Chapter 68: World Two [38] Part 2

Ji Yumeng belonged to neither Zongheng Entertainment nor New Life Entertainment, so she hadn’t met Jing Ke before. She had only heard that Jing Ke was a wealthy returnee from overseas, a tycoon who could acquire a company worth over a hundred million just like that.

After the major upheaval in the entertainment circle, Jing Ke had become a sought-after Investor. Many funding gaps in scripts and variety shows had been plugged by her investments.

Thus, in the mouths of some, Jing Ke was still somewhat associated with the term “a rich sucker.”

“No, fruit tea and a mocha will be enough,” Jing Ke said, her gaze still fixed on Shao Qing, who was currently posing.

Ji Yumeng didn’t say much more, merely glancing at the overcoat held in Jing Ke’s hands before leaving.

It seemed the gossip she’d heard was incomplete. Those people hadn’t told her that Jing Ke, the Moneybags who owned an entire company, would be so attentive to Shao Qing, an artist from another company.

During the promotional photo shoot, Shao Qing wore everyday attire. Although it consisted of several layers, a wind machine was needed for the effect.

And February still carried a chill. After being blown by the wind like that, even in her winter clothes, Shao Qing couldn’t help but sneeze as soon as the shooting ended.

“Caught a chill?” Jing Ke stood up instantly, wrapping the coat she’d been holding around Shao Qing’s shoulders.

“Just a little. The wind felt cold, and strands of hair kept fluttering across my face, making me feel ticklish.” Shao Qing rubbed her nose, then tucked her hands, reddened by the cold, into Jing Ke’s jacket.

“What were you and Teacher Ji talking about just now?” Shao Qing asked, tilting her head up slightly.

Because of the make-up and styling, Shao Qing now looked somewhat heroic, her defined features appearing sharper than usual.

“The crew was arranging afternoon tea. She asked what I wanted. I ordered a fruit tea, and a hot mocha for you,” Jing Ke explained. “Let’s go sit over there. There’s a heater; your nose is all red.”

“Okay.” Shao Qing sniffled, ignoring the glances from people around them. Keeping her hands tucked inside Jing Ke’s clothes where it was warm, she moved with her to the rest area.

Jing Ke was her girlfriend, after all. She was just using her to warm her hands; there was no need to hide.

Besides, the reputation of Jing Ke as a loaded Moneybags and hot commodity had already spread. If she didn’t stake her claim early, someone with no sense might try to make false claims about her girlfriend!

–

The promotional photo shoot went smoothly. As the publicity department urgently began retouching the photos, Director Li didn’t waste the cast’s meticulously done make-up and styling. She immediately filmed an indoor group scene, officially kicking off the shooting of “Jianghu Road.”

The role played by Yu Hongjun didn’t have many scenes in the initial script, probably ranking as Female Lead Six or Seven.

But with the addition of Shao Qing and Jiang Qingyi, Yu Hongjun’s screen time in the final script had nearly doubled, making her one of the cast members requiring promotional photos.

Since Yu Hongjun and the others had joined the crew, Jiang Qingyi, still harboring some interest in acting, naturally came along.

However, the crew hadn’t publicly released the news of Jiang Qingyi’s comeback. So when filming started, Jiang Qingyi, wearing a hat and a mask, along with the caregiver specifically assigned to her, stayed in Yu Hongjun’s designated rest area, attentively watching the filming.

Those around were somewhat curious about Jiang Qingyi’s true identity, but seeing the Director treat her with special deference and specifically instructing others not to disturb her, no brave soul dared to step forward and try to get close just yet.

The first day of filming proceeded very smoothly. In a good mood, Director Li didn’t push the actors on the first day and announced the shoot was over before five o’clock.

“I’ve already booked a restaurant for dinner. The specific location is in the group chat. Everyone who’s free, come on over. Tonight’s dinner is on our investor, Boss Jing,” Director Li announced with a smile.

“President Jing is so generous, treating us to a big meal on the very first day. Everyone, say thank you with me: Thank you, President Jing!”

“Thank you, President Jing! Please rest assured, President Jing, we will film diligently and absolutely won’t let your investment go down the drain.”

Everyone was lively on the first day of the shoot, and some bolder ones even dared to joke with Jing Ke.

Jing Ke didn’t dampen the mood. Unpretentiously, she pulled out her phone and sent a flurry of red packets in the group chat.

Although each person could only snag ten or twenty yuan per packet, the small amounts added up quickly. By the time the red packet shower ended, everyone’s pouches were several hundred yuan heavier.

Nothing in the world makes one happier than someone giving you money. Jing Ke’s image in everyone’s hearts instantly grew mighty, solidifying her status as a definitive Financial Backer.

–

“Those people all called you their Financial Backer. How do you feel?” Shao Qing, a bit tipsy after two glasses of wine out of happiness, looped her arm around Jing Ke’s neck the moment the hotel room door closed.

“So many people wanted your contact info. How many did you approve?” Shao Qing pressed on.

“I didn’t approve anyone. I was in the main group.” Jing Ke steadied Shao Qing’s waist and slightly lowered her head so the other wouldn’t need to stand on tiptoe to meet her eyes.

Seeing Jing Ke lower her head, Shao Qing breathed out the scent of red wine upon her nose, then opened her mouth and gently bit Jing Ke’s earlobe, as if drunk.

Jing Ke tightened her arm, pulling Shao Qing into her embrace, not stopping her from using her ear as a chew toy.

Combining this with previous experience, Jing Ke could accurately gauge Shao Qing’s alcohol tolerance. Tonight’s two glasses of red wine weren’t enough to make her drunk.

If Shao Qing was acting drunk, it was likely so she could later blame any actions on being intoxicated.

So, the question was: what did Shao Qing want to do under the pretense of being tipsy?

Jing Ke couldn’t help but swallow. The distance between her and Shao Qing was extremely close. She could smell the lingering scent of red wine on Shao Qing, and also the faint natural fragrance emanating from the side of her neck.

The scent wasn’t very strong, but it was incredibly alluring.

“Jing Ke, what would you say our relationship is now?” After grinding her teeth enough, Shao Qing released Jing Ke’s reddened earlobe.

“Lovers. We’re a couple, a relationship of mutual affection,” Jing Ke answered promptly.

“Then why haven’t you kissed me yet? Don’t you know that when I loop my arms around your neck, I’m signaling you to kiss me?” Shao Qing said, frowning slightly to express her dissatisfaction.

Honestly, it had already been over half a month since they confirmed their relationship. Other than holding her and kissing her, Jing Ke never seemed to do anything else.

At home, it was understandable because of Grandma, preventing any small gestures. But they’d been staying in a hotel for several days now. How could Jing Ke still be as unresponsive as a stunned goose?

Jing Ke blinked, her amber eyes meeting Shao Qing’s. After their gazes locked for three seconds, she finally leaned down and pressed her lips to Shao Qing’s.

Feeling the arms around her neck tighten, Jing Ke tentatively pried open Shao Qing’s teeth, initiating a deeper kiss.

“Hmph, not bad~” Shao Qing panted slightly, leaning against Jing Ke’s shoulder, somewhat satisfied with Jing Ke’s performance. But thinking that she might have kissed her ex-girlfriend like this too, jealousy still inevitably bubbled up from her heart.

“Where did you learn that?” Shao Qing asked deliberately.

Jing Ke blinked, slightly bewildered. “Th-this, um…”

If she remembered correctly, when they confirmed their relationship, Shao Qing seemed to have told her not to bring up the so-called ex-girlfriend from another world, right?

So how should she answer this question? Spill it outright, or tell a well-intentioned lie?

“Tch, let me ask you then. Is kissing me more pleasurable, or kissing her?” Shao Qing discontentedly bit Jing Ke’s neck, continuing to toss out dangerous questions.

“I…” Jing Ke’s face was filled with difficulty. This question seemed even sharper than the previous one. She had absolutely no idea how to answer.

“If you don’t dare to say, then kissing me isn’t pleasurable, is that it?” Not getting a satisfactory answer, Shao Qing moved to another spot and bit down again.

“It’s… probably about the same?” Jing Ke ventured cautiously. She had no experience handling such situations and could only grope around for the right answer.

“About the same? Then did she bite you like this too?” Shao Qing snorted coldly and forcefully bit down on Jing Ke’s throat. Like a ferocious little beast, she used her teeth to lock onto her prey’s vital point.

Bitten thus, Jing Ke only felt a slight tickle in her throat and couldn’t help but swallow.

“N-no, she didn’t really do that.” The honest Jing Ke still hadn’t forgotten to provide an answer.

Hearing this, Shao Qing felt a bit angry but also felt she was being somewhat unreasonable. She maintained this position for about a minute before releasing Jing Ke’s neck. Then, she stepped back and shoved her, pushing Jing Ke straight down onto the two-meter-wide king-sized bed.

“Then what about this? Did she do this to you?” Shao Qing bared her teeth. If Jing Ke’s answer didn’t satisfy her, she was going to gnaw on the other’s collarbone once.

No, make that twice. That might be enough to appease her.

Perhaps sensing the danger, the emotional intelligence Jing Ke had diligently been studying finally kicked in at the critical moment.

“You are different existences. There’s no comparison needed. Shao Qing, in my heart, you are special, someone no one can replace.” Jing Ke spoke, her amber eyes brimming with sincerity.

That answer… was just barely passable, she supposed.

Shao Qing gave a light scoff and released her hand pinning Jing Ke’s shoulder down.

“I’m tired. Let’s go shower and sleep,” Shao Qing said, deciding to let Jing Ke off the hook for now.

She still had many scenes scheduled for tomorrow morning. Including make-up time, she estimated she’d have to get up before seven.

Tonight wasn’t suitable for teaching a lesson to a certain clueless stunned goose. She’d wait until a rest day.