The Movie Queen's Beloved Crybaby Alpha - Chapter 70
After showing off to everyone, Ye Qinglan returned to her spot contentedly. Ning Yunshu had already cast her second line, while Xiao Wenjin seemed to have disappeared somewhere, perhaps afraid of being verbally sparred with by Ye Qinglan again.
Settling back into her seat, she adjusted the brim of her fishing hat and focused intently on fishing alongside Ning Yunshu.
Perhaps due to their initial success, not only did they continue to get bites, but others also started reeling in fish one after another, resulting in a bountiful haul.
By evening, everyone gathered their catches and returned to their lodgings.
Xiao Wenjin had the fish collected and sent to the kitchen to be prepared for a grand fish feast that night.
While waiting, the group exchanged fishing tips they’d picked up during the day clearly, they’d all gotten hooked on the activity. Some even considered night fishing, though safety concerns and the production team’s announcement of another task the next day put an end to that idea.
Soon, a lavish dinner was served, featuring an array of fish dishes that made mouths water.
After enjoying the meal, with the night still young, everyone unanimously decided to hold a bonfire gathering.
As the fire crackled, they sat around it, singing and laughing, the atmosphere lively and warm.
The starry sky painted a magnificent celestial tapestry, and the gentle evening breeze made Ye Qinglan close her eyes in contentment.
“Sleepy?” Ning Yunshu whispered in her ear.
“No,” Ye Qinglan opened her eyes and shook her head lightly, smiling. “Just feeling really relaxed.”
Ning Yunshu curved her lips in response, saying nothing more as she leaned against Ye Qinglan, both savoring the moment.
The fun lasted until everyone grew tired. They extinguished the bonfire and retired to their rooms.
Though not particularly exhausted, the soothing environment must have played its part, Ye Qinglan fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.
Amused by how quickly she’d dozed off, Ning Yunshu turned off the lights and climbed onto the kang bed quietly. She leaned over to place a soft kiss on Ye Qinglan’s forehead.
“Goodnight, jiejie.”
Ye Qinglan murmured something indistinct in reply, then turned and snuggled into Ning Yunshu’s arms, hugging her close.
Ning Yunshu’s heart melted instantly as she held Ye Qinglan and closed her eyes.
They slept soundly through the night.
The next morning, Ye Qinglan woke up early. After a restful sleep, she felt refreshed and full of energy so much so that she even roused Ning Yunshu from bed.
Rubbing her eyes drowsily, Ning Yunshu yawned. “You’re up so early today, jiejie.”
“Slept well last night,” Ye Qinglan replied cheerfully. “Let’s get ready and go for breakfast.”
“Okay.” Stretching, Ning Yunshu tidied the bedding and went to wash up.
When they arrived at the dining area, it was still early, the chefs were still preparing breakfast. As they sat down, Xiao Wenjin and Wei Youning walked in one after the other, deep in discussion.
Noticing them, Wei Youning immediately stopped talking and waved in greeting.
“Good morning, Qinglan, Little Ning.”
Xiao Wenjin glanced at them. “You two are up early.”
Ye Qinglan also greeted the two of them before asking, “Since you’re awake, why not get up? Where’s Youyou?”
“She was too excited playing last night and is still asleep. I’ll bring her breakfast later,” Wei Youning replied.
Ye Qinglan nodded slightly and then inquired, “What were you two discussing earlier?”
Wei Youning shrugged and sat down at the dining table. “Nothing much, just thinking about getting a lifetime membership at President Xiao’s ranch. When we’re not so busy and have time to relax, we can come here to unwind.”
“Ride horses, go fishing, maybe even do some herding life doesn’t have to be so fast-paced. Doesn’t that sound comfortable?” Wei Youning said with a smile.
Ye Qinglan nodded. “It sounds perfect for retirement.”
“Right? Exactly!” Wei Youning was delighted to hear Ye Qinglan agree with her.
“So, what was the outcome?” Ye Qinglan looked at Xiao Wenjin.
Xiao Wenjin spread her hands. “I told Teacher Wei she could come anytime, and I’d arrange everything here. But she insisted on setting a price, saying she didn’t want to take advantage of me.”
“Of course! If I’m retiring here, I can’t let President Xiao foot the bill and do all the work. That would just be a loss for you,” Wei Youning said matter-of-factly.
Xiao Wenjin glanced at Ye Qinglan. “See? Now you understand.”
Ye Qinglan couldn’t help but laugh. “I get it. Sister Wei doesn’t want you to lose out. Though I have to say, given Xiao Wenjin’s financial means, she could easily afford to support your retirement here.”
Wei Youning’s lips twitched. “No, it just feels like I’m being kept.”
“Pfft!” The others nearly spat out their tea.
Wei Youning quickly clasped her hands in apology. “Sorry, sorry! I was just joking, President Xiao. Don’t take it to heart.”
“Ahem, it’s fine,” Xiao Wenjin coughed lightly, clearly wanting to drop the subject.
The group tacitly shifted to other topics, and soon their breakfast arrived, a bowl of milk tea, a serving of meat-filled flatbread, a bowl of lamb noodle soup, and a plate of side dishes.
Eating all this in the morning was definitely a calorie bomb.
Ye Qinglan eyed the food in front of her and then looked at Xiao Wenjin. “If I gain weight from this, I’m blaming Sister Ke on you.”
Xiao Wenjin rolled her eyes. “You didn’t think about that when you were eating yesterday.”
“Well, I didn’t know breakfast would be a calorie bomb,” Ye Qinglan retorted.
“Don’t worry, I’ll just ask Sister Ke to add a few extra gym sessions for you,” Xiao Wenjin shrugged.
“Gee, thanks,” Ye Qinglan said dryly.
Xiao Wenjin: “You’re welcome.”
Ye Qinglan: “…”
Ning Yunshu, watching their banter, chuckled softly. “Sister, just eat without worry. It’ll be fine. Who knows what activities we have today? They might burn a lot of calories.”
“Exactly, exactly. Little Ning is absolutely right,” Xiao Wenjin nodded quickly.
Ye Qinglan sighed in amusement. “Well then, I suppose I’ll graciously accept.”
As they ate, the restaurant door opened again, and Du Wenjun, Xu Chaoyang, and the Jiang Can family arrived. Seeing the others already eating and nearly finished they teased them.
“Wow, eating without even calling us?”
“We thought you were too tired and wanted to let you sleep in,” Wei Youning replied with a smile.
Du Wenyun smiled, then seemed to remember something and asked, “Where’s Youyou?”
“She’s still sleeping. Don’t worry, I’ll bring her some food later,” Wei Youning replied.
“That’s good.”
The group sat down to eat together, and Du Wenyun expressed the same concern as Ye Qinglan.
“I’m afraid I’ll gain two or three pounds after this meal.”
Xu Chaoyang laughed, “Don’t worry, you’ll lose it quickly.”
“People who struggle with weight loss would really want to punch you for saying that,” Du Wenyun teased.
Xu Chaoyang coughed lightly, “Luckily, the live stream hasn’t started yet.”
Everyone chuckled, dismissing the matter lightly.
After the meal, Wei Youning packed breakfast for Xu Youyou in a lunchbox and left, while the others headed to the meeting point.
Unexpectedly, Wei Youning soon returned in a hurry, prompting everyone to ask, “What’s wrong?”
With visible anxiety, Wei Youning said, “Youyou has a fever. Does anyone have any fever-reducing medicine?”
At this, everyone exchanged glances.
Given that none of them were particularly prone to illness and the trip was only for two days, no one had thought to bring medicine for such situations.
The mood grew tense until Xiao Wenjin spoke up, “My car is right here. I’ll take you to the hospital. Don’t worry.”
Hearing this, everyone relaxed slightly, and Wei Youning added, “Thank you, President Xiao.”
“No problem,” Xiao Wenjin said, striding toward their accommodation while adding, “You all go ahead with the filming. I’ve already informed the relevant people, so don’t worry.”
Wei Youning nodded to the group and hurried after him.
Upon entering the room, Xiao Wenjin saw Xu Youyou burning with fever, wrapped her in a blanket without hesitation, and carried her out. Wei Youning followed closely behind with a bag.
Watching the car drive off, the group looked worried.
“How did Youyou suddenly fall ill? Did she catch a chill?” Du Wenyun frowned with concern.
“The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is huge, and without heating, it’s easy to get sick. Don’t worry,” Xu Chaoyang reassured.
Ye Qinglan was also anxious, wanting to check in but unsure whom to contact. Wei Youning would be busy caring for Xu Youyou, and Xiao Wenjin was driving.
For the moment, they could do nothing to help.
Sighing, Ye Qinglan felt a hand on her shoulder. Ning Yunshu said, “Don’t worry. President Xiao has connections here. As long as Youyou gets treatment in time, she’ll be fine.”
“You’re right,” Ye Qinglan replied, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
Fortunately, the host lightened the mood, preventing the group from dwelling on their worries.
Today’s activity was herding with the local shepherds. For safety, they were only responsible for some lambs, staying close to the pasture and learning from the shepherds.
The shepherds were talkative, openly sharing tips and guiding them. In the end, the busy schedule left little time to worry about Xu Youyou.
On the other side, Xiao Wenjin had already contacted a doctor early in the car. As soon as the vehicle arrived, Xu Youyou was admitted to the ward, and the doctor hurried over to examine her condition.
Seeing this, Wei Youning finally breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to Xiao Wenjin beside her and said, “Thank you, President Xiao.”
Xiao Wenjin shook his head and smiled. “No need to be polite. Anyone else would have done the same.”
Wei Youning smiled faintly, then glanced at Xu Youyou and spoke softly.
“It looks like she’ll have to stay a few more days.”