm like a dazzling little flower. Her outfit harmonized perfectly with the architectural style of the surroundings.
Zhu Xinya’s morning remark had come true, though only she ended up wearing such a flamboyant costume. Que Hanfu, in contrast, embodied the pure and noble saintess, a stark difference from Zhu Xinya’s role as a humble maidservant.
But Zhu Xinya was adept at comforting herself. She had joined the crew to act opposite Que Hanfu, creating obstacles for the male lead to meet the female lead. The nature of her role didn’t matter to her.
Que Hanfu and Zhu Xinya went to take their promotional photos. Another actress, who had joined the crew that afternoon, kept shooting angry glances at Que Hanfu. She played the role of Wen Qingqing, the daughter of the Grand Preceptor of Hongming Kingdom, a villainess who, after failing to win the male lead’s affection, turns murderous.
After each of the three took their individual promotional shots, they had to take group photos.
Once Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu finished their session, “Wen Qingqing” joined them.
Both Que Hanfu and Zhu Xinya had fair skin, one ethereal and unattainably elegant, the other adorable and clever with a mischievous glint in her eyes. In their character costumes, they truly became their roles.
“Wen Qingqing” was reasonably attractive and would stand out in a crowd of ordinary people. Unfortunately, her slightly darker complexion, paired with a pea-green gown, made her appear rather dull.
Standing next to Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu, she was completely overshadowed and unremarkable.
Since she was, after all, a villainous character, the photographer frowned and reluctantly took a few shots, his demeanor far less enthusiastic than when he had photographed Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu.
“Wen Qingqing” was sensitive and suspicious by nature. After the photo session, she returned to the dressing room and began slamming things around, creating a jarring noise.
Zhu Xinya was easily frightened by loud sounds. Every time “Wen Qingqing” threw things, she would startle, her body trembling slightly and her face turning pale. Noticing her distress, Que Hanfu furrowed her brows and strode over to “Wen Qingqing.” She reached out and took hold of a book that “Wen Qingqing” was about to hurl to the ground, her expression icy and her calm eyes flashing with displeasure. “This is a public space. Please mind your behavior.”
Accustomed to her role as a professor, Que Hanfu spoke with authoritative sternness. “Wen Qingqing” was startled at first, but then she remembered that the woman before her was just an unknown actress. Her attitude immediately turned hostile. “Who do you think you are? A nobody who snatches roles by finding a sugar daddy, what right do you have to tell me what to do? Give me back my book!” She reached out to snatch the book from Que Hanfu’s hand.
Que Hanfu evaded her grasp. “Sugar daddy? Snatching roles? Where did you hear that?”
“Wen Qingqing” sneered, “The role of the Bright Saintess was originally mine. You parachuted into the crew and stole it from me. How could you have done that without a sugar daddy?”
Zhu Xinya was displeased. She rushed over and stood in front of Que Hanfu, blocking her. “What nonsense are you talking about! Does my sister need to fight for the role of the Holy Maiden of Light? This role was practically tailor-made for her! Look at yourself, I won’t even comment on your appearance, but with your irritable and short-tempered personality, and a heart as narrow as a needle’s eye, what part of you is fit to play the ethereal and transcendent Holy Maiden of Light?”
“Self-awareness is a virtue. Instead of blaming others, you should reflect on yourself!”
Zhu Xinya’s rapid-fire retort gave “Wen Qingqing” no chance to speak. By the time she finished, “Wen Qingqing’s” face had turned ashen. Trembling, she pointed a finger at Zhu Xinya, “You!” then shifted her finger to Que Hanfu, “and you just you wait!” With that, she turned and ran out of the dressing room in tears.
“With such poor emotional resilience, she still has the nerve to pick fights.” Zhu Xinya turned around and looked Que Hanfu over from head to toe, her expression filled with concern. “Sister, are you okay?”
Que Hanfu: “I’m fine.” The person who had just been frightened pale by the commotion had now rushed to her defense and argued on her behalf. Que Hanfu felt an indescribable warmth in her heart, her eyes softening with affection. She reached out and gently patted Zhu Xinya’s head. “Yaya, you were so brave just now.”
Under Que Hanfu’s admiring gaze, Zhu Xinya blushed shyly. “It was nothing~ Sister, if anyone ever bullies you in the future, just tell me. I’ll make sure they get what’s coming to them. I’m really tough!”
Que Hanfu’s heartbeat quickened slightly. She gazed intently into Zhu Xinya’s glistening eyes and whispered softly, “Okay.”
Zhu Xinya added, “That woman was quick to accuse others, but she’s the one who actually has a sugar daddy!” She leaned closer to Que Hanfu’s ear and whispered, “She’s having an affair with the assistant director!”
A faint fragrance and warm breath brushed against Que Hanfu’s ear, causing her jade-like earlobe to flush slightly. “How did you know that?” The two of them had been together the whole time, it was impossible for Zhu Xinya to have witnessed something she hadn’t.
Zhu Xinya had already prepared an excuse. “I asked Qi Zhou. He’s been on the set for a while and knows a lot of things!”
“Qi Zhou!” Que Hanfu hadn’t expected to hear his name from Zhu Xinya’s lips, and her eyes darkened slightly. “You seem quite familiar with him?”
Zhu Xinya didn’t notice the change in Que Hanfu’s expression. “We’re alright. He’s a decent guy.”
A faint unease settled in Que Hanfu’s chest. “Do you like him?”
Zhu Xinya was taken aback. “How could that be? I’m not even a real fan of his, it’s all an act! At most, we’re just friends. Sister, don’t overthink it.” Zhu Xinya had approached Qi Zhou because he, Que Hanfu, and she were all on the same side. Besides, Qi Zhou had a secret crush on Que Hanfu, and she wasn’t interested in men of his type anyway.
Que Hanfu didn’t respond, leaving it unclear whether she believed her or not.
Not wanting to be misunderstood, Zhu Xinya was about to explain further when the dressing room door was suddenly kicked open. The door slammed against the wall with a loud crash, startling Zhu Xinya and sending her heart racing once again.
Que Hanfu pushed aside her thoughts and gently stroked Zhu Xinya’s back to soothe her. She then turned a cold gaze toward the short, stout man who had stormed in angrily, followed by “Wen Qingqing.”
Not one to be intimidated, Zhu Xinya took the initiative. “Couldn’t win the argument on your own, so you brought your sugar daddy to back you up? Is that all you’re capable of?”
The assistant director who came in was not the same one who had arranged their makeup today. That one was tall and thin, responsible for overseeing the makeup, costumes, and props in the crew. This one, short and stout, was the assistant director in charge of casting.
Upon entering and seeing one tall and one petite beauty, the short and stout assistant director’s fierce gaze immediately froze, slowly turning into a lecherous stare.
Hearing Zhu Xinya’s words, he didn’t get angry. Instead, he said amiably, “Young lady, you shouldn’t speak carelessly. I have no relationship with Xiao Lin, nor am I here to back her up. Conflicts among actors are detrimental to tonight’s scenes. I came to ensure the smooth progress of the evening shoot and to mediate between you.”
After the short and stout assistant director finished his high-sounding speech, Xiao Lin, who had been waiting for him to avenge her, instantly turned as pale as a sheet.