The White Moonlight is So Scheming - Chapter 22

After hanging up the phone,

The bedroom was silent, save for the sound of uneven, labored breathing rising and falling.

It was impossible to tell how much time had passed before Shen Juexia finally turned on the light and walked to the vanity. She examined her wound carefully in the mirror.

Upper lip, near the left side.

There was a clear mark.

Bracing her arms against the vanity, Shen Juexia closed her eyes lightly and tried to steady her breathing.

Given her sister’s personality, if she really knew something, she would have dealt with it directly not used such roundabout methods to probe for answers.

It was just casual conversation.

She was being overly paranoid.

Once she had calmed herself, Shen Juexia retrieved a small first-aid kit from the dresser drawer. Dipping a cotton swab in iodine, she dabbed it gently on the wound.

Her gaze wandered aimlessly around the bedroom before finally settling on the script lying on the desk. She stared at it for a long time.

Setting the cotton swab aside,

Shen Juexia picked up the script and pushed aside the plush toy resting on the bay window.

Leaning back against the soft cushion, script in hand, she forced herself to focus. She had already figured it out this afternoon.

Ji Zhijie liked money, but she didn’t want others to give it to her out of pity. So, the only way to help her was to find another method for her to earn it.

The script for Miss Julie was simple. Julie was born into an aristocratic family and had lived a privileged life since childhood. This upbringing gave her a sense of superiority, but at the same time, she grew weary of the monotony of noble life.

She longed for freedom and happiness, yearning for an idealized love. On a whim, she would often dance and sing with the servants, chatting and laughing with them.

On a midsummer night,

She asked a footman who was already engaged to dance with her. Under his seduction, she eventually lost herself.

Yet when the excitement faded, panic set in. She wanted to elope with the footman in search of a new life, but she couldn’t let go of her aristocratic dignity. Worse still, she feared the ruin of her reputation and that of her family.

But in truth, the footman didn’t love her.

He had deceived her solely to elevate his social status and gain wealth. Once she saw his true nature, his selfishness and cruelty devastated Julie.

She wanted to return to her former life, but it was too late. Trapped in an impossible dilemma, Julie ultimately chose the path of no return, suicide.

No matter how many times she read the script,

Shen Juexia was baffled. How could anyone abandon a comfortable life to elope with a servant?

A footman?

Just the thought of it made her nose wrinkle in disgust.

If it were her, she would have solidified her position and lived out her days in ease.

Hmm…

She wondered how Ji Zhijie would play the footman when the time came.

“Tch!” The instinctive pout pressed against her wound, and Shen Juexia hissed in pain.

Damn that Ji Zhijie!

Who knew what nonsense was going on in her head?

If Ji Zhijie had just fallen for her sooner, none of this mess would be happening now!

Hopefully, once this ridiculous play was over and Ji Zhijie successfully earned the prize money, she’d see her in a new light.

Blinking hard,

Shen Juexia focused intently on memorizing her lines.

—

The earth gradually warmed.

The tender sunlight coiled languidly around the girl’s ankles.

Until the sun climbed high in the sky.

Shen Juexia let out a soft hum, turning her back to the sunlight streaming in as she slowly turned around.

Her thoughts gradually returned to clarity.

Gently rubbing her left eye socket, her almond-shaped eyes slowly cracked open a sliver.

The girl’s black hair seemed kissed by moonlight, its silky strands cascading like dark satin, carelessly spread across the entire pillow.

“So sleepy…”

With a faint murmur, Shen Juexia squinted groggily, groping around the bedside for her phone.

Finding the fuzzy phone case, she picked it up, unlocked the screen, and opened WeChat.

World’s #1 Drama Club.

99+ unread messages.

The Charming and Handsome Director Mu:

“Zhijie, Juexia has no stage experience.”

“You’ll need to practice with her more for this performance. Since you two are desk mates, you can rehearse lines together after class every day. @Ji Zhijie @Bunny Flying Knife.”

Ji Zhijie:

“Got it.”

Rain Soft Soft Soft:

“I remember you both live near Shengde High School? If you have time, maybe rehearse together on weekends too? Give it a try?”

Ji Zhijie:

“I’m fine with that.”

Skilled Tailor Qian’er:

“Juexia hasn’t said anything in the group chat yet. Still not awake? It’s already 11 AM.”

Very Beautiful Meiyun:

“Pretty girls love their beauty sleep. I just woke up too.”

The Charming and Handsome Director Mu:

“@Ji Zhijie, DM Xia and ask if she’s free this weekend.”

Ji Zhijie:

“1.”

Scrolling through the messages at lightning speed, Shen Juexia skimmed ten lines at a glance, quickly catching up on all the group chat activity.

Gotta admit.

This quirky club is actually somewhat useful.

Time is tight, the task is heavy.

She had to deal with Ji Zhijie before the truth came out.

She’d been racking her brain about how to make the most of the weekend and now, Ji Zhijie was delivering himself right to her doorstep!

–

“Miss, is this the place?”

Xu Qing stepped on the brake, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding buildings as he silently assessed the area.

Exiting the match-three game interface, Shen Juexia opened her chat with Ji Zhijie and double-checked the location before nodding. “Yes, you can park here.”

“Understood.” Shifting to park and turning off the engine.

Xu Qing got out first, circling to the right rear door to open it for Shen Juexia, asking respectfully and considerately, “Miss, what time should I pick you up tonight?”

One leg already out of the car, Shen Juexia lifted her head at his words, meeting his eyes. “Probably not too late? I’ll call you in advance.”

“Very well.” Using the back of his hand to shield the door frame, Xu Qing smiled gently. “I hope you have fun with your classmates, Miss.”

“I’m not here to have fun! I—” Cutting herself off mid-sentence, she mumbled, “Alright, alright, you can go now!”

His face wore a practiced smile.

Xu Qing bowed slightly. “No problem, I’ll wait until you’re upstairs.”

“Did my sister tell you to keep an eye on me?” Though phrased as a question, Shen Juexia already knew the answer.

Smiling without answering, Xu Qing deftly sidestepped the topic. “Miss, the agreed-upon time is almost here. Best not to keep your classmate waiting.”

“Ah, you’ve got it tough too.”

Shaking her head helplessly, Shen Juexia shrugged. “Fine, watch if you must. I’m heading up now. Drive safely on your way back, okay?”

“Thank you, Miss.”

His gaze never left her as she walked away.

Only after watching her step into the elevator did Xu Qing take out his phone and send a text: “President Shen, the young miss has gone upstairs. As per your instructions, we’ve verified with the school in advance, her deskmate does indeed live in this building, and there’s nothing unusual.”

Beep! The phone vibrated.

Seeing the reply, Xu Qing hurriedly opened the message.

“Good.” Shen Tinghan’s response was characteristically brief.

The eldest young lady was always overly protective of the second young miss.

A trace of worry flickered in Xu Qing’s eyes as he sighed softly and pressed send again. “The second young miss seems to have already guessed the things you’ve asked me to do.”

“No matter. No need to hide it from her.”

After sending this reply, Shen Tinghan turned off her phone screen and placed it on the corner of the desk, refocusing her attention.

________________________________________

Facing the elevator mirror, Shen Juexia meticulously adjusted her hairstyle once more before lowering her head to smooth out the faint wrinkles along the hem of her skirt.

She had deliberately dressed up today.

A light blue Chanel-style suit, paired with a perfectly fitted short skirt that accentuated her already graceful figure. A creamy white South Sea pearl pendant rested delicately against her fair collarbone.

The overall look was sweet yet undeniably elegant.

Most importantly it wouldn’t make people feel distant.

Ding! Seventh floor.

As the chime sounded, the elevator doors slowly parted.

Stepping out into the hallway, Shen Juexia frowned and studied the floor plan between the two elevations.

0702?

Seems like it’s to the left.

“Ahhhh!”

Her wrist, hanging loosely at her side, was suddenly grabbed. Shen Juexia squeezed her eyes shut and let out a scream.

“It’s me. Stop yelling.”

Grabbing Ji Zhijie’s arm in retaliation, Shen Juexia hammered her shoulder several times, gritting her teeth. “You did that on purpose! You scared me to death!”

Catching Shen Juexia’s flailing hands, Ji Zhijie raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the left entrance. “I’ve been standing there for several minutes. You just didn’t notice. How is that my fault?”

Crossing her arms, Shen Juexia lifted her chin with a huff. “Who knows if you’re even telling the truth!”

Though inwardly, she knew.

Ji Zhijie was most likely being honest.

But she’d never admit it!

Used to the young miss’s tsundere ways, Ji Zhijie’s amber eyes were filled with the sight of the girl before her. Brushing a finger behind her ear, she remarked casually, “That outfit today, it suits you quite well.”

“Of course! I look good in anything.” Snorting dismissively, Shen Juexia unabashedly accepted the compliment and strode ahead toward the left exit.

After several steps, she realized the person behind her hadn’t followed.

The little rabbit turned around, glaring at Ji Zhijie, who remained rooted in place, and urged impatiently, “What are you still staring at? Don’t tell me you want me to give you this outfit?”

“Why would I want your clothes?”

Eyes glinting, Ji Zhijie stepped forward until she loomed over Shen Juexia. She glanced down, reached out, and patted the top of her head. “A little shrimp’s clothes wouldn’t fit me anyway.”

Retracting her hand, her ears warmed slightly.

Clenching her fingers subtly, Ji Zhijie savored the lingering sensation at her fingertips.

Her gaze swept over Shen Juexia’s hair.

The corner of Ji Zhijie’s lips curled as she strode ahead, leaving a dumbfounded Shen Juexia frozen in place.

Her almond-shaped eyes were wide with disbelief.

To think Ji Jiezhe would dare do such a thing to her! Once Shen Juexia realized what had happened, she furiously yelled at the retreating figure, “Ahhh! I spent a whole hour curling my hair! Ji Jiezhe, you’re dead meat!”

She stood imperiously at the doorway, hands on her hips, her face dark as a man-eating yaksha.

Ji Jiezhe, who had just opened the door and was bending down to fetch new slippers for the young mistress, sensed the unmistakable glare boring into her back.

She paused in her task.

Looking up with a teasing glint in her eyes, Ji Jiezhe taunted, “Dead meat? I’d love to see how you plan to make that happen.”

Ignoring the remark, Shen Juexia craned her neck, peering suspiciously around the room.

After setting the slippers in place, Ji Jiezhe straightened up.

Eyes fixed on the furtive young mistress, she arched a brow and asked, “Stop looking. It’s just me here. What scared?”

“What do I have to be scared of?”

Tilting her head, Shen Juexia scoffed dismissively.