Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Chang Yu rarely managed her Weibo account, with reposting of stills and production news handled entirely by Qiao Xi. This time, she frowned in deep thought for a moment, then opened Weibo and clicked into Ji Yaoguang's profile. Pinned at the top was still Ji Yaoguang's explanation during their most intense conflict when media widely speculated about their relationship's demise—"We are fine." Her finger lightly traced over the screen, as if to caress these four characters. Noticing the lit "like" button, Chang Yu simply reposted this message. Almost simultaneously, the phone in her handbag vibrated once.
"Sister Qiao, I have a scene with Ji Yaoguang later. Go take some photos for me, choose good angles," Chang Yu said calmly. If Qiao Xi couldn't understand her artist's thoughts by now, she would truly have wasted her time in the industry. Her eyes curved as she nodded quickly. Watching Chang Yu stride towards the makeup room, her gaze lingered for a moment on Ji Yaoguang, immersed in her role not far away, and she inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Though officially only Chang Yu's manager, she found herself worrying about two people.
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
The royal family was known for its lack of sentiment. Princess Pingyang had a good relationship with Prince Xiang, but only Prince Zhao Tianxi was her full brother. Although the position of Crown Prince had been occupied by the eldest legitimate son, the fact that he had not yet ascended to the throne meant anything was still possible. Moreover, the Crown Prince was known for his indecisiveness and indulgence in wine and women.
The secret plot between Princess Pingyang and Prince Zhao was a key scene.
Steam still rose from the tea in the celadon cups.
As the words "depose the Crown Prince" were uttered, the study door was suddenly pushed open. Yun Yanhui, lost in her own thoughts, had not expected anyone's presence. When had guests ever been received anywhere but the reception hall? In an instant, the expressions of all three changed like shifting clouds, but quickly returned to their usual calm.
Yun Yanhui cupped her hands in greeting, her voice respectful yet distant: "Princess, Your Highness."
Princess Pingyang's eyes softened, though she merely humphed and turned her attention to a copper vase of flowers nearby.
"Yanhui has returned," Prince Zhao's voice was warm, with the familiarity of family.
"I apologize for disturbing the Princess and Your Highness. I came to find a book," Yun Yanhui indeed only searched the bookshelf briefly, carefully wrapping a book in blue cloth before bowing to the silent pair in the study and retreating. After her figure disappeared, Prince Zhao's expression immediately turned cold, his eyes filled with malice: "How much did he hear?"
Princess Pingyang sighed deeply, her expression complex. After hesitating for a while, she replied, "Brother, I trust him."
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
"Cut!" Director Li made a gesture, and the atmosphere on set immediately changed. This scene mainly relied on the three actors' expressions, with dialogue serving as support. Yun Yanhui maintained her usual calm demeanor, though in reality, she observed much. As for Prince Zhao, he was an ambitious man, willing to use any means necessary to achieve his goals as a royal. And Princess Pingyang? If a servant had overheard, loyal or not, it would likely mean death. But it was Yun Yanhui, and ever since her emotions were stirred by Yun Yanhui's visit to the pleasure quarters, she knew her heart had been moved. "Little Ji has improved a lot recently. Did you suddenly have a breakthrough?" Director Li's words carried a hint of amusement, a rare compliment from him. Time was tight, and getting it right in one take would be ideal, but often multiple takes were needed to achieve the best effect.
The actor playing Prince Zhao was Han Chang'zai, a young method actor. For some reason, while many of his brilliant portrayals were remembered, he remained relatively low-profile, mostly playing supporting roles. Fortunately, he was patient, focusing on honing his craft rather than seeking attention through gimmicks. He had of course heard of Ji Yaoguang's "reputation," and when Director Li decided to bring her into the production, he was somewhat skeptical, believing Ji Yaoguang couldn't portray Princess Pingyang, even if her acting was far superior to Li Yaoyao's. However, the final result truly surprised him, and his attitude towards Ji Yaoguang gradually became warmer. Hearing Director Li's words, he also smiled and said, "With Teacher Chang here, it's only natural that Teacher Ji would improve."
He was also aware of the online rumors about their relationship troubles, but from what he observed on set, it didn't seem that way at all. Eyes don't lie, even though Chang Yu's gaze towards Ji Yaoguang was filled with the same restraint and helplessness as Princess Pingyang's towards Yun Yanhui.
From being harshly criticized by Director Li initially to now receiving praise, it would be a lie to say she wasn't happy. She even wanted to take out her phone and post a gloating message on Weibo. As this thought crossed her mind, she suddenly remembered her phone, which she hadn't seen since morning. After removing her makeup and changing out of the cumbersome costume, Ji Yaoguang began searching through her bag and pockets.
Chang Yu, of course, knew what Ji Yaoguang was looking for. Watching her search fruitlessly for a while, she said in a casual tone, "Are you looking for your phone? You left it in my room this morning."
"Oh, right." Ji Yaoguang felt slightly relieved. She walked over to Chang Yu, intending to retrieve her phone. She had never hidden the lock screen password from Chang Yu, and the photo gallery contained various pictures. She both hoped and feared that Chang Yu would discover them. An inexplicable sense of embarrassment crept up from her feet, and her eyes darted around. As she approached Chang Yu, she momentarily failed to notice a cord coiled on the floor and tripped, falling right into Chang Yu's embrace, her face buried between her breasts. Inhaling sharply, her face flushed red, and she suddenly felt reluctant to get up.
Chang Yu's hand rested on Ji Yaoguang's waist, gently caressing through the fabric. She didn't speak or push away the person in her arms, simply waiting for Ji Yaoguang to get up on her own when the position became tiring. Several buttons on Ji Yaoguang's coat had come undone. Chang Yu reached out to touch the cool buttons, slowly fastening them one by one, saying leisurely, "Bian Yuting called you earlier."
Ji Yaoguang, enjoying Chang Yu's attentiveness, crouched down to make it easier for her. Upon hearing this, her heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly looked up at Chang Yu's face, asking uncertainly, "What did she say?"
Chang Yu said, "She said she ships you with Cheng Henian and told you to keep it up."
"......" This is exactly the kind of thing a frenemy like Bian Yuting would do! Ji Yaoguang pursed her lips, raising her hand to quickly explain herself, "There's nothing between Cheng Henian and me, I swear! Don't believe Bian Yuting, she's just like those netizens, utterly bored!"
"Mm." Chang Yu only responded faintly, finishing buttoning up to the top before patting her hands and saying, "Alright, stand up." As if anticipating Ji Yaoguang's impulsiveness and rashness, she reached out to steady her as she stumbled, her legs numb from crouching. "Here's your phone back."
Ji Yaoguang actually wanted to talk with Chang Yu, during this rare moment of warmth and privacy, but Chang Yu lowered her head to look at her phone after speaking, falling silent. Not wanting to disturb the focused Chang Yu, she sighed inwardly and decided to sit beside her and browse Weibo. What she saw surprised her, but pleasantly so. Chang Yu had reposted her previous Weibo post. Could it mean Chang Yu had a change of heart? Her fingertips touching the phone screen began to heat up, and she gazed happily at Chang Yu, whose expression alternated between frowning and smiling, feeling as if old wine had been poured into her lungs, her body and mind beginning to burn.
A Weibo notification sounded, and she refreshed to see another new post from Chang Yu. She rubbed her eyes, confirming it wasn't an illusion, unable to suppress the smile on her lips. It was just a set of photos, some of Chang Yu alone, some of them together in costume, and in the center of the nine-grid layout was a photo of Chang Yu buttoning up her coat, likely taken secretly by Qiao Xi and sent to Chang Yu. Ji Yaoguang happily reposted this Weibo, then turned to steal another glance at Chang Yu, only to meet her gaze.
In contrast to the harmony and self-satisfaction of the two principals, the comments below on Weibo were in an uproar.
—Wishing the goddesses a hundred years of happiness, please let us worry less!
—Hahahahaha, I knew those media reports were nonsense, and I've been so worried for nothing.
—Reposting only now, doesn't this just prove the point? Look at that set of photos, afraid it's just to promote the new drama, otherwise why not post everyday life photos instead of ones from the set?
—Did the person above open their heavenly eye or something?
—I don't care, I'm shipping the Light Years couple.
—KY party please restrain yourselves, isn't it better to keep your fantasies to yourself? My goddess and Ji Yaoguang are in a legal marriage.
⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱
Ji Yaoguang couldn't discern Chang Yu's emotions. She reposted a comment with some displeasure.
Ji Yaoguang V: There's nothing between Cheng Henian and me. Please don't ship us. //@Unwavering for 100 years: I don't care, I'm shipping the Light Years couple. //Chang Yu V: [Photo][Photo].
Cheng Henian seemed to be on Weibo as well, reposting quickly. She always enjoyed joking around, though she knew when to be tactful. If she dared to continue teasing, wouldn't Ji Yaoguang come knocking on her door? She reposted and commented in a serious tone: "Teacher Ji and I are just friends. If you keep making things up, get ready to attend my funeral in a few days!"
novelraw