MQSP - Chapter 37
Chapter 37
After this incident, filming had to be temporarily halted. The crew couldn't help but worry about Baiye, while also admiring her courage. Of course, some people thought she was just being foolish! Who would risk their life like that!
Lin Yuqing was really not in the right state of mind. Without even saying goodbye to Su Yu, she changed her clothes and drove home.
After parking in the underground garage, Lin Yuqing's hands gripping the steering wheel didn't loosen; instead, they tightened. Xiao Ye's frail back kept flashing in her mind. She was kneeling right in front of her, back turned, her thin body trembling as she stubbornly endured the intense pain.
Lin Yuqing closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the steering wheel. A wave of guilt washed over her. She clearly could have noticed, clearly had a chance to stop it, but she failed. She could only watch helplessly as Xiao Ye got hurt, just like… that time…
It happened not long after she had officially entered the entertainment industry. At the time, she was working as Gu Xinran's stunt double.
She remembered it was also a period drama, a fight scene.
Originally, she was supposed to replace Xinran for a few fight shots. But as it happened, she wasn't feeling well that day. Gu Xinran, being considerate and unable to bear seeing her work so hard, gave up the idea of using a double and just let her rest peacefully on the side.
But no one expected that the actor in the scene with her would make a mistake. During the fight, he accidentally struck Gu Xinran directly with a whip. It hit her from the back of her neck to her left shoulder. Because the protective gear didn't cover the neck and shoulder area, the whip landed squarely. A faint trace of blood gradually appeared beneath the plain gauze dress.
Afterward, the wound became infected due to improper treatment, and from then on, an ugly scar remained on Gu Xinran's left shoulder.
This incident became a lingering regret in Lin Yuqing's heart. Back then, Gu Xinran was just like Baiye today, smiling and telling her she was fine, even comforting her in return to prevent her from feeling too guilty.
But how could she not feel guilty?
She had watched helplessly as Gu Xinran was injured then, and today, she watched helplessly as Baiye was injured. Both times were because of her. The only difference was that this time, she was the one who had brought harm to Xiao Ye!
The more Lin Yuqing recalled it, the more miserable she felt, and she pounded her forehead in frustration.
She always said that by keeping Xiao Ye with her, she could at least protect her. But starting from her audition, wasn't she the one who had brought her harm time and time again?
Once the negative emotions surfaced, they were like floodgates opening, replaying uncontrollably in her mind. Xinran, Yilan, Baiye… The people she wanted to protect, yet she hadn't protected a single one.
Ding-dong, her phone rang.
Lin Yuqing's thoughts were gradually pulled back to reality. She sat up and opened her eyes. Her bloodshot eyes made it easy to see the pain in her heart.
She picked up her phone and saw it was a call from Xia Xiaozi, quickly answering it.
"Hello."
"Qing Jie, I just finished taking Xiao Ye for a check-up. It's nothing serious, just a superficial wound. She'll be fine after a few days of rest, so don't worry." Xia Xiaozi was afraid she would get stuck in her own head, so she called to reassure her as soon as the examination was over.
"…Will it scar?"
"No, it won't. Don't worry!"
Hearing Xia Xiaozi's definite answer, the tension that had been gripping Lin Yuqing finally eased a little.
"The doctor prescribed some medicine. I'm going to pick it up now. Fang Yi will take her straight home in a bit. I'm heading back first, too. Can you get home on your own tonight?"
"Yes, I'm already back."
"Eh? Oh, okay. Um… Qing Jie, are you all right?" Xia Xiaozi heard that Lin Yuqing's voice sounded a little off—a bit hoarse and lacking its usual force, or rather, weak.
"Is that Auntie Lin?" Xiao Ye's voice came from the other end of the line. Lin Yuqing unconsciously pressed the phone tightly to her ear, as if wanting to hear Xiao Ye's voice more clearly.
"You talk to her. I'm going to get the medicine. Wait here for me, don't wander off." Xia Xiaozi gave a few instructions, and then the phone was passed to someone else.
Lin Yuqing unconsciously held her breath, listening carefully to the faint breathing on the other end. After a long moment, the person on the other side finally spoke in a low voice, "Auntie Lin?"
"Yes, I'm here." Lin Yuqing answered, only then realizing her voice was a bit hoarse. She cleared her throat twice.
"Auntie Lin, um… I'm sorry for making you worry. I'm fine now. I also know I shouldn't have been so reckless. I know I was wrong. You… please don't be mad at me, okay…" Baiye's voice was soft and sweet, sounding a bit like she was whining coquettishly. But her words made Lin Yuqing's heart ache with a sour feeling.
She pursed her lips, holding her breath for a moment. "You knew I'd be angry, yet you still acted so recklessly. I'll deal with you when you get back."
"Mmm, but I'm an injured person. Can't you be a little gentler with me…?"
The corners of Lin Yuqing's eyes crinkled slightly as she chuckled, as if she could see the little one pouting pitifully.
Fang Yi said a quick word to Su Yu and drove Baiye straight home. Xue Yuexian wanted to come along but was decisively kicked out of the car by Fang Yi. But unexpectedly, Xia Xiaozi managed to catch a ride.
At the intersection of Linxi Road, Fang Yi parked the car and took a plastic bag from the back seat. "This medicine, both oral and topical, comes with detailed instructions for use and dosage. Remember to use it on time when you get back."
"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Auntie Fang. You've worked hard today."
"It's nothing. Call me if you need anything."
"Okay, I'll be going then. Goodbye, Auntie Fang. Drive safely." Baiye opened the door and got out. Although she didn't seem seriously injured, her upper body movements were clearly restricted; at the very least, she didn't dare make any large motions.
Seeing Baiye get out, Fang Yi glanced in the rearview mirror at the person sitting in the back. "What are you still hanging around for?"
Xia Xiaozi was a bit embarrassed. She just now recalled that in the half-day since Xiao Ye's accident, she had shown an excessive amount of concern for her. A sharp person like Fang Yi would surely notice something was wrong…
"Hurry up and get out. I have things to do," Fang Yi urged when she didn't move.
"Oh, ah, thanks."
The moment Xia Xiaozi got out, Fang Yi immediately turned the car around and sped off. Watching her turn the corner, Xia Xiaozi finally breathed a sigh of relief. She quickened her pace to catch up with Xiao Ye and helped support her on the way home.
"Auntie, I'm not that fragile. I don't need help just to walk."
"You, always putting on a brave face. You really scared me to death."
Baiye stuck out her tongue. Knowing she was in the wrong, she didn't dare say anything more.
They arrived home shortly. Just as Xia Xiaozi was keying in the passcode on the door, it clicked open.
The moment Lin Yuqing opened the door, her eyes locked onto Xiao Ye, looking her up and down. She saw that the little one's bangs were a bit matted and stuck to her face, making her look slightly disheveled.
Lin Yuqing instinctively opened her arms slightly. As if by telepathy, the little one took two steps forward and crashed right into Auntie Lin's arms. Her hands wrapped tightly around Auntie Lin's waist. "Auntie Lin, don't be mad at me…" she mumbled softly.
Lin Yuqing wanted to hug her but was afraid of hurting her. Her right hand hovered for a long time before finally patting her gently on the shoulder twice.
"All right, let's go inside first." Xia Xiaozi urged them inside, closed the door, and then cautiously peeked through the peephole. Seeing nothing unusual, she relaxed.
Inside, Baiye clung to Lin Yuqing like a little kangaroo. She was actually afraid Auntie Lin was angry and thought acting cute might appease her. For once, Lin Yuqing didn't push her away or stop her. She led her to the sofa and even let her lean against her like a spoiled child.
"What did the doctor say?"
"It's nothing serious, just a superficial wound. The ointment needs to be applied in the morning and evening, and he also prescribed some anti-inflammatory medicine. Oh, and she has to watch her diet for a few days—no spicy or greasy food. We should eat something light. Also, the wound can't get wet, so no showers for a few days."
Hearing she couldn't shower, Xiao Ye felt miserable. On such a hot day, her body was sticky, and not being able to shower was the greatest torture.
"Go upstairs and change your clothes first. If you're really uncomfortable, I can help you wipe down with a towel."
"Okay." Xia Xiaozi led Baiye upstairs. Lin Yuqing remained on the sofa, but after sitting for a moment, she couldn't stay still.
When she arrived at Baiye's room, the little one had already changed into her pajamas and was sitting obediently in the bathroom while Xia Xiaozi helped wipe the sweat from her neck.
Lin Yuqing walked over and took the towel from Xia Xiaozi's hand. "Let me."
"Eh?" Xia Xiaozi was stunned for a moment. She probably didn't want to see the wound on Xiao Ye's body.
"It's fine. You go make dinner."
"Then… okay. Be careful. The wound can't get wet."
Xia Xiaozi added worriedly, then turned to Xiao Ye. "If she hurts you, tell her. Don't just suffer in silence."
"Okay."
Seeing Xia Xiaozi leave, Baiye hunched over a little more, trying to hide the two points on her chest that were clearly visible through her pajamas. When it was just her auntie, she hadn't thought much of it, just felt a little awkward. But now, with only Auntie Lin beside her, she started to feel shy and fidgety.
Lin Yuqing noticed her small movements. "What's wrong? Does it hurt even without being touched?"
"Um… no, it's fine."
Lin Yuqing sighed inwardly. She soaked the towel in the sink, wrung it out, and folded it. She walked over to Xiao Ye, crouched down to be at eye level with her, and, holding the towel, very seriously and carefully began to wipe her forehead clean, bit by bit. Her cheeks, eye sockets, the wings of her nose, the corners of her lips—she didn't miss a single spot.
"What are you grinning foolishly about?" Lin Yuqing asked with a smile, seeing the corners of Baiye's mouth turn up in an unconscious, silly grin.
"Hm? I just think Auntie Lin is so gentle and meticulous. The thought of it makes me happy."
Lin Yuqing frowned. "Am I gentle?"
"Yes! Ouch…" Xiao Ye nodded emphatically, but her expression immediately changed.
"Don't move!" Lin Yuqing chided.
"Mmph." Baiye obediently fell silent.
Lin Yuqing carefully wiped her neck, then rinsed the towel in the sink. Feeling the water was a bit cool, she added some hot water to maintain the temperature.
After wringing out the towel, Lin Yuqing moved behind Xiao Ye. Looking at her thin frame, she hesitated to lift her clothes.
"Auntie Lin, it's okay if you don't wipe my back. I feel much fresher now," Baiye said, turning her head to look at her.
Lin Yuqing glanced at her, then grabbed the hem of her shirt with both hands and carefully lifted it up. When she saw the lower whip mark, which was already swollen, purple, and horrifyingly gruesome, Lin Yuqing's hands froze. Her heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy blow, and it clenched painfully.
"Auntie Lin?"
Sensing no movement behind her for a long time, Baiye curiously turned her head, only to see Auntie Lin turning away just in time to avoid her gaze.
"Auntie Lin… what's wrong?" Baiye started to panic. If she wasn't mistaken, Auntie Lin's eyes looked a little red…
"Turn your head back around. Don't move." Lin Yuqing stood up and walked to the sink to rinse the towel again.
Baiye bit her lip. Auntie Lin's back was to her, so she couldn't see her expression at all. But she could just feel that Auntie Lin was very repressed, and besides, she hadn't even used that towel yet…
Seeing Lin Yuqing looking somewhat dazed and clearly not in the right emotional state, Baiye grew very worried. She had never seen Auntie Lin like this!
Her mind hadn't yet figured out what to say, but her body acted honestly and stood up.
Baiye walked up behind Lin Yuqing, reached out, and hugged her waist tightly, pressing her cheek against Lin Yuqing's back. "Auntie Lin…" she called softly, giving her a gentle, coquettish shake.
Lin Yuqing stopped what she was doing, her heart warming at the little one's touching gesture. "Go back and sit down obediently." Her tone softened unconsciously.
"Okay." Baiye obediently sat back down.
"Tell me if it hurts," Lin Yuqing instructed, lifting Baiye's shirt again. This time she didn't pause, lifting it straight to her shoulders. Baiye's face flushed, and she hunched over a little more.
"Mmm…"
Lin Yuqing didn't dare make any large movements. Staying far away from the wound, she only wiped gently around the uninjured areas. Then she moved to the front of Xiao Ye. "Stand up." She gestured as if to help her wipe her front…
Xiao Ye's pretty face was bright red. She hunched over and refused to stand. "I… I can do it myself…"
Lin Yuqing paused for a second, saw the little one blushing, and immediately understood. She chuckled softly. Looking at Xiao Ye, who was practically curled into a ball, she reached out and patted her little head. "All right, what's there to be shy about? You can wipe yourself then. Be careful. I'll go out first."
"Okay!"
After Baiye finished washing up and came out of the bathroom, she found Auntie Lin sitting on the edge of her bed.
"Auntie Lin, why aren't you resting?" Usually, when she was resting, Auntie Lin would be reading novels or her script. It was rare to see her spacing out.
"What, you don't want me to keep you company?"
"Eh? I do!" Baiye nodded, her face filled with unconcealable excitement.
Baiye lay on her stomach on the bed, covered with a thin blanket. The bedroom was cool, the air conditioner set to the perfect temperature. Lin Yuqing sat beside her, one hand resting on her waist, stroking it gently.
Xiao Ye closed her eyes, enjoying Auntie Lin's touch. Auntie Lin's hands were soft and warm. The gentle stroking through the blanket was unbelievably comfortable.
"Xiao Zi went to the supermarket to buy groceries, so dinner will be a little while. If you're tired, go ahead and sleep. I'll wake you later." Seeing Xiao Ye close her eyes, Lin Yuqing thought she must be very tired and spoke softly.
Xiao Ye opened her eyes to look at Auntie Lin, her big eyes blinking. "Auntie Lin, stay with me~" she couldn't help but whine sweetly.
"Okay." Lin Yuqing nodded unexpectedly, turning on her side to lie down next to Xiao Ye, pillowing her head on her arm.
The little one was completely satisfied. She snuggled closer into Lin Yuqing's embrace and even pulled the blanket over her. Lin Yuqing put an arm around her waist and patted her gently, as if lulling a young child to sleep, with the utmost tenderness.
Baiye was overjoyed. She closed her eyes and curled up in Auntie Lin's arms. This was a scene she had never even dared to imagine. Now, she had to remind herself not to fall asleep, to savor Auntie Lin's warm embrace for a little longer!
However, she couldn't fight her heavy eyelids. Her head grew groggy, and before long, she was asleep.
Lin Yuqing listened quietly to the breathing of the person beside her. Although it had steadied, it was a little heavy. She glanced down and saw the little one had buried her face in her chest. Since she was lying flat on her stomach, her breathing was probably obstructed.
Lin Yuqing carefully propped herself up, supported Baiye's body, and slowly turned her onto her side. Then she moved closer, letting the little one's body rest half-on top of her own so there would be no pressure on her chest.
After doing this, Lin Yuqing slipped her arm under Xiao Ye's neck for her to use as a pillow, while her other arm wrapped around Xiao Ye's waist, pulling her into her embrace.
Tilting her head down slightly, she could see the little one's delicate sleeping face—long eyelashes, fair skin, a fine nose, and small mouth. She looked adorable and well-behaved.
Lin Yuqing lowered her head and pressed a very light kiss to Xiao Ye's forehead. The arm holding her unconsciously pulled her a little tighter into her embrace.
Xiao Ye, sleep peacefully. From now on, I will always protect you.
When Xia Xiaozi returned, she went straight to Baiye's bedroom. She pushed the door open and was about to speak, but she saw the two of them lying quietly on the bed. Lin Yuqing was holding Xiao Ye intimately, her eyes fixed solely on her, not even noticing she had returned.
"Qing Jie?" Xia Xiaozi frowned and called out.
Lin Yuqing snapped out of her daze, her arm around Xiao Ye loosening slightly. "You're back. Go make dinner." She glanced down again at the little one in her arms, who was still sleeping soundly.
"Qing Jie, I have something to tell you."
Lin Yuqing frowned and nodded. She carefully moved away, getting a pillow to place under Xiao Ye.
In Lin Yuqing's bedroom.
"Qing Jie, on set today, I think I paid too much attention to Xiao Ye. Do you think Fang Yi noticed anything?"
"Did she say anything?"
"That's the thing, she didn't say anything at all, which makes me even more worried. You know how she is—quiet until she drops a bombshell."
"If she finds out Xiao Ye's identity, will she try to snatch her away?" Xia Xiaozi asked, her face full of worry.
Hearing this, Lin Yuqing's brow furrowed tightly, and she couldn't help but clench her fists. Would she… snatch Xiao Ye away?
"Qing Jie? Qing Jie?"
"Yes. On set, you should interact less with Xiao Ye and pay more attention to Fang Yi. Also, I'm not too worried about her. Keep an eye on Xue Yuexian, and Lu Qing."
"Okay, I understand."
"Qing Jie, today… did you think about what happened before again…?"
"Yes."
"You shouldn't lump these two incidents together. They're two different things, completely different in nature. Today was purely that little rascal Xiao Ye acting recklessly on her own. You really need to discipline her. Who acts so carelessly with their own life! Xue Yuexian was right about one thing. If she were asked to play a suicide scene, would she actually go and slit her throat to get into character?"
"Yes." Lin Yuqing nodded. She did need to remind her.
"I'll go make dinner then." Xia Xiaozi took two steps toward the door, then paused. "Qing Jie, you see Xiao Ye as a child, right?" Xia Xiaozi didn't know how to ask, but she just felt that Lin Yuqing's recent interactions with Xiao Ye seemed overly intimate. She was a little worried, but also afraid she was just overthinking it.
Lin Yuqing froze, then nodded vaguely to dismiss Xia Xiaozi. After Xia Xiaozi left, she began to wonder herself.
Do I… see Xiao Ye as a child?
I suppose so. When I see her sad, I feel sad too. When I see her hurt, my heart aches. When I see her happy, I feel happy too…
But, beyond that, why do I also want to hug her, to kiss her, to see her around me every day? I want to hear her call my name in that soft, sweet voice, to see her nestled in my arms, acting cute and spoiled. I want to see her blushing cheeks, to caress her soft, warm body.
I want to be with her, forever and ever…
Even if we do nothing, just quietly looking at her, seeing that fervent gaze she directs at me, a gaze warm enough to melt anything, would be enough.
Lin Yuqing sat on the edge of the bed. Ripples spread across her usually calm heart. She was flustered.
With a restless heart, she pushed open Xiao Ye's door, only to find the little one already awake, sitting on the bed hugging a pillow, a look of regret on her face.
How could I have fallen asleep so quickly in Auntie Lin's arms? I should have enjoyed it more.
"Auntie Lin!" Baiye, who had been sulking, heard the door open and turned around, her face immediately breaking into a smile.
Seeing the little one's sweet smile, the corners of Lin Yuqing's mouth turned up unconsciously, and her turbulent thoughts gradually calmed. "You're awake?"
"Mhm. Auntie Lin, you said you'd stay with me, but when I woke up, you were gone again." The little one pouted in protest, secretly peeking at Lin Yuqing.
Lin Yuqing steadied herself, her expression gradually returning to normal. "Yes. It won't happen next time."
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