Truly Dedicated to Art (Lily ABO) - Chapter 12

After leaving the theater, they didn’t do what Yu Shuinao had initially expected. Instead, she was directly sent back to the hotel where the crew was staying.

When she got out of the car, Lin Xu smiled gently and said, “Miss Yu, see you next time.”

Yu Shuinao nodded and looked toward Xie Yixuan.

Xie Yixuan noticed her gaze, tilted her head slightly, and let her eyes linger on Yu Shuinao’s face for a moment before giving a light nod.

The corners of Yu Shuinao’s lips curved up as she said softly, “See you next time.”

As she stepped out of the car door, she heard a faint “Mm.”

The cool night wind that had turned chilly blew up her long hair and brushed across the corners of her lips, which had unconsciously lifted into a small smile.

When she returned to the hotel, washed up, and lay on the bed, every time she closed her eyes she saw that embrace — cool and fragrant yet strangely reassuring. The woman’s hand on her waist carried a scorching heat. Unlike the coolness of her pheromones, Xie Yixuan’s body was warm, brimming with vigorous vitality. She could almost feel the strong, steady beat of her pulse and heartbeat.

That burning heat seeped through the fabric at her waist, making her waist go soft. When she buried her face in the crook of her neck, the cedar scent seemed to seep into her soul. In that moment in her arms, whether due to physiological instinct or not, she had lost herself completely and immersed in it.

Yu Shuinao turned over.

Xie Yixuan’s silky black hair with its slight natural wave brushed past her ear. The faint clean fragrance in her hair blended perfectly with the crisp cedar scent. She could clearly feel the vibration in the woman’s chest when she spoke, and that clear, spring-like voice rang right beside her ear.

In truth, Yu Shuinao didn’t know why she always felt restrained and tense in front of Xie Yixuan. It wasn’t the awe she felt toward a respected senior, nor the forced submission in front of powerful people.

This emotion was, to some extent, exactly what Xie Yixuan had called “fear.” But if she was afraid of her, why did she always dare to do those unexpected, bold things to her?

She thought she could accurately analyze and control her own emotions and state, but when it came to Xie Yixuan…

This time, she couldn’t quite see through her own heart.

She let out a soft sigh and tried to calm herself down.

Better get some sleep early.

…

The next day, when they returned to the set to reshoot that scene, Wei Lan sat in front of the monitor and watched without saying a word.

After a moment of silence, she looked up at Yu Shuinao. Her appreciative gaze was undisguised, and she generously gave praise: “Very good. Shuinao acted extremely well. The little thoughtful details you added were also excellent.”

Before Yu Shuinao could react, Song Feici was the first to exclaim, “Sister Shuinao, you’re amazing! You acted so well!” As she spoke, she threw her arms around Yu Shuinao.

The sudden hug made Yu Shuinao stumble back a step. It reminded her of the hug from yesterday. She smiled and reached up to gently pat Song Feici’s head.

“I was so worried about you yesterday. The crew stuff was already annoying enough, and you still had things to deal with outside. Damn capitalists!” Song Feici let go of her, looking indignant.

Damn capitalists…?

Yu Shuinao felt a subtle twinge inside, but her face remained unchanged. “I’m fine. You’ve been performing very steadily and well all along. No wonder Director Wei likes you so much.”

“Hmph, as if she likes me.” Song Feici muttered, then caught sight of Wei Lan walking over from the corner of her eye and whispered, “After we wrapped yesterday, Sister Lan even asked me where you went. She probably wanted to talk to you. She really cares about you. When I said you went out, her expression… um… looked a bit disappointed.”

“Don’t be fooled by her sarcastic and irritable appearance. She’s actually a very good person and she likes you a lot. Don’t let her scare you.” She added.

“I know. You’ve all been very good to me. Yesterday was my own problem.” Seeing a strand of hair loose by Song Feici’s ear, Yu Shuinao casually tucked it back for her.

Wei Lan walked over and saw the scene. Her gaze lingered for a moment before she spoke, “What are you two whispering about? You’re not badmouthing me, are you?”

Song Feici immediately pushed her and gritted her teeth in annoyance. “What do you mean? I just said some nice things about you and this is how you think of me?”

Wei Lan: “How many rumors about me didn’t come from you?”

Song Feici: “You started it first, so I only said it back!”

Wei Lan: “What did I say about you first?”

Song Feici: “Last time you said in front of so many people that when I cry in scenes, snot runs into my mouth! Don’t I have any dignity?”

Wei Lan: “I was just stating facts.”

Song Feici: “Did I say it wasn’t a fact? You! Last time when we were shooting… mmmph—” Before she could finish, Wei Lan covered her mouth with her hand.

Today Wei Lan was wearing a black cropped tank top underneath and a loose white sun-protection jacket on top. As the two playfully tussled, her flexible, slender waist was especially eye-catching.

Yu Shuinao watched them bicker thoughtfully.

Hmm.

The two of them.

Yu Shuinao smiled.

The filming for the next few days went unusually smoothly. Even Wei Lan praised her several times for being in excellent condition.

…

On the mountain where they were shooting exteriors, mosquitoes were everywhere, but at this moment almost no one was busy swatting them away. Nearly everyone was holding their breath, watching Song Feici’s important scene.

After obtaining the Asking Heart Sword, Chu Li used it against a demonic cultivator only to find that aside from being slightly sharper than ordinary swords, it seemed no different. She was puzzled. One day, during a heavy downpour, she took shelter at the entrance of a dilapidated weapons shop. The shop owner, who had been lazily lying on a recliner, suddenly opened his nearly closed eyes and called out to her.

“Young lady, where did you get that sword on your back?” His voice was hoarse.

Chu Li instantly became alert, her hand hovering over the hilt.

“This sword is called Asking Heart, correct?” Sensing her vigilance, the old man’s murky eyes flickered.

Rain poured down like a curtain from the eaves, striking the ground in strings. Chu Li’s clothes were splashed wet at the hem. Her back was ramrod straight, fingers tightly gripping the hilt.

“Senior recognizes this sword?” she asked cautiously.

The old man ignored the faint killing intent she emitted. His cloudy eyes moved slightly. “This sword was originally passed down and guarded by my clan for generations, but it disappeared two hundred years ago. We searched for it but never found it.”

He changed the subject. “In your hands, this sword is nothing but ordinary iron, possessing only the sharpness of a blade. Am I right?”

Chu Li’s heart skipped a beat as he saw through her confusion. She slowly loosened her grip on the hilt. “Please enlighten me, Senior.”

The old man closed his eyes. His voice drifted like smoke. “I don’t know where you come from, how you obtained this sword, or what you intend to use it for. How could I tell you?”

Chu Li pinched the wet corner of her clothes, hesitating inwardly. Her master had left her in the village to protect the villagers in case the demonic cultivators attacked again, while she herself went to Lingtian City to investigate other demonic activity. If the old man before her had questionable intentions and she rashly revealed her identity, it might cause problems for her master as well.

But she truly wanted to know why the sword of Supreme God Ming Yi felt no different from ordinary iron. She wasn’t good at lying, and the old man’s demeanor made it clear that a few clumsy lies wouldn’t fool him.

After weighing her options, Chu Li still told him her background and reason for having the sword, only concealing the fact that Xue Zhao had also descended the mountain with her.

After listening, the old man opened his eyes again. He looked up at the dark, rainy sky and let out a deep sigh.

“The Asking Heart Sword was not forged from anything in this world. It was created when Ming Yi’s dao companion willingly sacrificed herself, cutting her own bones and shattering her soul to form the blade with her immortal bones, her soul becoming the sword spirit. When Supreme God Ming Yi fell, she used her last divine power to seal the sword, preventing those with ill intentions from using it to bring chaos to the world.” At this point, the old man suddenly coughed violently. After calming down, he continued, “The seal Ming Yi placed on the sword is exactly as its name suggests — Asking Heart.”

“The Asking Heart Sword can only be awakened when a person with the purest bloodline offers their life as sacrifice to break the seal. It is said that the purest bloodline usually appears when a great calamity is about to befall the mortal world, and it has countless ties of fate with the destined savior. The more sincere the heart of the person offering the sacrifice, the greater the power of the Asking Heart Sword. Asking Heart, Asking Heart — it asks both the heart of the one offering the sacrifice and the heart of the one wielding the sword. If the wielder’s heart is not sincere, they will suffer the backlash of the sword spirit.”

For some unknown reason, Chu Li felt a chill run through her. Cold sweat broke out in her palms.

At that moment, thunderclouds rolled across the sky. A bolt of lightning split the air, followed closely by a deafening roar of thunder.

The earth itself seemed to tremble.

This scene was shot several times before it passed. Yu Shuinao didn’t go back to rest. She moved a small stool and sat beside Wei Lan to observe and learn. Outdoor shoots were always stiflingly hot. Even with the small fan in her hand spinning nonstop, she was still covered in sweat.

“Good. We’ll stop here for this morning. Take a break,” Wei Lan announced, and everyone on set immediately relaxed.

Since they still had to shoot exteriors on the mountain in the afternoon, the lunch break wasn’t long enough to return to the hotel. Most people rested on the mountain. Actors who could afford it usually rested in their dedicated nanny vans.

The customized meals for Asking the Heart crew were quite good, so Yu Shuinao hadn’t asked Xiao Tang to prepare meals every day. She only needed to inform the crew’s logistics team what she wanted each day.

Yu Shuinao had just gotten into the van to eat when Song Feici also climbed in with her lunchbox and sat across from her.

“It’s so hot, I have no appetite at all. I never know what to eat every day.” As soon as she sat down, Song Feici started complaining. “But if I don’t eat enough, I won’t have the energy to be tortured by the damn capitalists this afternoon.”

Her tone was full of resentment.

Yu Shuinao had indulged herself too much last night, so today she specifically ordered a salad to atone. She forked a small tomato into her mouth. The cool juice burst in her mouth. She narrowed her eyes comfortably and teased, “Why is she still ‘Sister Lan’ on set but becomes the ‘damn capitalist’ once we wrap?”

Song Feici stuck out her tongue. “Look at that exploitative face of hers. When we’re working, no one dares to even breathe loudly for fear of being scolded for doing something wrong.”

“Hmm… Who was it that told me yesterday that she’s actually a very good person?” The beef was cut to the perfect thickness. One light bite and the juices flowed out. The natural sweetness of the beef, seasoned only with sea salt and black pepper, melted on her tongue.

Hiss…

Why hadn’t she noticed before how delicious the beef in the crew’s salad was?

Was it because she was especially hungry today?

“Aiya, one thing at a time!” Song Feici was eating black pepper beef tenderloin pasta for lunch today. After chewing the beef a few times, she frowned and spat it out, wrapping it in a tissue. “It’s ruined. This beef is attacking my jaw muscles. Why is it so tough and flavorless?”

“Hm? The beef today is pretty good. Try mine.” Yu Shuinao pushed her bowl over.

Song Feici was about to pick some up, but halfway through extending her chopsticks she seemed to remember something and pulled back. She puffed out her cheeks angrily, looking childishly cute. “It’s fine. I’ll just eat the pasta. Sister Shuinao, you eat more.”

Yu Shuinao was surprised by her unusual behavior today. “Xiao Ci? What happened?”

“Nothing really. I’m afraid if I eat yours you won’t have enough. Your salad is mostly leaves anyway. It would be bad if you got low blood sugar or heatstroke this afternoon.” Song Feici took a bite of pasta and continued, “I heard the crew is having a dinner gathering tonight.”

“We’re not celebrating any holiday and no one has wrapped yet. Why the sudden dinner?” Yu Shuinao was surprised.

“I’m not sure either. It seems to be organized by the investors. Sister Lan should announce it later.”

A dinner organized by the investors didn’t sound like it would be a pleasant meal.

Socializing was always headache-inducing.

Yu Shuinao fell silent for a moment.

After lunch, Song Feici returned to her own van to rest. Before her nap, Yu Shuinao checked her phone as usual and found a message from Lin Xu.

Lin Xu: “Miss Yu, President Xie will be leaving F City tomorrow. Do you have time to come out for dinner tonight?”

She had been worrying about how to skip tonight’s crew dinner. Lin Xu’s message was like sending a pillow to someone who was drowsy.

Yu Shuinao replied: “I do, but I’ll have to skip the crew dinner tonight.”

Lin Xu: “What does Miss Yu think?”

Yu Shuinao: “I don’t want to go to the dinner.”

Lin Xu replied quickly: “Understood. We’ll handle it. Just send me a message when you finish work today.”

A small smile appeared on Yu Shuinao’s lips. “Okay.”

This afternoon they were mainly reshooting scenes that had been missed or needed to be redone due to various reasons. There were no major scenes, and everyone wanted to wrap up quickly, so the shooting efficiency was high.

As soon as the sky began to darken a little, Wei Lan announced they were done for the day.

Just as Song Feici had said, Wei Lan informed everyone that there would be a crew dinner tonight. Especially the main cast — unless there were special circumstances, it was best to attend.

Lin Xu had already taken care of everything. When Yu Shuinao left, she said goodbye to Wei Lan and returned to the hotel.

After showering, she stood in front of the full-length mirror.

The woman in the mirror had slightly damp hair ends. The loose bathrobe wasn’t tied tightly, revealing snow-white skin flushed pink from the hot water. The valley between her breasts was faintly visible, the round, snowy mounds half-hidden and half-exposed.

Even the loose bathrobe couldn’t conceal the perfect, well-proportioned curves of her body.

Yu Shuinao stared at her reflection in the mirror, lost in thought about something.

After a long while, she took off the bathrobe and put on the prepared clothes.

The short knitted top with a small lapel design made her neck look even more slender. The high-waisted short skirt revealed her fair, straight long legs.

She put on light makeup and headed out.

It was still the same car.

The moment she opened the door, those deep eyes turned toward her again.

As soon as she got into the car, Yu Shuinao felt an indescribable wave of weakness. Her waist couldn’t even provide the strength to keep her sitting upright. A surging heat rushed through her body, especially at the gland on the back of her neck, which burned hotter and hotter. It felt as if flames were dancing under her skin.

Her consciousness began to blur. Her body uncontrollably slumped to one side.

An arm pulled her into an embrace. The reassuring woody fragrance.

But…

It wasn’t enough.

The temperature at the back of her neck kept rising. The scorching heat inside her body crashed against her remaining sanity like tidal waves. Yu Shuinao desperately tugged at the collar of her knitted top, frantically trying to find an outlet for the heat. The lapel twisted to the side, exposing one butterfly-wing-like collarbone. Her snow-white skin was covered in a thin layer of sweat.

Even her breathing became rapid. Her bones felt as if they were being roasted soft by this blaze. Every inch of her skin was begging for relief. Yu Shuinao’s hands climbed onto Xie Yixuan’s shoulders, her fingertips trembling.

Her sanity completely disappeared.

She saw Xie Yixuan’s lips moving, but she couldn’t understand what she was saying.

She could only feel the woman’s embrace growing tighter and tighter.