Targeted by the Movie Queen - Chapter 10

Shen Chuxia gasped slightly, her small mouth slightly open from running too fast. Before she could speak, a hand landed on her shoulder.

“Why are you in such a hurry? Didn’t we agree to go together? Does Chuchu dislike me now? It seems our relationship has grown distant after all these years apart.” Su Zi feigned sadness as she spoke.

The Production Assistant looked stunned. “Did you two know each other before?”

“No—”

Shen Chuxia opened her mouth to answer, but Su Zi wrapped an arm around her shoulders and cut in.

“Of course we know each other. We were high school classmates and even attended the same university until I had to drop out due to personal matters. Counting the years, it’s been three since I last saw Chuchu.” Su Zi spoke with an intimate tone, her arm draped possessively over Shen Chuxia’s shoulders, making their closeness obvious—and inviting speculation.

The Production Assistant nodded blankly before suddenly remembering her task. “The costume photoshoot is almost done. It’s your turn now, so hurry over.”

“Mm, you go ahead first. I still have some things to discuss with Chuchu. Don’t worry, we won’t take long—we’ll catch up right away.” With that, Su Zi openly pulled Shen Chuxia away, gripping her shoulder firmly.

Shen Chuxia watched helplessly as the Production Assistant grew farther away, a silent plea for help dying in her throat when Su Zi pinched her waist.

“You can try calling for help if you want—just be prepared to face the consequences.” Su Zi’s voice was a mix of threat and teasing. “You called me crazy, didn’t you? A crazy person doesn’t think normally. If I kiss you in front of everyone, no one will blame me. But you? Your career is just starting to take off. If rumors about us spread, you might never go any further.”

Shen Chuxia immediately fell silent, a mix of fear and frustration tightening her chest. She had no choice but to let Su Zi drag her along.

Su Zi’s expression softened, and she pulled Shen Chuxia along to follow the Production Assistant.

The sensation of Su Zi’s hand gripping hers felt strange, and Shen Chuxia instinctively tried to pull away—only for Su Zi to tighten her hold.

“Chuchu… don’t test my limits. My patience isn’t endless. If I lose control, you won’t like what happens.” Su Zi whispered the words against Shen Chuxia’s ear, her warm breath making the latter shiver slightly. The warning only deepened Shen Chuxia’s unease, but she didn’t dare protest.

Because she really was afraid…

Su Zi’s earlier behavior had already terrified her. If she became even more unhinged… Shen Chuxia would be scared out of her wits.

Heart still pounding, she let herself be led like a puppet until they stood before the director.

The director, oblivious to their linked hands, quickly ushered them over for the photoshoot. Su Zi went first, and Shen Chuxia saw her chance to slip away—only for the director to stop her.

“Chuxia, don’t leave yet. Su Zi will be taking a joint photo with you soon. Let the makeup artist touch you up first.”

As the director spoke, the makeup artist approached. Lips pressed tightly together, Shen Chuxia had no choice but to stay.

Su Zi finished her costume photoshoot in just half an hour. Since the makeup and outfits had been predetermined, it didn’t take long to complete. Shen Chuxia and Su Zi’s costume photos were scheduled last. While Su Zi had already changed into her costume, the director wasn’t satisfied with Shen Chuxia’s outfit, so she had to go back and change again.

The changing room wasn’t far from the studio. Carrying her new clothes, Shen Chuxia knocked politely on the door to ensure no one was inside before entering. The door was slightly broken, making her uneasy, so she placed a stool against it as a makeshift barrier.

Summer was the worst season for filming period dramas—the thick, layered costumes made the heat unbearable.

The new outfit Shen Chuxia received was particularly elaborate. As the female lead’s confidante, her role was significant, so she had many costumes, but this one was the thickest.

Dressing in period attire was tedious—three layers in total. By the time she finished, her back was already damp with sweat.

“Ugh… so hot…”

Frustrated, she tugged at the fabric for some air. The thought of the air-conditioned studio spurred her to rush out.

But as soon as she opened the door, she locked eyes with Su Zi, who had come looking for her.

Su Zi was dressed in deep red period robes, adorned with an ornate crown and hairpins, exuding an imperious, queenly aura—so regal it was almost intimidating. This was clearly her attire for the character’s later reign as empress.

Shen Chuxia froze for a moment, surprised to see her there. Before she could speak, Su Zi grabbed her hand.

“Why are you holding my hand again? There are so many people around—let go! Su Zi, I’m so hot… my palms are sweaty!” Frowning at the sticky sensation, Shen Chuxia tried to pull away.

Su Zi watched her but didn’t react angrily. Instead, after wiping the sweat from Shen Chuxia’s palm, she simply took her hand again and led her forward.

Back in the studio, the crew was ready. The cool air was a relief after the stifling heat of changing, and Shen Chuxia instantly felt more comfortable.

The director, growing impatient, hurried them over for the shoot. It was nearly lunchtime, and everyone was too hungry to focus, making the session feel mechanical.

Shen Chuxia had never done a costume photoshoot before and had no idea how to pose. When the camera turned to her, she felt exposed, awkward and self-conscious.

The director frowned at her stiffness. “Chuxia, what’s going on? You don’t even know how to pose?”

“Sorry, Director. I’ve never done this before…” Shen Chuxia lowered her head apologetically.

Not wanting to scold her, the director turned to Su Zi. “Then learn from Su Zi. Aren’t you two close? Let her teach you.”

Shen Chuxia stayed silent, glancing at Su Zi—only to find Su Zi already watching her.

Su Zi smiled, her lips curling as she gazed at Shen Chuxia, her eyes brimming with an indescribable tenderness and allure. Paired with her current attire, she gave off the air of an empress teasing her own consort.

Shen Chuxia remained silent, acutely aware of the director’s and the photographers’ gazes fixed on her from behind. The pressure prickled at her back like needles, compelling her to step forward.

Su Zi watched Shen Chuxia, a hint of smugness flickering in her eyes, as if she had long anticipated this moment.

Shen Chuxia tugged at the hem of her clothes, looking up at Su Zi, who stood a head taller. The words she needed to say made her flush with embarrassment, and her voice grew softer and softer, “Help me…”