The Exclusive Bodyguard of the Top Idol - Chapter 29

Ji Qingshi first truly acknowledged that she seemed to like Ren Jiao when she admitted it aloud to an outsider. After saying it, she felt a sense of relief. It turned out that keeping certain things bottled up, too afraid to reveal them, really did feel like carrying a heavy boulder on one’s back.

It wasn’t just about keeping it to herself; she had also been reluctant to admit it, constantly trying to escape her own feelings.

Qi Xuesong turned to look at her, noticing something was off, and asked, “What’s wrong? Why that expression?”

Ji Qingshi exhaled and shook her head, voicing her concerns: “I never wanted to admit this. Honestly, there’s quite a gap between us. Not in age, but in things like status and profession.”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but Qi Xuesong could guess the gist of it.

“Because she’s a celebrity?”

“Yeah. I didn’t understand this profession before, but after getting to know her and being exposed to it every day, I’ve come to realize how tough it is. It’s not easy; millions of eyes are watching, and one misstep can lead to endless criticism.” Ji Qingshi leaned against the hallway corner, her voice low. “Lately, I’ve been searching for updates about her online, and sometimes I come across a lot of hate. People hide behind their screens, spreading rumors and hurling insults without restraint.”

“You know how hard it was for her under Sheng Dingzhe’s company before. Now that things are finally looking up, I don’t want to become a problem for her. I don’t follow celebrities, but I’ve heard that if a star is caught in a relationship, it can cause a media frenzy. And that’s not even considering the fact that we’re both women.”

Qi Xuesong understood what she meant. She had heard from star-chasing colleagues on the team that in today’s internet-driven world, any minor movement from public figures could trigger massive attention. A celebrity’s relationship being exposed could lead to huge trouble. Even established actors and actresses announcing their relationships could set social media ablaze, let alone someone like Ren Jiao, who’s a rising star in the peak of her career.

Ji Qingshi stretched her arms, her expression feigning nonchalance. “So, I never planned to let her know how I feel. She’s only 20, she’s finally free from that ridiculous former company and boss. She’ll only keep getting better from here.”

She was the brightest star in the sky, destined for the most brilliant future.

Qi Xuesong could tell at a glance that this woman was forcing herself to appear relaxed. As someone who had been through it herself. Though her own emotional journey before getting together with her partner hadn’t been as tangled, and their identities weren’t as disparate. She could still empathize with Ji Qingshi’s current state of mind.

Because it was genuine affection, she was considering the other person’s future. Even if it meant burying these feelings forever, she wanted the path ahead for the other to be smooth, unwilling to cause any trouble or distress with her presence.

Qi Xuesong thought of the way Ren Jiao looked at Ji Qingshi. The emotions restrained in those eyes were probably even deeper than Ji Qingshi’s. That young girl’s inner turmoil was likely far heavier than this habitual optimist’s.

Though they hadn’t interacted much, based on Qi Xuesong’s understanding of Ren Jiao’s experiences and personality, this young woman, despite her age, was shrewd and adept at concealing her thoughts. If she wanted to hide something, with Ji Qingshi’s straightforward mind, she’d never pick up on any clues in this lifetime.

Qi Xuesong opened her mouth, only to swallow her words in the end. She had wanted to remind Ji Qingshi of something, but then felt it wasn’t her place—she didn’t know what Ren Jiao was thinking, and speaking out of turn might not be appropriate.

Ji Qingshi noticed her hesitation and nudged her with an elbow. “What were you going to say?”

“Ah, nothing.”

Ji Qingshi didn’t believe her and pressed several times, determined to get an answer.

Irritated, Qi Xuesong finally gritted her teeth and opted for a more tactful approach. “You’ve thought so much for her but have you really considered what she wants?”

“What?” Ji Qingshi froze, stunned by the question, rooted to the spot like a fool.

Qi Xuesong didn’t want to elaborate. She couldn’t meddle in others’ relationships, nor did she know why Ren Jiao was keeping things from Ji Qingshi. She had said all she could.

Just then, the door to the reception room opened, and Ren Jiao and Du Tianrui stepped out.

“Jiaojiao, thank you for your cooperation this time.” Du Tianrui smiled warmly at the pretty young woman before him. “The information you provided has been a great help to us.”

Ren Jiao seemed slightly nervous in front of the tall, imposing, high-ranking middle-aged detective, treating him with the deference one might show an elder. “Captain Du, no need for thanks. If you need anything else in the future, just let me know or have Officer Ji contact me.”

“Good.” Du Tianrui’s eyes crinkled as his smile deepened, his gaze lingering on Ren Jiao as if seeing someone from the past.

Ji Qingshi didn’t have time to dwell on Qi Xuesong’s earlier words. The moment Ren Jiao appeared, she strode over.

Qi Xuesong followed, casting a surprised glance at Du Tianrui.

“Alright, Xiao Ji and Jiaojiao can head back now. Xuesong, come with me.”

Jiaojiao?

Both Ji Qingshi and Qi Xuesong looked at him in surprise, but Du Tianrui offered no further explanation, merely nodding at Ren Jiao again.

After Du Tianrui left with Qi Xuesong, Ji Qingshi was still processing the shock. “Do you know Captain Du?”

Ren Jiao shook her head. “My father did. Captain Du said they were classmates at the police academy. One joined the criminal investigation team, the other the narcotics unit.”

Ji Qingshi suddenly remembered. She had forgotten about that connection. Ren Jiao’s father had sacrificed himself ten years ago, around the same age as Du Tianrui, part of the same cohort entering the force.

The two walked side by side out of the provincial headquarters. In the elevator, they ran into a few clerical staff from the criminal investigation team who recognized Ji Qingshi and nodded in greeting, their curious gazes lingering on Ren Jiao.

Ren Jiao had already put on a mask to conceal her face. Sensing their stares, Ji Qingshi subtly shifted to shield her, pressing her between herself and the elevator wall, almost as if embracing her.

Ren Jiao was caught off guard by the sudden closeness. Heat rushed to her face, her fair skin flushing. If not for the mask, her crimson cheeks would have been unmistakable.

Though the mask hid her face, it couldn’t conceal her ears. Ji Qingshi, taking advantage of her height, glanced down and caught sight of those delicate ears, now adorably red.

For no reason at all, Ji Qingshi suddenly recalled Qi Xuesong’s words. She hadn’t had time to press for an explanation, what had she meant? Had Qi Xuesong noticed something? Why had she said that?

Ji Qingshi mulled over that sentence in her mind again, feeling that Qi Xuesong had implied something deeper. It couldn’t have been just an offhand remark.

“Have you ever really thought about her feelings?”

Her feelings…?

Ji Qingshi stared blankly at Ren Jiao’s crimson earlobes. What feelings? What feelings had she missed?

But how had Captain Qi noticed? Was it really a case of the onlooker seeing most of the game?

Ji Qingshi’s heartbeat suddenly quickened. Could it be…?

Ding—

The elevator stopped on the first floor, and the people beside them stepped out. Ji Qingshi snapped back to reality and quickly retreated half a step.

Ren Jiao reacted swiftly, pressing the elevator door open button before stepping out first; almost as if she were fleeing.

Ji Qingshi chased after her, recalling those earlobes flushed scarlet in the elevator. Her heart clenched, and her usually sluggish mind raced with rare clarity. Was she embarrassed?

Sometimes, things were like this. A single pebble could stir a thousand waves, a small stone cast into a tranquil lake sending ripples far and wide. That pebble had now been thrown, sending Ji Qingshi’s thoughts into turmoil. She began unconsciously observing every expression and reaction of Ren Jiao’s.

On the drive home, Ji Qingshi was somewhat distracted. She wondered if she should take the initiative to probe a little, but then it occurred to her that her own subtlety was no match for Ren Jiao’s. Despite being eight years younger, Ren Jiao had at least eight times more cunning. On this point, Deputy Captain Ji was painfully self-aware.

The car rolled into the parking spot in silence, and only then did Ji Qingshi fully gather her scattered thoughts.

She exhaled and said, “We’re home.”

Ren Jiao sat in the passenger seat, leaning against the window as she turned to look at her.

Ji Qingshi startled. “What’s wrong?”

Ren Jiao kept her gaze fixed on her. “I was about to ask you the same thing. You seem preoccupied?”

Ji Qingshi’s heart skipped a beat, and she shook her head repeatedly. “No, not at all. What would I be preoccupied about?”

Ren Jiao arched a delicate brow, her expression screaming disbelief.

“Really, it’s nothing! Come on, let’s go home.” Ji Qingshi quickly opened the car door and stepped out. Lingering any longer would only invite more questions.

She knew herself well. Just that brief exchange proved she was utterly incapable of playing the “probing” game with Ren Jiao. She hadn’t even started, and already, the other had seen right through her. That tactic was a lost cause!

If probing was out of the question, then all she could do was observe discreetly; paying closer attention without disrupting their usual dynamic.

Active probing was like being exposed while the enemy lurked in the shadows, but covert observation reversed the roles. Ji Qingshi wasn’t sure which was more effective, but the latter was definitely safer.

Ren Jiao watched Ji Qingshi’s hurried retreat toward the elevator, a thoughtful glint in her eyes. Why was she acting like this after meeting with Captain Qi? Had they discussed something?

Unlike Ji Qingshi’s brisk strides, Ren Jiao ambled leisurely toward the elevator, trying to puzzle out the reason for Ji Qingshi’s sudden odd behavior. She was certain it had something to do with Qi Xuesong, but what exactly?

Lost in thought, she pushed open the elevator door only to collide head-on with Ji Qingshi, who had turned back. The warmth and softness that enveloped her instantly snapped Ren Jiao out of her reverie, and beneath her mask, her face burned hot once more.

Ji Qingshi reached out to steady her lightly, saying, “I noticed you hadn’t come over for a while and was about to go look for you. Didn’t expect to bump into you. Did I hurt you anywhere?”

Ren Jiao shook her head. It was just a collision, she wasn’t made of glass that would shatter at the slightest touch.

Ji Qingshi studied her carefully, her gaze so intense and focused that it made Ren Jiao’s face grow increasingly warm. If she kept looking at her like that, even if the impact hadn’t hurt, her entire face would soon flush red.

Hastily, Ren Jiao took two steps back, moving past her to press the elevator button as if nothing had happened. “Let’s see what we’ll have for dinner once we get home. I’m actually feeling a bit hungry.”

Ji Qingshi slowly stepped behind her, her eyes lingering on the back of Ren Jiao’s head. She hadn’t missed the way Ren Jiao’s face had instantly reddened earlier. The girl’s skin was too fair. Any hint of a blush stood out glaringly, impossible to overlook.