This Best Actress is a Bit Annoying - Chapter 48

Time hurried by, and in the blink of an eye, it had been two months since Xia Qingye moved from the hospital back to Nie Zhuying’s place.

During these two months, Xia Yanbo had come over trying to win back the right to take his sister home. However, he found himself facing off against the three members of the Nie family, plus Nuonuo, who was getting bigger by the month. In the end, after checking on Xia Qingye and asking a few questions about her condition, he “fled in panic” under the pretext of having urgent business at the company.

Mrs. Nie was quite puzzled, pulling Nie Zhuying aside to say, “We’re practically family now; why is Yanbo still so distant? Taking care of Qingye is only right. Once you marry into the Xia family, you’ll be living together anyway. You are much older than Qingye, after all; you have to take on more responsibility.”

Nie Zhuying’s eyes lit up at this, and she nodded like a chick pecking grain. “Mommy is right. That’s why I need to cultivate our feelings in advance.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Nie felt very gratified, even believing her daughter had finally, from the bottom of her heart, accepted the marriage contract. She and Mr. Nie could finally set their hearts at ease.

The script discussions between Xia Qingye and Nie Zhuying had evolved. They moved from shallow observations like “this character will attract many fans” to deep critiques like “there’s a problem with the dialogue in this scene,” often leading to major disagreements.

Mrs. Nie and Mr. Nie had overheard these debates many times. When she couldn’t stand the noise, Mrs. Nie would shout from outside, “Xiaoying, are you bullying Qingye again? Is your skin itching for a scolding?”

Then, the arguing inside the room would instantly vanish.

In reality, behind closed doors, Nie Zhuying was holding Xia Qingye’s hand. “Qingqing, it’s your turn to say this line.”

Xia Qingye glanced at it. It was a scene where the female lead sees the peerless male lead for the first time; her soul is captivated, and she can’t help but run up to confess to him. It was a very serious, standard line. It was, essentially, a total “Mary Sue” script.

However, even the most serious line couldn’t withstand a certain person’s frantic requests.

Nie Zhuying leaned in close to Xia Qingye’s ear and whispered, “I want to hear the ‘panting’ version.”

Xia Qingye’s vision went dark; her head throbbed. She had no idea what had “corrupted” her girlfriend. This was a person who used to only know how to kiss and nibble—someone purer than the water at the bottom of a clear pond. Suddenly, she had transformed into an “old driver” who knew about things like “erotic panting.” When certain slang came out of Nie Zhuying’s mouth, Xia Qingye was left dumbfounded. She didn’t even know some of the terms, yet the other woman seemed to have reached mastery through practice. This transformation… well, it likely started when Yu Lan delivered those scripts.

Seeing her wife dazing off, Nie Zhuying rubbed her hands unhappily. She reached under the thin blanket and slid her hand inside Xia Qingye’s clothes, heading straight for the target.

Xia Qingye nearly jumped out of bed from that light yet intentional squeeze. If she weren’t worried about ruining two and a half months of recovery, she would have dragged this “corrupted” girlfriend across the bed and given her a thrashing.

“Mmm, Zhuzi, you—”

“Qingqing, I want to hear you pant. The sound of your breathing is so beautiful.”

As a hand roamed a sensitive area, Xia Qingye bit her lip, staring resentfully at the person who was only concerned with her own amusement. Her whole body trembled. “Ah, don’t touch there.”

Hearing that soul-melting voice, Nie Zhuying excitedly pressed closer. It turns out that ‘knowledge’ really works! She stared at the girl’s flushed face and her misty eyes, swallowing hard. “Qingqing.”

Xia Qingye was both amused and annoyed. She firmly pulled the “thieving hand” out from her clothes and hooked her arm around the woman’s neck. She tentatively kissed the corner of her mouth, then moved from her lips down to her neck. She intended to leave a heavy mark but hesitated, moving instead to her earlobe and giving it a sharp bite.

“Hiss! Qingqing, you bit me!” Nie Zhuying clutched her ear, looking shocked.

“I certainly did.” Xia Qingye calmed her racing heart. “Do you know why I bit you?”

Nie Zhuying clutched her ear and let out a huff, turning her face away in a huff. She was angry.

Xia Qingye didn’t intend to let her off that easily. She was already seducing her now; in the future… wouldn’t she just rebel? She adopted Nie Zhuying’s own tactic of shifting the blame. “You went and found someone else behind my back, didn’t you?”

Nie Zhuying was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on; she exploded instantly, glaring at Xia Qingye. “Qingqing, stop talking nonsense!”

Xia Qingye looked indifferent. “Where did you learn these practiced techniques? You don’t look like someone who has never been in a relationship. Or were you lying to me from the start?”

Nie Zhuying quickly caught on—she was jealous! A mysterious smile appeared on her face, full of pride. “I have a secret weapon. It’s definitely not what you just said. Just wait until you’re well, and we’ll ‘cook the rice’.”

Seeing her enthusiasm, Xia Qingye didn’t get angry but laughed instead. “Fine. When I’m well, we’ll cook the rice.”

Having secured the promise, Nie Zhuying went back to huddling over her phone to secretly study the entire “cooking” process.

Xia Qingye hadn’t been able to draw out the secret, and a flash of annoyance crossed her mind. Lying in bed these days, she frequently had to endure the other’s harassment. Sometimes, the more clumsy the technique, the more it stirred the latent desires deep in one’s heart.

It seemed this body hadn’t experienced “arousal” before; as a result, the first time it felt moved, it was in this “half-dead” state of recovery.

Xia Qingye licked her lips. In a few more days, she could finally get up and start rehabilitation.

Online, the heat surrounding the video of Zhong Ruanqin pushing Xia Qingye gradually faded as the victim accepted the apology. However, afterward, a new leak claimed that Zhong Ruanqin had pushed Xia Qingye intentionally. The reason cited was the impressive confrontation between the two during the Winged People auditions—something many artists who attended could verify. Combined with Zhong Ruanqin’s unnatural expression during the hospital interview, someone posted these speculations on Weibo.

However, these rumors couldn’t overcome the fact that Xia Qingye was a newcomer. Plus, her first work wasn’t set to premiere until next month, so no one really believed the blogger.

Xia Qingye saw the post and guessed that Nie Zhuying, still annoyed with Zhong Ruanqin, had secretly set the “water army” on her.

In truth, Zhong Ruanqin had been having a miserable time lately. Because of the video, although she apologized and visited the patient, her image had been severely damaged by Nie Zhuying’s livestream. The two videos allowed the public to see her flee in panic after pushing someone and then look “stiff-faced” (suggesting plastic surgery) during the apology. Negative news followed one after another. Not only were good scripts avoiding her, but many advertisers withdrew contracts they had intended to sign after seeing the footage.

Zhong Ruanqin sat on her sofa, drinking a bottle of red wine in a fit of pique. Gulp after gulp, she grit her teeth. “Nie Zhuying.”

Xia Qingye had no idea about Zhong Ruanqin’s current frustrated state. Because she had been resting in bed for two and a half months with a relaxed mind and great food, she had actually put on a bit of weight. Her face had rounded out, and her complexion was no longer pale from surgery but rosy and healthy. Her skin was so soft that Nie Zhuying often couldn’t keep her hands off her.

After an inspection by the specialist, she was finally allowed to get out of bed and walk.

Nie Zhuying was like a mother hen protecting her chick, watching nervously as Xia Qingye gripped the rehab bars and walked back and forth. “Qingqing, don’t rush! Joe said to take it step by step. Just one to two hours a day to start.”

Because the injury was near her tailbone, Xia Qingye had been very well-behaved these past two months, doing exactly as the doctor ordered. Hearing Nie Zhuying’s nagging, she found it funny. “I didn’t injure my legs; it’s not like I can’t walk. I just can’t put too much strain on it.”

If the wife says so, so it is. Nie Zhuying nodded. “Right, right. We’ll just walk for an hour for now.”

Xia Qingye wasn’t quite satisfied. Anyone would go crazy lying in bed for over two months. “Don’t expect me to lie back down. Didn’t you prepare a wheelchair? I want to go outside. Just put a soft cushion behind my back; I’ll lean back if I get tired of sitting.”

Nie Zhuying had specifically custom-ordered a wheelchair from abroad that could recline into a lounge chair just for this day. “Qingqing, it’s quite hot outside now, especially at noon.”

“I want to feel the sunlight.”

“Alright then.”

The environment around the Xiaoyue Villa was beautiful and quiet. Nie Zhuying prepared two hats, one for each of them, in the same color. Xia Qingye wore a sun-protection jacket and stared at the greenery outside, momentarily dazed. She remembered she had woken up in this world during the sweltering summer; in a flash, nearly a year had passed.

“Good thing I reacted fast, otherwise Mommy would have insisted on coming along.”

“The elders just want to spend more time with you.”

Nie Zhuying pouted; she knew that. “I’ll take you somewhere. It should be there at this hour, and it’ll be cooler near it.”

At the center of the villa complex was a massive fountain built in a “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl” layout. There were only two villas nearby, and Nie Zhuying’s was quite far from the center. Xia Qingye hadn’t seen a soul for a long time and laughed. “This place is truly quiet. I haven’t seen a single person yet.”

Nie Zhuying replied, “Most of the villas here are empty. Many people buy them but don’t live here often. Others are artists like us who just want peace and quiet.”

Xia Qingye understood. “It really is a nice place.”

As they chatted along the way, they reached the fountain and found people were already there. Two women were playing in the fountain, their clothes soaked through. They seemed oblivious, laughing happily and communicating entirely in English.

Seeing the water spraying from the ground, covering nearly half the plaza, Nie Zhuying stopped the wheelchair. “I didn’t expect anyone to be here at this hour.”

Xia Qingye felt that the two women shared a very deep bond, splashing each other playfully. They appeared to be foreigners with fair skin. “They seem to be a couple.”

“Hmm?”

“As in, like you and me.”

Xia Qingye was particularly sensitive to those like her. However, after the Zhong Ruanqin incident, she doubted her own judgment. How else could she have failed to see that the woman was bi?

As soon as she spoke, she heard one of the women say in broken Chinese, “Quick, come here.”

One of the girls sprinted over, and the two embraced, laughing. The force of the impact made the recipient wobble, but they quickly steadied themselves and, as if performing a ritual, pressed their lips together.

At that moment, the fountain across the plaza erupted fully. From where Xia Qingye and Nie Zhuying stood, they could see the whole square clearly.

Nie Zhuying tilted her head, puzzled. “Are they silly?”

Xia Qingye smiled. “Zhuzi, don’t you think the spray looks like wedding confetti? Two people standing in the center, receiving everyone’s blessings.”

Nie Zhuying thought it over and found it quite romantic. “Qingqing, do you want to get married?”

Xia Qingye rolled her eyes, though Nie Zhuying couldn’t see it. “It would probably be even more beautiful at night.”

“There are colorful lights at night,” Nie Zhuying added thoughtfully. “If Qingqing likes it, we can come try it at night next time.”

“…”

Xia Qingye didn’t bother responding. The fountain was a public place; if they were to try it, it would have to wait until they could hold hands openly in public. This little interlude was soon pushed to the back of her mind.

Persisting with daily rehab, Xia Qingye’s walking time gradually increased, and she soon abandoned the wheelchair.

One day, Jin Manxi visited with Qi Jiani. This was the fourth time Xia Qingye had seen Jin Manxi. As soon as Qi Jiani saw them, she greeted them warmly. “Sister Nie, Qingye.”

Nie Zhuying, remembering how her wife had pestered her for Jin Manxi’s contact info, looked at her friend as if she were a romantic rival. She said unhappily, “What are you doing here?”

Xia Qingye patted her lightly. “Senior Jin, how do you have time to bring Jiani over? Aren’t you busy with appearances?”

Qi Jiani’s eyes were bright. She looked at Jin Manxi, who smiled and nodded at her. “Sister Nie, Qingye, I actually have good news to tell you, so I begged Sister Jin to bring me here.”

“What good news?” Nie Zhuying asked curiously.

“I’ve signed with Sister Jin’s studio.” Qi Jiani laughed bashfully after speaking.

Everyone was stunned. Nie Zhuying repeated the words over and over, shot a suspicious look at Jin Manxi, who was standing there with a doting smile.

Xia Qingye cleared her throat and smiled. “Jiani, did you sign with Senior Jin’s studio, or did her studio sign you?”

Qi Jiani realized the slip of the tongue and turned bright red. “I’m sorry, I said it wrong. Senior Jin’s studio signed me.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thank you.”

Nie Zhuying didn’t offer much of a comment but kept them for a simple meal. After the meal, as they sat together, Jin Manxi added, “Actually, there’s another piece of good news to announce.”

Qi Jiani pulled at Jin Manxi’s sleeve, a flash of pleading in her eyes. Xia Qingye, seeing their expressions, encouraged them: “Since it’s good news, share it quickly so we can enjoy the joy too.”

Jin Manxi looked at Xia Qingye and announced directly, “After a month of hard work, Jiani has secured the role of the female lead, Yuan Fei, in Director Zhuang’s Winged People.”

Nie Zhuying’s eyes sharpened instantly, and she sat up straight from her slouch. “What do you mean?”

Xia Qingye grabbed her hand. “Actually, I always felt Jiani’s personality was somewhat similar to Yuan Fei’s, so I recommended her to Director Zhuang and asked her to try out. I didn’t expect you to succeed, Jiani. Congratulations!”

Qi Jiani was speechless. “Qingye, you—”

Xia Qingye winked at her playfully. “Aren’t we friends?”

Qi Jiani’s eyes turned red with emotion; tears were about to fall until they were scared back by Nie Zhuying’s “Don’t you dare cry.”

Jin Manxi and Qi Jiani stayed for a bit longer before leaving. Nie Zhuying thought it over and finally realized what was happening. She first texted Jin Manxi, but when the other didn’t respond for a long time, she went to the room to corner Xia Qingye.

Xia Qingye was on the phone with Wei Xianghong with her back turned, so focused she didn’t hear the door. “Mhm, I know. I’ll be back in three days… We’ll talk then… Okay.”

When Xia Qingye turned around, she was startled by the person radiating anger behind her. Nie Zhuying was pouting like a pufferfish, glaring at her. She threw her hands up helplessly. “Zhuzi, you heard it all. Are you sure you want to talk to me while you’re this angry?”

Nie Zhuying frowned. “You aren’t allowed [to leave].”

Xia Qingye walked over to take her hand, but it was ruthlessly swiped away. She tried again, but was swiped away again. She simply pushed the woman against the wall and silenced that pouting mouth. After the kiss ended, both were a bit stirred.

“Still angry?”

“Hmph.”

Xia Qingye simply silenced her again, kissing her until they were both breathless. Then she said, “You know Director Xun’s drama is about to premiere. This is the best time for my work. Are you sure you want to stop me?”

Nie Zhuying held her hand reluctantly. “Joe said your injury should really be rested for another month or two.”

Xia Qingye laughed softly and pecked the corner of her mouth as a reward. “I knew our Zhuzi was the most reasonable. Picking a script takes time, plus auditions. Even if it’s settled, we have to wait for the crew to start. Isn’t that time spent resting anyway?”

Nie Zhuying couldn’t bear to let her go. She had cared for her wife for three months, and now she was about to fly away. “But, but—”

Xia Qingye looked at her suspiciously. “But what?”

Nie Zhuying pouted. “But after we part, you’ll definitely miss me so much you won’t be able to sleep.”

Seeing her so serious, Xia Qingye burst out laughing. “Right, I’ll miss you so much I won’t be able to sleep. So, we’ll video chat then.”

Once they reached an agreement, Yu Lan came over early to pack her luggage. Mrs. Nie, however, wouldn’t stop nagging by her side. “What kind of work is so urgent? You still need to rest that injury. Don’t do any heavy lifting. Oh, and have that little assistant make you more soup for nourishment. If she doesn’t know how, Qingye, have her call me. I’ll record a video for her so she knows what to do…”

Mrs. Nie babbled on until even Nie Zhuying got a bit tired of it. She had wanted to use this chance to be intimate with Qingqing, but with such a huge “lightbulb” nearby, it was impossible to ignore. “Mommy, when I went to film, I never saw you nag Yao Wei like this. Am I your daughter, or is Qingye?”

Mrs. Nie shot a glance at her and smiled. “Qingye is, and so are you. But you were just a free gift with a mobile top-up.”

Xia Qingye couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Wei Xianghong arrived to pick up Xia Qingye. Not having seen her for two months, she noticed she had put on weight. The word “diet” was about to come out when she saw the Nie mother and daughter staring at her like hawks. She had to say against her better judgment, “You’ve been well-nourished these past months. A woman is more beautiful when she’s a bit rounder.”

Xia Qingye knew her own situation. Once she got back, she’d have to adjust her diet to prepare for the new drama. “Ma’am, Zhuzi, I’m leaving.”

“Qingye, don’t work too hard.”

“Qingqing, remember to call me if you miss me!”

Wei Xianghong looked at Nie Zhuying suspiciously, thinking, This is way too clingy. Is this really that cold, international Film Queen?

Of course, once Xia Qingye was in the car, they switched into work mode. “By the way, that PSA got a great response. When Xie Zhe was recording a variety show, he met someone who knows me. She has a variety show and called to invite you. I looked into it; the content is very positive and involves sports.”

Xia Qingye thought about her injury. “Forget it. I’ll focus on TV or movies first. I’ll wait until more people know me.”

Wei Xianghong didn’t push. She had also considered her health; since it was a bone fracture, a sports show might be troublesome. “The company bought a few good scripts recently. I snatched two of them. Look them over when you get back; tell me if any suit you.”

Xia Qingye nodded. “Okay.”

As Nie Zhuying watched the car leave, the feeling of loss in her heart grew. Mrs. Nie, assuming she was just sad to see a good friend go, patted her. “Let’s go back.”

Nie Zhuying was thinking about video chatting tonight when she stepped inside and realized: MMP, didn’t we agree on ‘cooking the rice’?!