Chapter 64

“You’ve already done enough.”

“It’s not enough.”

At the mention of the events from that year, the mood of both women became exceptionally heavy, to the point where the progress of the afternoon’s filming was very unsmooth.

“Xia Qingye, did you bring your brain? What was that look you just gave Nie Zhuying? What’s with that affectionate expression! Is Hu Li supposed to be in love with Fang Xing now?” When Luo Ji got angry, he would shout anything; he was a hair’s breadth away from using his phone’s megaphone to beat someone.

Nie Zhuying listened to Xia Qingye being scolded, getting angrier the more she heard. However, hearing Luo Ji’s final sentence, her anger inexplicably dissipated, and she quipped with a beaming smile, “Director Luo, maybe Hu Li really does like Fang Xing. Didn’t you see that all the people who died earlier were women?”

Luo Ji was almost choked with rage by Nie Zhuying, but after a careful thought, “Wait, what did you just say?”

Nie Zhuying repeated her previous words, “Hu Li likes Fang Xing.”

Xia Qingye couldn’t help but cover her face, wanting to drag Nie Zhuying back for a thrashing. In such a setting, how could she talk nonsense so righteously?

“Sorry, Director, my state isn’t quite right today. I’ll find the feeling again.” Xia Qingye didn’t want the atmosphere to get any more awkward and lowered her head to admit her mistake.

Unexpectedly, Luo Ji suddenly beckoned to Nie Zhuying, “Come ​stolen content​here, Xiao Nie, let’s discuss this part. I suddenly feel what you said is extremely possible.”

Hu Li, a young girl who appeared very weak and particularly good at drawing pity, might have developed a morbid affection for those who once reached out to help her, which is why she killed over a dozen people in succession.

Luo Ji seemed to have accidentally flipped a switch, dragging Nie Zhuying into a non-stop discussion of the text in the original work. “Look at this, she clearly killed the first victim because they refused her request. If Hu Li was full of fantasies about each of them—”

Nie Zhuying had only said it casually, but seeing Luo Ji now justifying it himself, “I think we need to communicate with Qingqing about this. Her analysis of Hu Li’s character is deeper than mine. She spent two months studying Hu Li once she got the script.”

Xia Qingye intended to take the chance to find her “feeling,” but ended up being dragged over by Director Luo and Nie Zhuying. The director and the screenwriters each held their own views, refusing to yield.

“No, no, does a sociopathic killer know what feelings are? She doesn’t understand; she only knows how to take blindly and then kill.”

“A sociopathic killer is also human and naturally has feelings; it’s just that in Hu Li’s obsessive concept of love, it’s probably different from others.”

“Even then, it’s impossible for her to like Fang Xing.”

“You forgot, at the very end, she left the decryption code for Fang Xing. If not for that code, by the time Li Jian arrived, Fang Xing would have been dead too.”

“That only proves Fang Xing is smart.”

…

In the end, because the discussion of the plot went too deep, the two started arguing directly. Their voices were so loud the entire set could hear them; naturally, the next scene couldn’t be filmed. Xia Qingye, unable to bear it any longer, said, “How about I go back and mull it over, then give you both an answer? Director Luo, Screenwriter Qin, what do you think?”

Nie Zhuying rubbed her temples. “I’ll mull it over with you. Two heads thinking is better than one. Director Luo, sorry for the trouble with the afternoon’s work.”

The leads had bolted, leaving a group of men on set staring at each other in blank dismay.

Luo Ji also had a headache, so he simply decided to pick up some shots that didn’t include Nie Zhuying and Xia Qingye.

After the two returned, they sat barefoot on the edge of the bed reading lines. One line from you, one from me; as for the feet, you tickle my sole, I tickle yours, playing with each other.

“Qingqing, it says here that Hu Li stands by the window, watching Fang Xing leave step by step, her eyes filled with a blurred light. I think she must have feelings for Fang Xing.”

“Maybe she does, but Hu Li’s view of love is destructive. Instead of watching them leave one by one, it’s better to make them all stay to accompany her. That’s why she has the habit of severing the pinky finger—expecting the next love.”

Nie Zhuying heard this and was delighted, “So Qingqing also thinks Hu Li likes Fang Xing.”

Xia Qingye saw her eyes shining and found it quite amusing. What did Hu Li liking Fang Xing have to do with Xia Qingye liking Nie Zhuying? It was just on-screen versus off-screen.

“Yes, she likes her.”

…

Two days later, the matter regarding Zhong Ruanqin escalated again. It was said that the nurse in Hospital X was fired for privately posting client information. At the same time, the hospital replied to the Zhong Ruanqin incident, saying it was a fabrication.

Subsequently, that blog post was also deleted.

Zhong Ruanqin, who had not replied to Weibo, also posted photos of herself abroad: sun, beach, and beauty. She seemed to be enjoying her vacation, looking completely unaffected by the public outcry.

The farce ended just like that.

In reality, Zhong Ruanqin was currently sitting on the sofa being scolded by her manager.

“You went to a private hospital alone intending to have an abortion—did you ask Mr. Zong about such a big matter? If it hadn’t been leaked, you would have even hidden it from me. Ruanqin, aren’t we the best partners?”

Zhong Ruanqin looked at her with a half-smile, “What’s the difference between telling you and telling Brother Zong?”

The manager, He Mo, was choked by these words and said very frankly, “Yes, I admit I am Mr. Zong’s person. But Mr. Zong is also doing it for your own good, having me follow you. Forget it, you wouldn’t believe me no matter what I say. Since you’re pregnant, just stay here and rest. Give birth to Mr. Zong’s child; the mother’s status rises with the child. By then, your position will be unshakable.”

“I don’t want the child,” Zhong Ruanqin said flatly, curling herself up on the sofa and staring blankly ahead.

“Are you throwing a fit with Mr. Zong? Blaming him for not suppressing the matter when Xia Qingye’s news broke?” He Mo looked at Zhong Ruanqin with a headache. “Previously, you didn’t listen to advice and defied Mr. Zong’s wishes to visit that person’s grave, and then caused that kind of mess. Naturally, Mr. Zong wanted to teach you a lesson, but he still dotes on you. Just lower your head slightly and admit your mistake, and this matter will pass.”

Zhong Ruanqin repeated the same sentence, “I don’t want to give birth to this child.”

He Mo, seeing her obstinacy, simply made a call to Zong Cong in front of her, truthfully reporting the facts. “Yes, her mood is low; I don’t dare say much. Okay, okay, I understand.”

He Mo hung up, “Mr. Zong said he already knows who is blackening you behind the scenes. He’ll come to accompany you once he deals with it.”

Zhong Ruanqin lay on the sofa, unresponsive.

He Mo, fearing she might do something world-shaking if left alone, simply sat opposite her and searched for topics to talk about, “Since you’re unwell, all future notices will focus on commercials. The response from the Milan fashion show last time was good, but it’s best if you don’t participate in those kinds of shows now; wearing high heels is inconvenient. Otherwise, just join a few of the popular variety shows…”

If Xia Qingye hadn’t seen Zhong Ruanqin go to the private hospital with her own eyes that day, she might have been fooled by the online comments.

“Hmph.”

“Zhuzi, what are you huffing about?” Xia Qingye was puzzled by the person beside her suddenly making such a sound.

Nie Zhuying tossed her phone aside and lay lazily across Xia Qingye’s thighs, using them as a pillow. “Fang Cai-Cai is just worrying about other people’s business for nothing. See, that bad woman named Zhong is fine again.”

Xia Qingye lifted a strand of her long hair, curled it, then let it go, saying flatly, “It shows they have a very good relationship.”

This was also the strangest thing to Xia Qingye. Logically, after the incidents with Tang Jia and Qi Jiani, these people should have gone their separate ways. How is it that they seem to have stayed in touch for years?

Nie Zhuying let out another disdainful hum. As for what she was huffing about this time, Xia Qingye wouldn’t know.

“My head hurts. Qingqing, help me massage it.”

Xia Qingye saw her squinting with the corners of her mouth upturned, looking exceptionally comfortable with not a hint of discomfort. She gave the woman’s smooth face a hard pinch.

“Ow, ow, ow!” Nie Zhuying opened her eyes immediately, looking very aggrieved. “Qingqing, why did you pinch me?”

Xia Qingye lowered her head and kissed the spot she had just pinched. “Zhuzi, thank you.”

Nie Zhuying’s heart was bubbling with sweetness, but she tilted her head with a look of confusion, “What are you thanking me for?”

Xia Qingye smiled without speaking, covered the other’s eyes, and helped massage her temples.

Nie Zhuying felt very comfortable being massaged and couldn’t help but [unauthorized copy]praise, “Qingqing, your skill is very good. When did you learn it?”

Xia Qingye inevitably thought of her past life again, feeling that Nie Zhuying was a master at breaking the atmosphere. Clearly, the “cold and aloof” persona suited her better. “Don’t talk if it feels good.”

Nie Zhuying hummed, and then the room fell silent.

Xia Qingye only slowly stopped once the other had fallen asleep. She never imagined someone would help her clean up the aftermath after her death, even though many things happen and cannot be undone.

But helping versus not helping makes a huge difference.

“Even for a stranger you’ve only met once, you spared no effort to clean up after her. Zhuzi, you’re the kindest person I’ve ever met.”

Xia Qingye lightly dropped a kiss on her forehead.

The person opened her eyes dizzily, looked at her, then turned over to hug her waist, burying her head in Xia Qingye’s abdomen to fall into a deep sleep.

The atmosphere of The Disappearing Pinky Finger crew was very good. There were no troublemakers, and everyone was exceptionally serious when filming. The shooting speed was much faster than previously estimated.

Xia Qingye concluded it was probably because this crew had many men and few women. Where there are few women, there is very little drama.

However, after filming for a month, she encountered a situation that left her between laughter abailiantales.comnd tears, just like now.

Xia Qingye had just sat down to rest; her makeup hadn’t been removed yet, and Yu Lan hadn’t had time to hand her water. A young girl rushed over, “Sister Xia, are you thirsty? I brewed a cup of chrysanthemum tea for you; it’s very cooling and thirst-quenching.”

Yu Lan’s combat power was insufficient; she was pushed aside by the girl, staring at the chrysanthemum tea in the girl’s hand, then at the mineral water in her own. The difference was stark.

Yu Lan was very aggrieved, her pout enough to hang a bottle on.

Xia Qingye shook her head and declined the kindness, “I’m not thirsty. Why don’t you give the chrysanthemum tea to someone over there who wants to drink it?”

Xia Qingye was pointing toward the director. Luo Ji shouted from morning to night; his voice was very loud, and when he scolded people, he didn’t even stop for breath.

The girl’s face wrinkled like a steamed bun, “Ah, Sister Xia, you won’t drink it?”

“Mhm, thank you.”

Xia Qingye stood up and went to remove her makeup. Yu Lan followed happily at once, glaring at the girl before leaving.

When they were alone, Yu Lan muttered unhappily, “Sister Xia, what exactly does this Zhao Xiaotuan want, running here every day to act so attentive?”

As Xia Qingye’s personal assistant, Yu Lan felt her status [unauthorized copy]was in precarious danger, severely threatened.

Zhao Xiaotuan, the girl from just now, was playing a female corpse; in fact, her scenes were long finished. But she ran around the set every day, helping with whatever she could do. She was very diligent, though sometimes she was criticized for being in the way. People ordered her around, and she foolishly let them.

Recently, for some reason, she had fixated on Xia Qingye, bringing tea and water very attentively. This state had lasted for nearly half a month. Xia Qingye had accepted her things at first, but now she felt the girl was being overly attentive.

Xia Qingye thought for a moment; it was probably because she and Nie Zhuying were getting too close. “Don’t worry about it. Once her enthusiasm passes, it’ll be fine.”

Yu Lan was still somewhat indignant, thinking the other might be after her rice bowl.

So when she saw Zhao Xiaotuan staring at the people filming on set again, Yu Lan glared with a “fierce” expression.

Xia Qingye unhurriedly walked past her, but seeing her wearing cropped pants and short sleeves in this autumn/winter season, she couldn’t help but turn back, “Zhao Xiaotuan.”

Zhao Xiaotuan was stunned, then looked at Xia Qingye with a beaming smile, “Sister Xia, you called me?”

Yu Lan looked at Xia Qingye with some anxiety, fearing she might say something shocking.

Xia Qingye looked at her, “Come to my place for a bit once work is finished.”

Zhao Xiaotuan didn’t suspect anything and just nodded repeatedly, very excited.

Xia Qingye then ignored her, only being asked casually by Nie Zhuying while they were rehearsing, “What were you saying to that little girl earlier?”

Xia Qingye shot her a smiling look, “You’ll find out in a bit.”

Nie Zhuying’s heart was itching from those alluring peach-blossom eyes; she wished they could finish work sooner.

When they finished work, Zhao Xiaotuan was already waiting. When she saw Nie Zhuying beside Xia Qingye, she was too excited to speak, staring at them with big eyes.

Yu Lan looked disgusted but didn’t dare say much in front of these two.

Nie Zhuying was always cold and aloof in front of outsiders, not taking the initiative to speak, her expression arrogant.

Xia Qingye said, “Zhao Xiaotuan, my place is just a little distance away; I need a hand with something.”

Zhao Xiaotuan blinked in confusion but then nodded vigorously, “Okay!”

Now, not only was Yu Lan anxious, even Nie Zhuying kept looking toward Xia Qingye. If it weren’t for a stranger being there, she probably wouldn’t have been able to keep herself from asking.

She didn’t let them wait for long. Once they reached the room, [bailiantales.com]Xia Qingye had them wait outside for a moment and went inside to pack things.

Yu Lan couldn’t enter either, waiting outside with Zhao Xiaotuan. It was the first time she had been kept out by Xia Qingye. Yu Lan’s heart felt cold; she liked Zhao Xiaotuan even less now. “Don’t think just because Sister Xia asked you to do something that you’re special. This is just a one-time thing; I am Sister Xia’s personal assistant.”

Zhao Xiaotuan looked at Yu Lan foolishly, “Wow, I envy you so much.”

Yu Lan: “…”

This reaction was somewhat different from what she imagined.

Before she could continue intimidating her, the door opened.

Xia Qingye carried two large bags of clothes, “Zhao Xiaotuan, I can’t wear these clothes anymore. Please help me deal with them.”

Zhao Xiaotuan took the two bags, blinking; her eyes became like copper bells from shock. “Sister Xia, ‘dealing with them’ means… are they all mine now?”

Xia Qingye thought for a moment, “Yes. Since the weather is getting colder, you can put on a jacket.”

Zhao Xiaotuan left as if she were walking on air, but Yu Lan was fuming. She clearly saw a new garment that Xia Qingye had only worn a few times.

Xia Qingye returned to the room and, as soon as the door closed, was pounced on by Nie Zhuying on the bed in the outer room. Caught off guard, her whole face was buried in the covers. “Get up, Zhuzi, you’re too heavy.”

Nie Zhuying hugged her waist and acted shamelessly, “I haven’t even worn your clothes, yet you give them to others and even rack your brain for excuses. I’m angry.”

Xia Qingye laughed; how could she have so much to be angry about all day? “If you want to wear them, all my clothes are yours, but the thing is, you don’t seem to fit into them.”

Nie Zhuying’s frame was slightly larger than hers; if she wore a Small, Nie Zhuying was likely a Medium.

Nie Zhuying huffed and nipped at the skin on the back of her neck, grinding with her teeth, “Even so, you shouldn’t give them to others.”

Xia Qingye pushed at the person on top of her, “I saw the girl was piteous. I heard the gossip that Zhao Xiaotuan came to work in the capital at fifteen; she’s only eighteen now. Not only does she have to support herself, but her whole family as well. Look at her—wearing such thin clothes in this weather. It’s quite piteous.”

Nie Zhuying heard this, and though her mouth said she was unhappy, her expression softened significantly, “Is it really just pity for her?”

Xia Qingye rolled her eyes, “What else?”

Nie Zhuying said sourly, “I saw that little runt bringing you tea and water every day, more diligent than Yu Lan… why?”

Xia Qingye couldn’t figure it out either. She originally thought it was Nie Zhuying’s doing—those few days she was feeling feverish, someone brought chrysanthemum tea the next day. She accepted it as a matter of course, but after finding out it wasn’t the case, she rejected Zhao Xiaotuan’s kindness directly.

In this world, there is no goodness without cause, and no malice without cause either.