MQSP - Chapter 18
Chapter 18
Today was Baiye's first time officially joining a film crew and experiencing the production process. Although she mostly just observed, helped the staff carry things, arranged the set, or pushed equipment—doing all sorts of odd jobs—she was happy to do it.
Because no matter where she was, all she had to do was look up to see Auntie Lin standing among the crew, looking so handsome in her armor that it sent one's imagination soaring.
The person she liked was right in front of her, a feeling that brought her immense satisfaction.
In just one day, Baiye had already grown familiar with everyone on set. She was enthusiastic, always smiling, and easy to talk to. She carried herself with humility, fully embracing a learner's attitude, which made everyone take a liking to her.
During the shoot, Su Yu would intentionally give her pointers, even using Lin Yuqing's performance as a case study for her to observe. Baiye watched intently, her eyes glued to Lin Yuqing on the monitor. She didn't want to miss a single moment—every blink, every frown, every sigh and flash of anger. She even secretly snapped a few photos from good angles with her phone, planning to save them when she got back.
Incidentally, Baiye also paid close attention to Xiao Bao's performance. The kid was unbearably mischievous in her role, playing all sorts of clever tricks. Just as the script described, she was lazy, sly, and a little swindler, enough to give anyone a headache. And the more Baiye watched, the more she felt the little girl was simply playing herself—there was no trace of acting. That smug, grinning face was indeed a bit punchable. It seemed it really wasn't Auntie Lin who had a bad temper after all.
As noon approached, the sun grew more vicious. Baiye wasn't even in costume, just standing by the camera, but she could already feel the back of her T-shirt growing damp with sweat. Auntie Lin, however, was still wearing her heavy armor, standing directly under the sun. One could only imagine how sweltering it was.
During a break, Baiye grabbed a bottle of water, intending to give it to Auntie Lin. But halfway there, she hesitated, feeling it might not be appropriate. Was she being too obvious in her concern? Would people notice something?
Just as she was hesitating, her hand suddenly felt lighter. Someone had taken the water.
"Thanks, newbie." Ji Ming, the actress playing Vice General Mo Jiu, was quite unceremonious. She took the water bottle, gulped down more than half of it, and wiped her mouth before thanking Baiye.
"Uh, you're welcome..." Baiye managed an awkward smile. That was Auntie Lin's water...
"Hey, how old are you? You look pretty young." Ji Ming appeared to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, about the same height as Lin Yuqing at roughly 175 centimeters. She had a carefree personality and casually struck up a conversation with Baiye.
"Me? I'm nineteen."
"No way. You look sixteen or seventeen at most."
Baiye smiled bashfully. "You're teasing me."
"And stop with the formal 'you.' I'm not that much older than you. We're on the same crew, so let's get acquainted. I'm Ji Ming." She proactively offered her hand to Baiye.
Baiye was flattered. "My name is Gu Baiye. You can just call me Baiye."
Just as Baiye reached out to shake it, Ji Ming pulled her hand back. Before Baiye could react, Ji Ming tapped her on the forehead. "I told you, no need for honorifics. Don't you listen?"
"Uh..." Baiye looked embarrassed. "Okay, I'll remember..."
Ji Ming smiled, resting her chin in her hand as she looked Baiye up and down. This kid is pretty cute... She couldn't resist reaching out to pat her head, but halfway there, she shivered inexplicably. Even she was baffled. Why would she suddenly feel a chill...?
Baiye saw her intention and instinctively took a step back. Thankfully, Ji Ming didn't press further. "Um, you must be busy. I have to go." With that, she turned and fled.
Watching Baiye's retreating figure, Ji Ming found it amusing. It was the first time she had seen such a pure and unpretentious girl in this industry. Usually, girls her age trying to make it would be scrambling over themselves to get acquainted with industry seniors, hoping to gain resources to advance their careers. But this kid was different. Although she herself wasn't some big shot, she was at least a senior with a bit of a name, yet Baiye acted as if she couldn't get away fast enough! How interesting!
Meanwhile, Lin Yuqing stood to the side, holding the water Xia Xiaozi had given her. A long moment passed, and she still hadn't taken a sip.
That little brat actually gave Ji Ming water to drink!
And Ji Ming even tried to pat her head!!
And she actually ran away looking all shy!!!
Could it be... the idol she mentioned... was Ji Ming?
"Qing Jie? Qing Jie? What are you looking at?" Xia Xiaozi followed Lin Yuqing's gaze but saw nothing. Why was she spacing out?
Lin Yuqing retracted her gaze, looking thoroughly displeased. She shoved the water bottle back into Xia Xiaozi's hands and sulkily walked over to a shaded canopy to rest.
Completely baffled, Xia Xiaozi hurried after her. "Did you hear what I was just telling you?"
"What," Lin Yuqing replied impatiently.
"I..." Xia Xiaozi pressed a hand to her forehead. As I thought, she didn't hear a single word...
"I need to take two days off. I have to go back to Yu Yang to see my mom. She's not feeling well."
"Oh? What's wrong?"
"She's having some heart trouble, so she's been hospitalized," Xia Xiaozi said, her face etched with worry.
"Is Xiao Ye going back too?" Lin Yuqing also looked concerned.
"No, she doesn't need to. Um... you know how my mom is..."
"She still won't accept her?" Lin Yuqing frowned, though she could understand Mother Xia's feelings. After Xia Nan decided to adopt Xiao Ye, she had never pursued marriage, spending the prime of her life on an adopted child. It was only natural for her mother to be resentful.
"Yeah. Go on, take good care of your mother. And say hello to Xia Nan for me."
"Okay. Now, you two behave yourselves at home. You, stay out of the kitchen and don't touch the appliances. Xiao Ye can handle all of that. I feel much better knowing she'll be here to take care of you," Xia Xiaozi instructed.
Lin Yuqing was not pleased to hear that. "I need her to take care of me?"
Xia Xiaozi pursed her lips. We'll see how long you can keep up that tough act.
"Oh, right. Don't set the air conditioner too low at night. And it looks like it might rain tomorrow or the day after. If it thunders, you need to stay with Xiao Ye. She gets scared."
"I know, I know. When did you get so long-winded?" Lin Yuqing waved her hand dismissively.
"Alright, alright, I'll stop talking, happy now?" Xia Xiaozi pouted. It was useless telling her anyway; she'd probably forget the moment she turned her head.
After a moment's thought, she sent a text message, asking Baiye to meet her in the parking lot.
She repeated the same instructions, word for word, to Baiye. The girl's attitude was much better; she said she understood and would pay attention.
"In that case, Auntie, please take good care of Grandma. And when you see my mother, please explain things to her for me. I'll come back to see her in a little while."
"Okay, I know. You just focus on taking care of yourself and your Auntie Lin."
"Mhm!"
"Oh, and if that one gets into one of her moods, make sure you steer clear. She has these intermittent fits. You don't want to get caught in the crossfire."
Baiye didn't know whether to laugh or cry. If Auntie Lin ever heard that, all hell would break loose.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Auntie Lin!"
"Mhm, I'm not worried about her, I'm worried about you. Don't let yourself get pushed around."
"Okay, I know!"
In the afternoon, while Lin Yuqing was still filming, Baiye slipped away to see Xia Xiaozi off. As she watched the car disappear into the distance, it suddenly dawned on her: for the next two days, she was going to be alone with Auntie Lin.
She had never imagined she would get to be alone with Auntie Lin, so when the day finally arrived, she felt completely unprepared and caught off guard.
When she returned to the set, Baiye was somewhat distracted, already planning how to spend the next two precious days. Auntie Lin would probably drive herself home tonight. She finished work at seven and would be home before eight. That meant she should prepare dinner for her beforehand. Thinking this, she glanced at the time. It was almost five. She quickly said goodbye to Su Yu and left early.
That evening, when Lin Yuqing got home, she was in the middle of keying in the passcode when the door swung open.
"Auntie Lin, you're back." Baiye, wearing an apron, welcomed her into the house. "Dinner will be ready in a little bit. Why don't you rest for a while?" With that, she hurried back into the kitchen.
Lin Yuqing watched her go. No wonder she hadn't seen her on set later in the day; she had slipped away early.
Lin Yuqing massaged her neck as she sat down on the sofa to rest. She had driven herself home. Usually, she would just recline her seat and sleep in the car. She hadn't driven in a long time, and her neck was a little stiff. The first afternoon without Xia Xiaozi, and she already missed her.
"Is your neck bothering you? Would you like me to massage it for you?" Baiye asked, having seen her as she came out with a tray of food.
"No, thank you."
"Alright. Come and eat."
Baiye set the food on the table: a plate of stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a dish of blanched broccoli, and a light corn soup. The meal was simple and suited Lin Yuqing's tastes perfectly.
Lin Yuqing didn't like to talk during meals. She preferred to savor the food in peace, a small reward for a hard day's work.
Baiye was the same way, eating quietly. Only when Xia Xiaozi was around was the tranquil atmosphere ever broken.
Although Lin Yuqing didn't comment on the dishes, Baiye could see she had cleaned her small bowl of rice and still looked like she could eat more. That was enough to make Baiye feel satisfied.
After clearing the dishes, Baiye went to the living room. As usual, Auntie Lin was on the sofa, reading a book. Not wanting to go to her room just yet, Baiye grabbed her script and sat on the other sofa, wanting to spend a little more time with her. She flipped through the pages distractedly, occasionally stealing a glance at the older woman.
"How did you find the set today?" Lin Yuqing asked, feigning nonchalance.
"Hm? It was great! I had a lot of fun. The seniors on the crew are all really nice, and Director Su even gave me some pointers."
"Mhm," Lin Yuqing grunted, saying nothing more. The room fell silent again. Baiye lowered her head, preparing to go back to her script.
"Did you see your idol?" Lin Yuqing asked without warning.
"Huh?" Baiye froze, clearly not processing the question. A moment later, realization dawned, and she broke into a sweet smile. "I did!" She had been about to add that she'd even taken photos and ask if Auntie Lin wanted to see.
But Auntie Lin's expression suddenly turned ugly, her face cold as ice.
"You should focus more on your studies. At your age, what are you doing chasing stars!" she snapped, then stood up and went straight upstairs.
Baiye was left bewildered. Doesn't Auntie Lin like that I'm her fan...
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