Self-Perception - Chapter 18

This was the first time Gu Wansheng had ever spoken such an affectionate, clingy phrase so directly. She was not a person who was good at expressing a desire for others’ concern through words, because it made her feel overly sensitive and dramatic.

But for Wen Jinyan, she wanted Wen Jinyan to be more proactive. Even if she needed instructions, she still hoped that Wen Jinyan would rely on her more, care about her a little more, and then even more. Yet, Wen Jinyan was frustratingly slow paced, like a block of wood.

Two seconds later, Gu Wansheng dismissed the impression of “block of wood” in her mind; slow-paced was also good, at least no one else would manage to steal her away.

She watched Wen Jinyan quietly, because she wanted to see how Wen Jinyan would react to her heartfelt words.

Wen Jinyan was also looking at her, as if observing a brand new Gu Wansheng, a Gu Wansheng she hadn’t expected.

“So you’re not angry?”

Gu Wansheng was amused to the point of laughter by her train of thought, a soft giggle escaping from the back of her throat. “Wen Jinyan, I suspect you might be an android.”

“Hmm?”

“Is there a message delay? Is the signal lag that long?”

Wen Jinyan didn’t immediately grasp the meaning of Gu Wansheng’s words and could only follow her line of questioning. “A real person. I have warmth.”

Gu Wansheng started to enjoy teasing her. “Androids can also have temperature sensors.”

“But an android wouldn’t have been in bed with you a few days ago and… mmph.” Wen Jinyan was cut off mid-sentence by a hand covering her mouth.

The woman blinked slightly, her eyelashes trembling, seemingly confused as to why Gu Wansheng would cover her mouth.

People were walking around outside, and Gu Wansheng’s earlobes were burning. Thankfully, she had been quick enough to cover that disruptive mouth, or else if someone else, especially a staff member, had heard that, how embarrassing would that be?

“Gu Wansheng,” her breath sprayed warm and damp against Gu Wansheng’s palm. The woman took her hand away. “Just now…”

Gu Wansheng covered her mouth again, her eyes showing a playful annoyance. “Don’t speak yet.”

Wen Jinyan obediently nodded this time.

The two made their way to the lounge. Gu Wansheng pulled her onto the sofa, then handed her a small fan she had turned on. The cool breeze swept away the stuffiness, making it feel much cooler.

“Gu Wansheng, can I continue asking about the topic from just now?”

“No.”

Wen Jinyan stared at her peaceful face. Her jawline was smooth, and no expression could be read.

“Gu Wansheng, are you angry now?”

“Did you turn into a fish? Do you only have seven seconds of memory?” Gu Wansheng raised one eyebrow. “Do you remember what I told you just now?”

“I remember. You said I was an android…”

“The topic before that.”

“That if you get angry, you’ll tell me.”

“So?” Gu Wansheng felt like she was guiding a kindergarten child, yet she was thoroughly enjoying it and putting her whole heart into it.

“So, I want to cheer you up.”

Learning to be a qualified marriage partner of mutual necessity.

The sudden leap in her thought process was too fast, and Gu Wansheng didn’t immediately react.

Wen Jinyan repeated, “Gu Wansheng, how about I cheer you up?”

Gu Wansheng’s throat subtly constricted. She hadn’t quite kept up with Wen Jinyan’s thinking. “How do you plan to cheer me up?”

Wen Jinyan turned off the fan, carefully placed it on the table, and turned to actively embrace Gu Wansheng, immersing herself in the scent of white tea.

The embrace could be considerate, encouraging, comforting, soothing, fused with all kinds of emotions, or it could be completely devoid of emotion.

Gu Wansheng’s heart started pounding uncontrollably. Her ears, which had just lost their flush, turned pink again. Outside, there were sounds of staff walking and talking; inside the lounge, only Wen Jinyan’s steady breathing and her own restless heartbeat could be heard.

This embrace was more touching than any previous kiss.

Wen Jinyan still carried a faint scent of cedar wood crisp and steady. The distance between them was almost zero. A knock came at the door, followed by Meng Qiu’s voice. “Sister Gu, the shooting is about to start.”

Wen Jinyan heard it and backed away, silently turning on the small fan.

Gu Wansheng straightened her costume. Wen Jinyan heard Gu Wansheng tell her, “You rest here. I’m going to go shoot the scene now.”

“I’ll go too.” Wen Jinyan got up with her, following her step by step.

Meng Qiu was not at all surprised to see the two of them emerge from the room. She even let her eyes wander boldly over them, lingering on their lips for a few seconds.

Their lip signs were actually different; they hadn’t kissed. As the number one fan of the “Jinyan Shenxing” Careful Words and Actions, their rumored couple name CP, she felt very disappointed.

“What are you staring at us for?” Gu Wansheng crossed her arms over her chest, subconsciously lifting half a foot to shield Wen Jinyan.

“Nothing, nothing,” Meng Qiu saw the guarded look on Sister Gu’s face, afraid she might devour Wen Jinyan.

“What are you doing? Hurry up and get over here!” Bai Jin shouted through a megaphone.

“Coming right up,” Gu Wansheng replied from a few meters away.

“The Exploitation Third Act, Third Scene, Action!”

Upon hearing the cue, Gu Wansheng immediately adjusted her state.

A flood disaster plagued the northern regions, and famine afflicted the southern regions. The entire Great Zhao dynasty was gripped by fear. The Emperor of Great Zhao intended to send someone to appease the people.

“I wish to send someone to resolve this and provide comfort. What are your opinions, my beloved officials?”

“Replying to Your Majesty, with the famine and constant flooding in the north and south, the common people are greatly alarmed. Your servant suggests inviting a member of the Royal Family to visit on behalf of Your Majesty. Firstly, it shows Your Majesty’s deep love for the people. Secondly, the sight of a Royal Family member personally arriving will help the people feel at ease.”

“The First Prince is leading troops in battle. Now, only the Second Prince remains in court. How can one person handle both regions?”

“Replying to Your Majesty, you may send a Princess,” another minister stepped forward. “A Princess is also of the Royal Family.”

“Are you suggesting sending the Eldest Princess?”

“The Eldest Princess has been frail since childhood. Your servant believes we can send Princess Zhaoyue. Rumors often circulate that there is discord between Your Majesty and Princess Zhaoyue. Sending Princess Zhaoyue can dispel these suspicions among the populace.”

“Then so be it.”

“Your Highness, your servant has already recommended you to His Majesty as you instructed.”

“Thank you for your effort.” Xie Wan gave the maid beside her a look. The maid took a bag of silver from a pouch and handed it to the kneeling minister.

“Your Highness, had it not been for your secret protection of my family back then, whether your servant would even be alive today would be a question. How dare I accept your money?”

“Keep it. I hear Minister Zhang’s daughter has recently fallen ill and is urgently seeking a doctor. Consider this my contribution towards your daughter’s medical expenses.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

After the minister left, Xie Wan asked again, “Where is the consort now?”

“Replying to the Princess, the consort is fishing by the pond.”

“He certainly has refined tastes. I wonder if he’s a cat or a wolf.”

“Okay, prepare for the next take,” Bai Jin said, satisfied with the monitor.

“The Exploitation Third Act, Fourth Scene, Action!”

In the luxurious room, the Princess bowed to the Emperor seated on the couch. “Your daughter greets Imperial Father.”

“Rise.”

“Now, the south and north suffer from floods and constant famine. To pacify the hearts of the people, I intend to send you to the south to comfort the populace on my behalf. Are you willing?”

The Princess looked scared and tried to back out. “Your daughter fears she is not capable. If I somehow botch the task…”

The Emperor cut her off before she could finish. “You are of Royal Blood. How can you be so timid and hesitant?”

“Imperial Father, please forgive me.” Xie Wan quickly knelt down, tears welling up in her eyes. Her body was visibly trembling, and even her voice was shaking.

Seeing her timid state, the Emperor’s previous suspicions wavered slightly. “This is not up to you. I will assign several people to assist you.”

“Then… then, may your daughter bring the consort along? Your daughter is unfamiliar with the place and doesn’t know those officials. I won’t even have anyone to talk to,” Xie Wan’s voice was shaky and soft as a mosquito’s buzz.

The Emperor looked at the cowering Xie Wan kneeling before him, and after a moment, he agreed.

“Thank you, Imperial Father.”

The camera shifted. The Princess walked into the Princess’s residence. The tears at the corners of her eyes were blown away by the wind, and her face was completely devoid of panic, replaced instead by composure.

“Okay, next take.”

At eleven o’clock at night, Bai Jin announced, “Everyone, thank you for your hard work! We’ll start shooting again tomorrow afternoon. Everyone, go back and get some rest.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

The crew was packing up the props. Gu Wansheng changed out of her costume, and Meng Qiu handed her the phone.

“Where is Wen Jinyan?”

“Sister Jinyan fell asleep in the lounge just now. Sister Gu, the information you asked me to look into has been found. It was Xin Yan. She was the one who posted the photos of the two of you.”

“Xin Yan…” Gu Wansheng repeated the name, a thin layer of frost gradually forming in her eyes. Recalling something, she let out a light laugh. “She can’t win in the open, so she resorts to dirty tricks. Does she want to give me a warning? Xiao Qiu, help me check if she has any recent collaborations with other brand owners. Let me know as soon as possible.”

“Okay, Sister Gu.” Meng Qiu swallowed, intimidated by Sister Gu’s furious look. But Sister Gu had been tripped up by others before; why was her reaction so intense this time?

Gu Wansheng opened the door to the lounge. Wen Jinyan was lying half-sprawled on the sofa. Gu Wansheng approached and crouched down, admiring her sleeping posture up close.

Wen Jinyan was very gentle when asleep, half her face nestled into the soft sofa. Her sophisticated-looking face held a few more traces of softness. Gu Wansheng raised her hand and gently brushed the hair away from her face.

Wen Jinyan’s eyes were half-open, a little blurry. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, her voice carrying a slight raspiness and a soft, sleepy tone. “You’re done with work?”

Gu Wansheng’s heart softened considerably, and she unconsciously lowered her voice. “Did I wake you up?”

“Mhm, a little.” Her sleep was generally light in unfamiliar environments; she had been awake when Gu Wansheng reached out to fiddle with her hair.

“Then let’s go back to the hotel to sleep. Okay?” If Xiao Qiu were to see this, she would probably be astonished. The woman who had just been cold, icy, and overwhelming in presence was now gently and softly coaxing the woman in front of her, her eyes filled with tenderness.

“Mhm.” Wen Jinyan wasn’t fully awake, but she wasn’t completely out of it either. She fumbled on the table, trying to reach for her glasses.