The Movie Queen's Beloved Crybaby Alpha - Chapter 52
Though both sides were full of fighting spirit, Du Wenjun and her team were no pushovers either.
In the second game, Xu Chaoyang and Du Wenjun coordinated perfectly, launching fierce attacks to reclaim a point from their opponents.
The intense match left everyone panting heavily. Ning Yunshu observed the situation and handed a bottle of water to Ye Qinglan: “Sister, can you still hold on?”
Ye Qinglan nodded, taking a big gulp of water: “I’m fine, I can keep going.”
“Sister Xu’s playing style is too aggressive, we can’t stop her at all,” Wei Youning wiped sweat from her forehead.
Ning Yunshu nodded in understanding: “Got it. Sister, let’s switch positions next game, I’ll guard the net.”
Ye Qinglan immediately grasped her intention: “Alright, then Youyou and I will cover the back.”
With a smile, Ning Yunshu looked at Wei Youning: “No matter what, we need to help Sister Wei earn some more living expenses.”
Wei Youning appeared deeply moved: “Okay, okay, I’ll definitely give it my all too.”
They all shared a laugh.
When the third game began, their opponents noticed the formation change and didn’t dare let their guard down.
Their strategy remained the same, focusing attacks below the net.
But this time, Ning Yunshu made it impossible for them to score easily. In fact, due to Xu Chaoyang’s exhausted state, Ning Yunshu managed to win several points.
Having conserved energy while positioned at the back earlier, Ning Yunshu now had plenty in reserve.
By the time Du Wenjun realized what was happening, Xu Chaoyang’s effectiveness at the net had diminished significantly.
The sudden formation change caught them completely off guard, and unsurprisingly, they lost this game.
“Congratulations! Team Teacher Ye and Team Teacher Wei win!” announced the host.
“Hooray! Well done, Xiaoshu!” Ye Qinglan cheered.
Ning Yunshu beamed: “That’s only because you sisters exhausted Teacher Xu’s stamina earlier, making it easier for me.”
Du Wenjun sighed: “Ah, what a shame. We forgot about President Ning’s preserved energy.”
Xu Chaoyang rubbed her arms: “Can’t be helped. We accept defeat graciously.”
“Wonderful! Our living expenses have finally increased,” Wei Youning said tearfully.
“We’re having meat for dinner!” Xu Youyou cheered.
Jiang Can and her girlfriend simply smiled, congratulating Ye Qinglan’s team on their victory.
With the competition over, the host announced free time for everyone while keeping the live broadcast running.
Wei Youning and Xu Youyou, too tired to move, sat under a beach umbrella chatting with netizens.
Jiang Can brought out her ukulele, treating the live audience to a mini concert.
Du Wenjun and Xu Chaoyang prepared to explore the surroundings, sharing scenic views with viewers.
Meanwhile, Ye Qinglan took Ning Yunshu to the shoreline, where they walked barefoot in the surf, feeling the gentle caress of seawater against their feet.
Strolling side by side, they occasionally answered questions from the live chat:
-How have Lanbao and President Ning maintained such a close friendship all these years? I’ve lost touch with most of my old friends.
Ye Qinglan smiled and glanced at Ning Yunshu. “Well, perhaps it’s because we’ve known each other for so long that we’ve grown accustomed to each other’s presence. If we suddenly go without contact for a while, we’d miss each other terribly.”
Ning Yunshu also smiled as she replied, “Exactly. When I was abroad, I often missed the days when I could be with my sister every day.”
So President Ning, did you decide to return to the country because of Lanbao?!
“Hmm, as for that question, you’ll find out sooner or later,” Ning Yunshu replied without giving a direct answer.
Got it! No denial means confirmation!
Her heart must be full of Lanbao! I can see it now!
So, can you two just hurry up and get together already!
Reading the comments, Ning Yunshu’s eyes curved into crescents. “Rather than focusing on our personal lives, I’d prefer everyone to pay more attention to my sister’s career.”
We will, we will! I’m already looking forward to the release of “Ten-Day Operation”!
Ye Qinglan shot her a glance. “Little President Ning, must you put so much pressure on me?”
Ning Yunshu feigned innocence. “Not at all. I just have complete faith in you.”
Ye Qinglan chuckled. “Aren’t you afraid I might fail?”
Ning Yunshu shook her head firmly. “That’s impossible.”
“And what if I do fail?” Ye Qinglan teased.
Ning Yunshu remained resolute. “That scenario simply won’t happen.”
Ye Qinglan grinned from ear to ear.
Confirmed! Little President Ning is absolutely smitten!
Can I just bring the marriage registration office to you two right now?!
Strolling along the beach, occasionally interacting with fans, they only returned to their starting point as the sky turned orange and the tide began to rise.
Only a few staff members remained waiting, while the others had already returned to the homestay.
The two changed their shoes and left with the staff.
Back at the homestay, everyone except Wei Youning and Xu Youyou was present, some even already eating dinner.
“Qinglan, President Ning, you’re back,” Du Wenjun greeted them with a wave.
“We’re back. Where are Sister Wei and Youyou?” Ye Qinglan asked.
“They went to buy groceries and meat,” Xu Chaoyang said with a laugh. “Why don’t you two grab something to eat as well?”
Ning Yunshu glanced at Ye Qinglan. “Sister, you go rest. I’ll prepare dinner.”
“Alright.”
After washing her hands, Ning Yunshu headed to the kitchen while Ye Qinglan tidied up and joined the others at the table for conversation.
Amid the laughter, Wei Youning and Xu Youyou returned, carrying bags of groceries.
“That’s quite a haul,” Ye Qinglan remarked.
Xu Youyou grinned. “Well, we’ll probably be eating this stuff for the next few days anyway, so we just bought it all at once. Saves my cousin from having to cook.”
Wei Youning gave her a look. “You better make sure to finish it all in the next couple of days. No wasting.”
“Don’t worry,” Xu Youyou patted her stomach. “I definitely can.”
Ning Yunshu emerged with food for herself and Ye Qinglan, noticing the bags in Wei Youning’s hands. “Sister Wei, need any help?”
“No, no, I can handle the chopping,” Wei Youning replied cheerfully. “You two eat first. Though you might want to save some room for our hot pot later.”
“At this rate, your living expenses are going to take a hit after we’re done,” Du Wenjun joked.
Wei Youning then said, “It’s fine. If it’s really not enough, I’ll just mooch off you guys. You wouldn’t have the heart to see me go hungry, right?”
“Of course not,” Ye Qinglan chimed in. “If needed, we can all chip in a little. There’s no way we’d let you starve on the show.”
Everyone burst into laughter. Wei Youning waved her hand and took Xu Youyou into the kitchen to get busy.
After finishing their meal, Ye Qinglan and Ning Yunshu politely declined Wei Youning’s invitation and returned to their room together. Once the livestream was turned off, Ye Qinglan began packing her things while Ning Yunshu went to shower first.
By the time Ye Qinglan finished organizing, Ning Yunshu had just stepped out, drying her hair.
“Jiejie, you can go shower now,” Ning Yunshu said.
Ye Qinglan glanced over. Ning Yunshu’s damp hair clung to her forehead, water droplets trailing down her cheeks to her jaw before slipping beneath the collar of her clothes.
Ye Qinglan’s throat moved unconsciously.
“Jiejie?” Noticing her lack of response, Ning Yunshu called again, puzzled.
Snapping out of it, Ye Qinglan felt her ears grow warm. The sudden indecent thoughts that had crossed her mind made her a little embarrassed.
She quickly cleared her throat. “Right, I’ll go now.”
With that, she grabbed her change of clothes and toiletries and headed into the bathroom.
Watching her, Ning Yunshu looked slightly confused but couldn’t quite figure out what was going on. Shaking her head, she gave up and picked up the hairdryer to dry her hair.
Ye Qinglan took a cold shower to calm herself down. Wrapped in a towel, she stepped out to see Ning Yunshu sitting on the sofa, engrossed in her tablet. Dressed in long-sleeved pajamas, her hair loosely draped over her shoulders, she looked both efficient and slightly lazy.
It was hard to look away.
Perhaps sensing the intensity of her gaze, Ning Yunshu looked up and smiled softly. “What is it, Jiejie?”
“Ahem, nothing.” Caught staring, Ye Qinglan felt a twinge of awkwardness but feigned nonchalance. “Do you have work to do?”
“No, just reviewing some reports,” Ning Yunshu replied with a smile.
“Do you want me to dry your hair for you?” Ning Yunshu asked.
The memory of that night when Ning Yunshu had helped her dry her hair while she was half-asleep made Ye Qinglan’s face warm again.
“No need. I’ll do some skincare first. You can keep doing what you’re doing,” she said, quickly sitting down at the vanity.
Ning Yunshu didn’t press further and returned to her tasks.
After finishing her skincare routine and drying her hair, Ye Qinglan prepared to get into bed.
Noticing this, Ning Yunshu set aside her tablet and lay down as well, turning off the lights.
In the darkness, both were quiet. For some reason, Ye Qinglan felt her heartbeat was unusually fast.
Then, in the next moment, Ning Yunshu scooted closer and pulled her into an embrace.
“W-What are you doing?” Ye Qinglan stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of nervousness and anticipation she couldn’t quite define.
“Jiejie,” Ning Yunshu whispered in her ear.
Instinctively, Ye Qinglan turned her head to look.
Moonlight seeped through the curtains, faintly illuminating the longing on Ning Yunshu’s face.
“What?” Ye Qinglan asked unconsciously.
Ning Yunshu leaned in closer, her voice tinged with a hint of grievance. “You haven’t kissed me yet today.”
Ye Qinglan froze, flustered, and averted her eyes. “We’re on the show.”
“Since we’re not live streaming now and no one can see us, and we’re not doing anything else, just give me a kiss,” Ning Yunshu cooed, nuzzling against her shoulder.
Ye Qinglan couldn’t resist such sweet pleading not that she wanted to, anyway.
In one swift motion, she turned, cupped Ning Yunshu’s face, and pressed her lips to those delicate ones.
As their tongues tangled, Ning Yunshu raised a hand to cradle the back of Ye Qinglan’s head, deepening the kiss with a hint of insistence.
“Sister!”