This Best Actress is a Bit Annoying - Chapter 19

“No.”

Xia Qingye responded weakly. According to Yu Lan’s exaggerated description, she had slipped on the floor that day while wearing high heels and taken a nasty spill. On the first day, she only felt generally sore, but by the second day, her lower back and hips were throbbing with a piercing, agonizing pain. She even began to suspect that, given Nie Zhuying’s notorious temper, the Film Queen had likely kicked her more than once. More importantly, she felt that from this fall, she might have actually cracked a bone.

However, she didn’t tell Xia Yanbo about this.

Firstly, the fact that she bit Nie Zhuying put her in the wrong for now. In the future, she’d have to dodge drinking whenever possible—and if she couldn’t, she’d have to find another way.

Secondly, she was afraid that if she complained, Xia Yanbo would immediately revoke their “Three Conditions” and make her scurry back from the entertainment industry, rendering all her previous efforts worthless.

After weighing the stakes, Xia Qingye struggled to get up. She changed into a red hoodie and tied her loose hair into a casual bun to make herself look more energetic.

“Brother, it’s the holidays; you have to let me sleep in a bit.”

“Not today. I’ve booked a stylist and clothing/jewelry designers for you. Once we finish today and tomorrow, you can sleep however you want. But your meals must be regular—look at you, your chin has grown quite sharp.”

On this point, Xia Qingye didn’t bother arguing with him. Arguing would only result in her own misfortune in the end.

“A banquet?”

“Yes, a large-scale gala. Several producers and famous directors will be attending. I’ll introduce you to a few so you can make some connections.”

In previous years, Xia Qingye would have fought tooth and nail to avoid such a banquet. Even if she promised Xia Yanbo she’d go, she would eventually slip away halfway through or dress eccentrically just to embarrass him. That rebellion in her bones had only intensified under Xia Yanbo’s brilliant spotlight.

In the current Xia Qingye’s eyes, the original owner’s behavior was incredibly childish.

“Thanks, Brother.”

“Qingye, after spending a few months at Star Penguin, I feel that you… seem to have changed a lot.”

Xia Qingye openly allowed him to scrutinize her. She took his arm, swaying it playfully as she looked up with an innocent smile. “Brother, don’t you think this change is for the better?”

“It is. But Qingye, you aren’t planning to stand your brother up again, are you?”

“Relax, Brother. I promise I won’t stand you up this time.”

The entire day was spent following Xia Yanbo’s rhythm. The pain in her back and hips made her break out in a cold sweat, especially while sitting for hours getting her hair and makeup done; every minute was an ordeal.

When picking out her gown, Xia Qingye carefully avoided sexy backless designs. She chose a modest, floor-length, one-shoulder dress that hid the terrifying purple bruises on her legs. Paired with a set of emerald jewelry chosen by the designer and her slightly curled, medium-short hair, the “rebellious girl” was transformed into a high-society socialite. Beneath her cute exterior lay a hint of irrepressible sexiness.

“Brother, do I look good?”

“You look beautiful.”

Xia Yanbo was stunned. Having grown accustomed to her low-rent smoky makeup, ripped jeans, and ears full of studs, he looked at this increasingly feminine sister and, for the first time, truly acknowledged the change she had undergone since joining Star Penguin.

No one would refuse a place that made their family better. Even if rumors described the industry as a den of wolves, Xia Yanbo believed that with his protection, his sister would only grow more brilliant.

The gala was held as a dinner banquet, five days before the New Year countdown.

The hotel was brilliantly lit as luxury cars entered one after another. Xia Qingye wore a coat over her gown. As she stepped out of the car, Xia Yanbo gallantly supported her. “There are many people today; don’t leave my sight.”

Xia Qingye whispered into his ear, “Brother, having me act as your date is a huge loss for you.”

Xia Yanbo was indifferent. Most of this social circle was linked to interests. The women who approached him were mostly eyeing his net worth and his company; few were sincere. Rather than acting a part with them, he preferred to take his sister for a round through the crowd and head home early.

Seeing him not responding, Xia Qingye pouted and pointed toward the other men’s dates—all of them stunning, walking with swaying hips and a provocative air. “Brother, you should find a girlfriend too. It would be much livelier if our home had two more people.”

“Men aren’t in a rush to marry at thirty or forty. You, on the other hand, should worry about your own life-long affairs first.” Ever since Xia Qingye came out, Xia Yanbo had started considering this matter. The lesbian community was very small, with the same people rotating through. Finding someone to accompany his sister until they were old would require passing many tests; at the very least, it couldn’t be someone who liked to play around. He had even thought about introducing people to her, but after considering many possibilities, he vetoed them all. He could only take it one step at a time. “Qingye, remember our Three Conditions? If you like someone, bring them back for me to see first. I’m not an unreasonable person.”

Xia Qingye: “…”

This was the definition of shooting oneself in the foot.

Xia Yanbo, as a “domineering president,” was a rising star with a unique vision and sharp methods; most people didn’t dare underestimate him. As soon as they entered, Xia Qingye noticed many eyes on them—specifically, the gazes of several young wives and socialites were glued to Xia Yanbo. It was so intense she couldn’t ignore it. Xia Qingye looked over and saw them whispering to one another, laughing and chatting.

For the first time, she felt lucky that Xia Yanbo’s private life was quite clean; otherwise, the family might end up with more than just “two more people.”

“Qingye, this is CEO Zhang of Ruwei Technology.”

“Hello.”

…

After a small round of introductions, Xia Qingye had touched a bit of wine—mostly just wetting her lips. Seeing that Xia Yanbo was about to introduce her to more people, she immediately tugged at his sleeve. “Brother, I need to go to the restroom to touch up my makeup.”

Xia Yanbo let her go immediately, even reminding her considerately, “If you’re hungry, go get something to eat first to line your stomach.”

Xia Qingye let out a sigh of relief. She went to the restroom and splashed her face with cold water to wake herself up. After touching up her makeup, she returned to the ballroom. The crowd had grown even larger. She searched the room, spotted Xia Yanbo, and then headed to the buffet area to grab some food.

“Qingye, come over here.”

“This is Zong Cong, the boss of Siji Company. And this is his date, Zhong Ruanqin. Since you’re in the same industry, you should have heard of her.”

Xia Qingye had thought about how she would question this person for leaving her to die. She had imagined what it would be like when they met again. But she never expected they would meet so abruptly. The smile on her face froze for a second before she bloomed into a radiant grin, proactively extending her hand. “Hello, CEO Zong. Your date is truly beautiful.”

Men are particularly concerned with “face.” Praising the woman he brought was equivalent to praising his own taste.

Zong Cong had many dates; Zhong Ruanqin was merely one of them. Compared to third-rate models, this first-rate Film Queen certainly gave him prestige at such events. But at the end of the day, she was just an actress. Hearing this, Zong Cong was in high spirits. “Yanbo, your sister certainly knows how to talk.”

Xia Yanbo knew Zong Cong had dealings in the entertainment industry. For his sister’s sake, he was considering investing in entertainment projects himself. Building a good relationship with Zong Cong was undoubtedly the first step into that world.

Zhong Ruanqin gave a charming laugh. Reaching out, she grasped Xia Qingye’s slender, fair hand. Her other hand covered it, seemingly a light pat, but actually a lingering caress. “This little sister is also quite beautiful. You look a bit familiar; I wonder if we’ve met somewhere before?”

Xia Qingye gave her a brief glance. Zhong Ruanqin was winking at her suggestively, her flirtatious smile full of provocation. For the first time, Xia Qingye hated her own sexual orientation. If she were a straight woman, she might not have understood the hidden meaning in Zhong Ruanqin’s gesture.

If it were anyone else holding her hand, she wouldn’t have overthought it.

But this person… was her former lover.

Xia Qingye discreetly withdrew her hand, her smile undiminished. “We haven’t met. I only occasionally see news about you, Senior, when I’m browsing Weibo. I’ve just debuted; I hope for your guidance in the future.”

Seeing the two hitting it off, Zong Cong took Xia Yanbo elsewhere to discuss business.

Zhong Ruanqin’s previous question had been casual, but she hadn’t expected the girl to actually be in the industry. She watched Zong Cong leave, the corners of her mouth turning up. “There’s a balcony over there; do you mind going out for some air?”

To be honest, Xia Qingye minded.

Today’s banquet had exceeded her expectations. She had originally wanted to meet people and see if there were any good resources. She never expected that in her second life, she would encounter her past lover in such an environment. And further—was the other woman boldly flirting with her in front of everyone?

Was this the Zhong Ruanqin she knew? Was this the lover who used to be incredibly reserved and easily embarrassed?

It was truly ridiculous.

Zhong Ruanqin took two glasses of champagne from a waiter and led the way to the balcony. Xia Qingye hesitated but followed. She wanted to see what Zhong Ruanqin was actually up to. “The air inside is stagnant. See? It’s much better out here.”

Xia Qingye stared blankly at the glass that had been forced into her hand. The palm of her hand was tickled by the other woman’s finger.

“Sister Xia, come. Let’s drink to our meeting.” Zhong Ruanqin raised her glass, her misty eyes staring at Xia Qingye with raw intensity. “What? Can’t drink?”

She approached step by step, cornering Xia Qingye against the balcony railing. One of her legs lightly brushed against Xia Qingye’s straight leg. She whispered into Xia Qingye’s ear, “Or… should I feed you?”