Targeted by the Movie Queen - Chapter 1

Outside the busiest set in F City’s largest film studio, a long line had formed.

The people in the queue were all dressed in bizarre costumes. Despite it already being autumn, the weather remained unbearably hot.

Shen Chuxia, squeezed into the middle of the line in a navy-blue palace maid outfit, was drenched in sweat.

“Line up properly! No cutting in! Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules won’t get a lunchbox!” The production assistant shouted as white plastic containers were brought over. The moment the lids were opened, the aroma of food sent the crowd into a restless stir.

It was already noon, and after a morning of exhausting work, everyone was both starving and overheated.

The scent of food triggered ravenous glares, as if they were a pack of wolves ready to pounce—though no one dared act out with the production staff watching.

Dizzy from the heat, Shen Chuxia barely had time to grab her lunchbox before a large hand from behind snatched it away.

She turned to see a burly, round-faced man holding her meal. Noticing her gaze, he scowled menacingly. “What’re you staring at? Never seen someone like me before?”

Startled, Shen Chuxia glanced at the box in his hands and protested weakly, “But that’s my food…”

“Who says it’s yours? Does it have your name on it?” the man retorted loudly, drawing the attention of others nearby.

Shen Chuxia bit her lip, indignant and about to argue further, when a group of people approached her.

“Are you Shen Chuxia?”

The man speaking wore all black and stood around 1.8 meters tall. The harsh sunlight forced him to wear sunglasses, which rested on the bridge of his nose.

The others behind him were similarly dressed. If not for their lack of tattoos, they could easily pass for gangsters.

Heart pounding, Shen Chuxia nodded. Then, a woman with gold-rimmed glasses stepped forward from the group.

Her long hair was tied into a ponytail due to the heat, and she wore a beige dress paired with seven-centimeter heels. Her eyes lit up when she saw Shen Chuxia.

“You’re Shen Chuxia?”

This was the second time Shen Chuxia had been asked the question—and the second time she answered—but her unease remained, along with a growing sense of foreboding…

“Y-yes, I am. Can I help you?”

“My crew happens to need an actress with your look. Interested in auditioning? If you’re selected, the production will cover your food and lodging, plus pay you for your work.” The woman smiled warmly, her charm amplified by her striking features.

The offer was tempting, but Shen Chuxia’s caution held firm.

“Why should I trust you?” she asked carefully, discreetly studying the woman and her entourage.

“I’m no scammer. My set’s right over there—you can check it out yourself.” The woman pointed to an adjacent filming area, and Shen Chuxia froze the moment she looked.

She knew that set.

Everyone here did.

This was the most stylish set in the entire film studio, reportedly hosting a major IP production starring the currently popular actress Su Zi and a newly award-winning actor. The filming was ongoing, with countless fans waiting outside daily. The official Weibo account and super-topics were all buzzing about it, even making it to trending searches multiple times. Shen Chuxia had heard all this from other background actors. Though she hadn’t investigated it herself, the crowds of waiting fans outside spoke volumes.

Lowering her head, she pondered the woman’s offer without responding, feeling a flutter of temptation in her heart.

If she took this opportunity… she’d get to collaborate with A-list stars. Few could resist such an alluring proposition—Shen Chuxia included.

She studied the woman, already knowing her answer but still testing the waters, “So what role would I be playing?”

A calculating glint flashed behind the woman’s glasses as she replied mysteriously, “You’ll find out when we get there. Don’t worry, I won’t assign you anything strange. With your adorable looks, I’ve already decided what’s perfect for you.”

“But I haven’t eaten yet… and I’m still in my regular clothes without knowing any lines. Are you sure I can do this?” Shen Chuxia wavered.

“No need for memorized lines—your face is your golden ticket. Just trust me. I chose you for good reason. As for lunch, someone will bring you food.” The woman revealed nothing more, her gaze fixed intently on Shen Chuxia’s face until an almost imperceptible gleam flickered in her eyes—one that went unnoticed.

“Well… alright then.”

Though still uneasy, Shen Chuxia found the woman’s persuasion irresistible and steeled herself to follow.

“Relax, I won’t trick you. You’ll thank me for this someday.” The woman’s faint smile accompanied vague words that sent a chill down Shen Chuxia’s spine, yet she nodded politely.

The queue behind them had erupted in whispers during their exchange, though decorum kept the crowd silent until the woman led Shen Chuxia away—then the chatter exploded.

…

Elsewhere on set.

Surrounded by bodyguards with the woman hovering watchfully nearby, Shen Chuxia fought growing unease—until meeting the director dispelled it. The middle-aged man’s kind demeanor softened her nerves as he examined her.

“So, this is Shen Chuxia?” The director glanced between them for confirmation.

“Her look matches your requirements perfectly. When I promised I’d find someone, I meant it.” At the woman’s assurance, the director nodded approvingly and summoned a contract for Shen Chuxia to sign herself—having neither agency nor manager.

His demeanor became Shen Chuxia’s reassurance.

Only then did she finally understand her role, this adaptation of a wildly popular revenge novel titled The Reborn Queen’s Dominance, where the protagonist returns from death for retribution.

The revised script was titled “Your Majesty, Long Time No See,” primarily telling the story of a fallen princess disguising herself as a man to infiltrate an enemy nation for revenge. The plot centered on vengeance, making it a strong female-led narrative.

Shen Chuxia had been cast as the princess’s trusted confidante.

The actress playing the princess was Su Zi, an internationally acclaimed star currently at the peak of her career. Shen Chuxia wasn’t one to browse social media, so her impression of Su Zi was limited to hearsay—she’d heard of her but never seen her in person.

Rumors painted Su Zi as breathtakingly beautiful, a peerless beauty.

It was said that Su Zi had spent most of her career abroad and had only recently shifted her focus to the domestic market this year. With numerous international awards under her belt and striking looks, she was now one of the hottest names in the industry.

Though Shen Chuxia had never met Su Zi, she had heard plenty about her. So, when the director mentioned she’d be acting alongside Su Zi, she couldn’t help but feel excited.

However, Su Zi hadn’t arrived today due to prior commitments, so Shen Chuxia didn’t get the chance to see her.

Still adjusting to the new environment and lacking both an agent and an assistant, Shen Chuxia had no choice but to head straight to the hotel arranged by the crew. The hotel had been booked right after she signed the contract, but since she hadn’t been there before, she followed the woman who had escorted her earlier.

The woman led Shen Chuxia all the way to her hotel room.

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Shen Chuxia said immediately upon arrival.

“No problem. If you really want to thank me, just do me a favor someday,” the woman replied teasingly, a glint of something unreadable flashing in her eyes.

Though Shen Chuxia was a bit confused by her words, she agreed anyway.

“Of course. If there’s ever anything I can help with, I’ll do my best.”

“Then I’ll take my leave,” the woman said before walking away.

Shen Chuxia nodded, then pushed open the door. Since she had joined the production abruptly, she hadn’t brought anything with her. She had originally planned to go home first to pack, but there had been no opportunity to mention it during the trip, so she decided to return tomorrow instead.

The hotel room arranged by the crew was spacious and clean, with a massive floor-to-ceiling window. As Shen Chuxia was still taking it all in, a knock sounded at the door.

“Hello, are you Shen Chuxia?”

A hotel staff member in a black-and-white uniform stood outside with a cart. Shen Chuxia blinked in surprise. “Yes, that’s me. What’s the matter?”

“Someone asked me to deliver this to you.”

The staff member handed her a paper bag containing takeout. Before Shen Chuxia could ask any questions, they had already left.

She stared at the bag for a moment, recalling the woman’s earlier words, and assumed it had been sent by her. Without hesitation, she dug in.

Exhausted from the day, Shen Chuxia grew drowsy after eating. She took a quick shower, wrapped herself in a bathrobe, and immediately fell asleep on the bed.

Unbeknownst to her, the moment she drifted off, the door quietly opened—and someone stepped inside.