Against the Light - Chapter 143
Chapter 143: The Little Assistant's Life is Too Hard
After the first episode of the escape room special aired, it received rave reviews, and the audience grew even more expectant for the second episode.
After waiting with bated breath, the live broadcast of the second episode finally arrived a week later.
However, to everyone's great disappointment, Gu Xinran was absent from this episode. She was replaced by the unlucky Lin Guo, who had participated the entire time in the previous episode but was never seen by anyone. Although Xinran wasn't there, Lin Guo provided plenty of laughs, which somewhat made up for the disappointment.
That evening, Gu Xinran dragged her exhausted body home. Bai Yilan immediately came to greet her, helping her change her clothes and guiding her into the house.
Gu Xinran lay face down on the bed, letting Yilan massage her.
"Didn't you have an audition today? Why are you so exhausted?"
"Ugh, don't even mention it. I went through two rounds in one afternoon—acting scenes, blocking, the whole works. The makeup alone took over three hours. It was more tiring than actual filming." Gu Xinran stretched her arms.
Bai Yilan immediately massaged them for her. "Director Zhao is like that. She's very particular about casting and extremely demanding of her actors."
"Mhm."
"Who else was auditioning today?"
"Hmm... I don't remember the others very well, but I remember Xia Chenxing. She's really something. Her eyes are full of emotion; she seems like someone with a lot of life experience." Gu Xinran briefly recalled the day's audition. There was a scene where they acted opposite each other, and this co-star had left a deep impression on her.
"Chenxing!?" Yilan exclaimed softly.
"Hm? You know her?"
"She's my idol! I've always wanted a chance to work with her, but she's been developing her career overseas these past few years. Besides, she wouldn't even consider an ordinary production."
Seeing Yilan's eyes sparkle, Gu Xinran raised an eyebrow, feeling a little jealous.
"Hey, hey, hey, mother of my child, shouldn't I be your idol?"
The moment the words left Gu Xinran's mouth, Yilan gave her a look of disdain.
"..." This is just unbearable.
"Has the role been finalized?" Yilan asked.
"No, there's another round tomorrow."
"Can I go watch?" Bai Yilan asked, her eyes full of anticipation.
"?"
"Of course not. Hey, you don't just want to go see Xia Chenxing, do you? No way, absolutely not!"
"No, I... I want to go cheer you on."
"Oh? Look me in the eye and say that again."
"...Ahem."
"Are you still sore? Should I massage you some more?" Bai Yilan's eyes curved into a smile.
"Cut it out. Flattering me won't work. No means no." Gu Xinran pouted, feeling a little jealous.
Bai Yilan laughed helplessly and lay down on top of her. "Alright, you little sourpuss."
"Hmph."
"Hey, why did Auntie Ye go to bed so early today?" Gu Xinran listened for a moment. She hadn't come home that late, so it was a bit strange that Auntie Ye wasn't around.
"Oh, her? She's with Mom."
"Hm? She's still not over it?"
"Nope. I don't know why she's so worked up. It's been a week, and she's still sulking about that Weibo thing."
Gu Xinran chuckled. Those two...
In Shi Qing's bedroom.
Shi Qing was sitting at her desk, looking at her computer and working diligently.
Ye Nan stood beside her, handing her a glass of water from time to time, being extremely thoughtful.
"Do you need something?" Shi Qing asked.
"??????" Hearing her use the formal pronoun, Ye Nan was completely dumbfounded.
"B-B-B... Boss, let's just talk normally. Can you please not be so passive-aggressive?" Ye Nan trembled so hard that some of the water in the glass spilled out.
Shi Qing glanced at her.
Strange. Isn't this how all the young people on Weibo talk?
"I was wrong, I was really wrong! I'll never use Weibo again! I'll change, I really will! I've already uninstalled the app! I promise I won't chase stars or fangirl or go 'Ahhh!' anymore!" Ye Nan bowed repeatedly, her repentant attitude impeccable.
Shi Qing stopped her work and rested her chin in her hand, watching her.
Ye Nan stole a glance at her, then immediately lowered her head.
"Is Weibo fun?"
"Not fun, not fun at all! Not only is it not fun, but it also gets in the way of work. It's a waste of time and a waste of youth!"
"..." Shi Qing suppressed a laugh. She had genuinely wanted to understand her little assistant's hobbies, but she never expected the woman to be such a coward.
"Besides using Weibo, what else do you like to do?"
"Serving my boss!"
"..." Shi Qing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She sighed and took out her phone, fiddling with it.
"How do you use this thing? Teach me," she said to her little assistant.
Ye Nan walked over apprehensively. When she saw the Weibo interface on Shi Qing's phone, her vision blurred, and her knees nearly gave out.
"Big Boss! Just put me out of my misery already!!!"
"I'm serious. I want you to teach me," Shi Qing said earnestly.
Ye Nan was stunned for a long moment. She carefully studied Shi Qing's expression. Based on her understanding of her boss, it didn't seem like she was being sarcastic.
"I... teach you?"
"Mhm. Help me register an account."
"O-Okay." Ye Nan swallowed and efficiently helped Shi Qing register an account. "Using your name?"
"Mhm."
Before long, the account was registered, and Ye Nan carefully taught her how to use it.
"You search here. For example, if you want to search for Xinran, or Yilan, or any other celebrities you know, you can find them. Here." Ye Nan demonstrated for her. The Wei Yi Group's Weibo account had always been managed by a dedicated team, so Shi Qing rarely touched the platform. Thus, Ye Nan's explanation was particularly thorough.
"There, now you're following them."
"Do you have an account?" Shi Qing asked.
"I do."
"Follow it for me."
"Uh..." Ye Nan looked troubled.
"What? Do you have secrets? Am I not allowed to see?"
"Ahem, it's not that." Bracing herself, Ye Nan searched for her personal account and hit 'follow'.
Shi Qing took the phone and naturally started scrolling through Ye Nan's Weibo feed.
【Ahhh, Guozi is so cute, I wanna rua her~】
【Awooo, Qin Qiong is gorgeous! Ruaruarua~ QiongGuo QiongGuo QiongGuo~】
【Xi Bao, let me rua you~】
Shi Qing scrolled down, finding nothing but a record of someone's fangirling.
A line of cold sweat visibly dripped down Ye Nan's face.
Help me, why did I let her see my Weibo... I'm going to get scolded to death for sure, ahhh!
"What does 'rua' mean?" Shi Qing asked.
"..." Ye Nan was dumbfounded.
"Hm?"
"It... it means, uhm, to hug. Yes, to hug."
Shi Qing narrowed her eyes. She knew this woman was lying.
"Are there any pictures of me?" Shi Qing asked.
"Eh? Oh, yes. Is a work photo okay?" Ye Nan quickly found a group photo of Shi Qing with a business partner, cropped her out, and sent it to her.
Shi Qing fiddled with Weibo and posted the photo—her very first post since registering the account.
Then, resting her cheek on her hand, she looked at Ye Nan with a smile.
"...???" For a moment, Ye Nan was dazed, not understanding her boss's action.
But in the next second, driven by her powerful survival instinct, she got what Shi Qing was thinking!!!
She immediately took out her phone, downloaded the app, found Shi Qing's post, and left a comment.
【Ahhhh, President Shi is so beautiful!! I wanna rua her!!!】
"Is this okay?" Ye Nan asked cautiously.
The corner of Shi Qing's lips lifted, and she gave a casual nod.
Only then did Ye Nan breathe a sigh of relief, feeling as if she had just escaped death. Although she couldn't make heads or tails of her boss's actions, that didn't matter. At least her life was spared!!!
"Go get some rest," Shi Qing said.
"Yes! Alright, you should also get some rest. Good night!" Ye Nan said cheerfully.
Shi Qing nodded. After watching her leave, she picked up her phone and fiddled with it for a while longer.
Back in her room, Ye Nan was overjoyed. She had been on edge about this for days, and now, a huge weight was finally lifted from her shoulders.
She took out her phone, ready to delete Weibo and turn over a new leaf, when she suddenly frowned. It was only then that she belatedly realized her boss's actions seemed a little... off.
She's started using Weibo now, so... should I still delete my account?
Huh?
Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan were just about to sleep when a phone chimed. Gu Xinran picked it up and saw it was another Weibo notification. She didn't pay it much mind at first, but when she saw Shi Qing's name, she was so startled she sat bolt upright.
"What's wrong?"
"I think Mom... registered for Weibo and followed me."
"Mom?"
"Mhm."
"She also followed you and Auntie Ye."
"Wait, that's not all. She also made a post..."
"And Auntie Ye interacted with her, saying...!" Gu Xinran's eyes suddenly widened in disbelief.
"Saying what?"
"Auntie Ye said... 'President Shi is so beautiful, I wanna... wanna rua her...'"
"What???"
The next morning, during breakfast.
Gu Xinran and Bai Yilan kept stealing glances at Shi Qing and Ye Nan.
"What are you two doing?" Ye Nan noticed their gazes and asked, puzzled.
"Uhm, nothing." The two of them shook their heads in unison and coincidentally lowered their heads to eat, their movements perfectly synchronized.
"?"
"If you have something to say, say it," said Shi Qing.
"No, no, no, it's nothing. Nothing at all," they said in unison.
Before leaving, Xinran was being her usual clingy self, but Yilan was in no mood for it. She couldn't wait to shoo her away, complaining that she was in the way and distracting her from shipping her CP.
After that day's interaction on Weibo, Shi Qing seemed to have taken a liking to posting. From time to time, she would post something.
For instance, a period, or an emoji. What she posted wasn't important; what mattered was that her sycophantic little assistant would immediately leave a reply the moment she posted, showering her with praise and leaving Shi Qing feeling greatly satisfied.
During this period, Yilan would secretly observe the two of them during the day. She always felt that whenever they appeared together, the air was filled with pink, romantic bubbles. The way she looked at them grew more and more knowing.
And at night, when Gu Xinran came home, the two of them would hide under the covers and tirelessly analyze Shi Qing and Ye Nan's Weibo interactions.
The audition for The Yan Dynasty was a success. Gu Xinran smoothly landed the role of the second female lead, a character with a significant part, earning her the chance to have an acting showdown with the famous movie star Xia Chenxing. This sparked considerable discussion online, with audiences expressing great anticipation for their collaboration.
The days passed one by one. Gu Xinran filmed according to schedule every day. Although she sometimes didn't finish work until the early hours of the morning, she insisted on going home every day instead of staying at a nearby hotel.
Before she knew it, Yilan was already over four months pregnant. Watching her belly swell day by day, Gu Xinran didn't want to miss a single tiny change in her wife and daughter.
On this day, Gu Xinran quietly pushed open the door. The living room light was on; she knew it had been left on for her.
She quickly changed her clothes, washed up, and returned to the bedroom.
She walked very quietly to the bedside and glanced at Yilan. Seeing her sleeping so soundly, Gu Xinran smiled gently. Not wanting to disturb her, she took a blanket and went to sleep on the sofa.
The next morning, Gu Xinran woke up early. She checked the time, then got up and slipped under the covers, pulling Yilan into her arms.
"Mmm..." Yilan shook her head, refusing to wake up.
Gu Xinran pressed a kiss to her forehead. Her delicate little wife had been sleeping more and more lately. Ten hours a day wasn't enough; she was always drowsy, like a little piglet.
Seeing that she couldn't wake her, Gu Xinran gave up. She lifted the blanket, snuggled in, and pressed her ear against Yilan's belly to listen carefully.
Now, when it was very quiet, she could hear the little one's heartbeat. Gu Xinran listened to it every day, feeling it was the most beautiful sound in the world.
"Hm?" Yilan sensed her movement, lifted her eyelids, and glanced down at her with a smile. She raised a hand to stroke her head. "What time did you get back yesterday?" she asked, her voice soft and sweet.
"A little after two."
"Why so late again..."
"Mhm, having an acting showdown with your idol was just too exhilarating," Xinran replied with a smile.
After she spoke, she heard no response for a long moment. She looked up and saw that the woman had fallen asleep again.
Helpless, Gu Xinran leaned down and gently kissed her lips before quietly getting up.
When Bai Yilan woke up, she subconsciously felt the space beside her, but there was no one there.
She struggled to open her eyes and glanced at the wall clock. It was already nine. Just as she was about to get up, the door was pushed open.
"Yilan? Are you awake? Why don't you eat first and then go back to sleep?" Ye Nan came in, her tone unconsciously gentle. She glanced at Yilan's belly, her eyes full of affection.
"Auntie Ye, where's Xinran?"
"She left a long time ago."
Bai Yilan frowned and sighed. Lately, because she had been so sleepy and Xinran had been coming home so late, the two of them hadn't eaten, slept, or chatted together in a long time.
"Get up and come eat first."
"Auntie Ye, can I..."
"You can." Ye Nan nodded, having guessed what she was about to say.
Yilan smiled brightly and got up to wash.
During breakfast, because she had gotten Ye Nan's permission to chat with Xinran on her phone, she was as happy as if she'd been given a precious treasure.
"What's wrong? Weren't you happy just a moment ago?" Seeing Yilan suddenly look gloomy, Ye Nan, who was sitting opposite her, rested her cheek on her hand and asked curiously.
"I'm not. I'm very happy."
"Cut it out. Is it because your Xinran went to film and can't chat with you anymore?"
Seeing the flash of disappointment in Yilan's eyes, Ye Nan pondered silently, then suddenly let out a soft "Eh?"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing." Ye Nan shook her head, looking slightly hesitant.
"Auntie Ye, where's Mom?" Yilan glanced toward Shi Qing's bedroom.
"There was an emergency meeting at the company today, so she went in."
Bai Yilan raised an eyebrow slightly.
"What's with that expression??"
"Auntie Ye, why don't you take me to visit the film set? I haven't really been out since I got pregnant. Being cooped up at home every day is awful."
Ye Nan was in a bit of a bind. Logically, Yilan was four months pregnant and the baby was stable, so going out for a walk wouldn't be a problem. Besides, the doctor had said to keep the expectant mother in a cheerful mood. But explaining it to her boss would be difficult.
"Let's just go secretly. We'll take a quick look and come right back. As long as Mom doesn't find out, it'll be fine, right?" Bai Yilan said.
"That's... not a good idea."
"It's fine. Besides, Xiao Ye really wants to see her mama too~" Bai Yilan said coquettishly, stroking her belly and batting her starry eyes.
Ye Nan smiled helplessly. "You always use this little one as your shield. Alright, go get changed. But hey, let me be clear: we go there and come right back. Don't cause any unnecessary trouble, and don't let too many people see you."
"Okay!" Bai Yilan agreed at once, thrilled.
Ye Nan rubbed her forehead. The boss must never, ever find out about this!
In the car, Bai Yilan stared excitedly out the window. It was clear she was in a very good mood.
Seeing her beaming face, Ye Nan also felt gratified. She glanced in the rearview mirror at the van following behind them and felt a little more at ease. She wouldn't feel comfortable taking a pregnant Yilan out without bodyguards.
Before long, they arrived at the film base. Ye Nan made a call to Qu Qi to find out which set Xinran was on, and the two of them headed straight there.
Ye Nan parked the car, and she and Yilan, fully disguised, got out.
"Yilan, Sister Nan! Whoa, your belly is showing now?" Qu Qi met them and immediately noticed Yilan's swelling abdomen, an unconscious smile spreading across her face.
"Xinran just went to film a scene. Can you wait a moment? I'll go get you some chairs."
"Hey, no need. We'll just take a quick look. Let's not be too conspicuous," Ye Nan instructed.
"Alright then. I'll take you to the break room to wait for a bit. Once Xinran finishes this scene, I'll bring her over."
"Okay."
"Hey, Sister Qi," Yilan called out to her.
"Hm?"
"Is Chenxing here?" Bai Yilan asked in a low voice. At the mention of her idol, her eyes lit up.
"She is, but she doesn't have any scenes right now, so she's resting. What? You like her?"
"Mhm!!!"
"Come on, I'll take you to see her."
"Okay!"
Bai Yilan instantly forgot why she had come. She quickly followed Qu Qi, happily on her way to meet her idol.
Meanwhile, Gu Xinran was still filming with all her might. After finishing a horse-riding scene, she was so exhausted she exclaimed she was more tired than the horse.
Qu Qi had been waiting by the side for a long time. Seeing that she was done, she immediately and secretly pulled her away.
"What's wrong? Why so mysterious?" Gu Xinran was a little confused as she hurried along with Qu Qi.
"A surprise for you," Qu Qi said, winking at her mysteriously.
"Oh?"
The two of them arrived at the break room. Qu Qi stepped aside and gestured for Gu Xinran to go ahead.
Gu Xinran walked forward. Just as she was about to push the door open, she faintly heard a familiar voice.
"I even know our Little Star's common support slogan! 'Thinking of you before Chenxing sets'!"
"...?" This? A surprise?
Gu Xinran pushed the door right open. When she saw Yilan with her hands raised above her head in a heart shape, her face immediately darkened.
"Who are you thinking of?"
"Eh?" Bai Yilan froze, not even having time to lower her arms.
Gu Xinran glanced at her protruding belly, then was amused by her slightly stunned expression. All her anger vanished instantly. Chasing a star with a big pregnant belly—wasn't that something else?
"My, my, where is that smell of vinegar coming from?" Ye Nan covered her nose and teased.
"..." Gu Xinran silently took a deep breath to compose herself.
Gu Xinran walked over to Yilan and gave her ear a warning pinch.
"Want to get an autograph from your idol? Sister Xing, would that be okay?" Gu Xinran asked, turning to the woman standing nearby, who had a cool, detached aura and indifferent eyes.
"Eh?" This sudden change of attitude surprised Yilan; she had thought Gu Xinran was upset.
Xia Chenxing glanced at the two of them and twitched the corner of her lips. "Let's take a photo together," she said, her tone icy and devoid of emotion.
Ye Nan frowned slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable.
Gu Xinran, however, didn't think much of it. In the time she had been working with her, she had always been like this. Nothing seemed to catch her interest. Except for having the appropriate expressions while filming, she was usually like an iceberg, indifferent to everything.
"Is that okay?" Yilan was also pleasantly surprised. As a fan of Xia Chenxing, she knew the star disliked having her picture taken; she even skipped the photo ops when walking the red carpet.
"Mhm."
Gu Xinran took out her phone, had Yilan stand between them, and took a photo of the three of them.
Then, after getting Xia Chenxing's permission, she posted on Weibo.
【Chasing a star even with a big pregnant belly, I ask you, who else does that? :) Luckily, the star-chasing was a success. Thanks to Sister Xing @XiaChenxing for making it happen [heart][heart]】, she wrote, attaching the photo they had just taken.
Bai Yilan immediately went on, liked, reposted, and shared it! Her excitement was palpable.
Gu Xinran glanced at her. She didn't let anything show on her face, silently taking in all of Yilan's smug little expressions. After all, she had to give her wife face in public. When they got home that night, however... hmph.
Seeing how happy Yilan was, Ye Nan thought to herself that this trip hadn't been in vain. Although their purpose had gotten a little sidetracked, at least the result was good.
She checked the time, ready to tell Yilan it was time to go home. After all, if they went back any later, her boss's meeting might already be over.
Just as Ye Nan put her phone away, she heard a notification. She took it out and saw a Weibo pop-up.
【Teacher Bai Succeeds in Star-Chasing While Pregnant, Chenxing Contributes Her First Personal Group Photo!】
Tsk, these people really are traffic magnets. The slightest bit of news and Weibo immediately gives them special attention.
As Ye Nan was musing over this, her expression suddenly changed, and her pupils contracted sharply.
Wait!!!
If the boss sees this Weibo notification...
Comments
Post a Comment