Fall In Love With A Substitute – The Movie Queen’s Little Fortune Butterfly, Chapter 31

After meeting with Mrs. Chen, Jian Yixin continued to focus on her career.

Part of it involved the affairs of Moonlight, while the other part revolved entirely around Lin Qinglu.

“The Sky Above” passed the review and was smoothly listed on overseas platforms.

Lin Qinglu was well-known domestically, to the point where it wasn’t an exaggeration to say that even children who saw her films could grow up and say, “I grew up watching your movies.” As a result, the domestic market was nearly saturated, making it difficult to increase popularity.

However, the overseas market was vast. The release of variety shows had a more noticeable effect on Lin Qinglu’s fame abroad. After all, Lin Qinglu had some foundation overseas. With this base, even a little exposure could significantly improve her reputation.

Following this train of thought, Jian Yixin massively placed advertisements overseas for Lin Qinglu. Previously, Lin Qinglu’s advertisements for HY and endorsements for Chen were all utilized by Jian Yixin, spending a lot of money to increase exposure.

It can only be said that fortunately, Lin Qinglu is busy filming on the set and doesn’t show up at Moonlight much. Otherwise, other artists would envy her like crazy.

After meeting with Mrs. Chen, Lin Qinglu did not leave the set.

Taking leave from the set during filming may not draw any comments from the director, but it does have a slight impact on the actor’s condition, including their understanding and immersion in the role.

Lin Qinglu wants to interpret every role to the fullest.

In the past, this was her pursuit. Now, she has an additional special audience.

This movie, “Tianlai,” is a sci-fi blockbuster. Liu Han has invested a lot of effort in the character Fiona. Fiona’s emotional journey in the plot undergoes many changes, which requires Lin Qinglu to ponder carefully and not act rashly.

Having been a workaholic for many years, once Lin Qinglu distinguishes between priorities, she wholeheartedly devotes herself to the current film.

Seeing Lin Qinglu return to her career and not let go of the script, Luo Chun’s hidden worries gradually dissipate.

Before, Lin’s infatuation with Ms. Song had her so confused that she couldn’t sleep at night, fearing that she would wake up in the morning and see Lin giving up her career for love.

After talking to Ji Liu about it, she received a string of motivational messages, like “A woman with a career is the most beautiful,” and “You will bloom in your own time,” just in case she needs them.

Luo Chun thought Ji Liu was talking nonsense, but considering Lin’s situation, she uncontrollably bookmarked all the links.

Now, Luo Chun is relieved. Lin Qinglu is still as dedicated to her work as ever. She takes out her phone and is about to delete all the articles in her bookmarks.

Liu Lele rushes over, “Sister Luo, Sister Qinglu asked me to come and ask if the clothes for the post-birthday party are ironed?”

“…”

“There’s still half a month until the birthday party.”

Luo Chun slapped her hand away from deleting the links, feeling frustrated, “Moreover—Even if you iron them now and take them over, won’t they still get wrinkled? If Lin Qinglu got bewitched by Ms. Song, that’s one thing, but are you also bewitched?”

“Sigh.”

However, clothing is indeed a crucial part of the birthday party.

Lin Qinglu’s birthday party, with Lin Qinglu’s consent, was fully utilized.

At the gathering, all the attendees were industry insiders. There were only a few male directors and middle-aged actors, while the rest were all female stars.

Therefore, the theme of the gathering gave way to the promotion of “Princess Zhao,” and Lin Qinglu wore the cheongsam from the drama, while customizing cheongsams for other female stars.

—As for Ms. Song’s outfit, due to someone’s selfishness, she was given the cheongsam Princess Zhao wore before dancing, with the film’s promotional slogan printed on it.

Ms. Song fully understood the commercial nature of the event and agreed.

It should be said that Ms. Song has always been generous with Lin’s team, granting their every request and treating them exceptionally well.

Under Luo Chun’s busy arrangements, the birthday party quickly arrived.

Before the birthday party, the temperature dropped suddenly, and it snowed.

By the time their flight landed, the snow had melted, leaving behind an even colder and emptier world.

Lin Qinglu wore the little cotton coat that had lost a clump of fur and arrived at the performing arts center. Fortunately, Luo Chun had considered everything carefully and chose an indoor venue. Otherwise, in the middle of winter, the wind would have made her face ache.

Outside the performing arts center, ticket checks had already begun, and the venue was undergoing final preparations and checks. The scene was filled with ribbons and balloons, and apart from the basic layout, everything else was fan support.

Fan clubs from various cities showcased their talents, all creating support flower walls for Lin Qinglu, mostly reproducing scenes from the drama. There was even a flower arch dismantled on-site to accommodate so many support flower walls.

Fans who couldn’t be present all flocked to the Polar Bear platform to watch the live broadcast. The camera started from the entrance of the performing arts center and pushed forward.

The camera continuously moved forward, showcasing vibrant flowers and familiar scenes from the drama, dazzling the viewers.

Tulips, hydrangeas, larkspurs, bamboo orchids, wintersweets, and orchids…

The campus store from “Adoration,” the dreamy world filled with white roses from “Lang Lang,” the courtyard with blue bricks and black tiles from “Phoenix”…

“The support from everyone is amazing!”

“It’s so beautiful that I can’t even take it all in. I’m crying with excitement.”

“It feels like a live broadcast of the spiritual civilization aspect of major cities’ fan support meetings.”

“Waaah! I want Sister to walk on a flower road for the rest of her life!!!”

…

Outside, the cold wind was biting, but inside the performing arts center, the fragrance of flowers filled the air, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.

The excited fans who entered couldn’t help but gather around the flower walls to take photos. Just as they were getting excited, they suddenly caught a whiff of a faint sweet scent.

Looking around, they saw waiters in suits and leather shoes pushing out food carts, and displaying cakes on four long tables on either side of the corridor.

The cake tables were beautifully decorated, with pure white tablecloths and cakes lying quietly in bamboo baskets. Hot and cold drinks were available, and everyone could use the white porcelain and gold utensils.

Upon closer inspection, all the cakes were Lin Qinglu’s favorite butterfly pastries, available for fans to enjoy outside the performance area.

“????? Which fan club has such ability?”

“???? We called the performing arts center in M City before, and they said that eating and drinking were prohibited inside. Otherwise, we would have wanted to send butterfly pastries directly too!”

“Is it the same butterfly pastry as Lin Qinglu’s? I’m jealous.”

“Does anyone offer proxy purchasing? #Humble”

“It’s so great to have Big Sister’s favor. Big Sister spoils her fans too much. #Crying”

Many fans at the scene had endured two to three hours of cold wind outside without eating or drinking, relying solely on their love to persevere.

Once inside the performing arts center, the excitement of seeing their idol soon overshadowed their hunger.

As they bit into the fragrant and crispy butterfly pastries and drank the hot and cold beverages, they realized that their stomachs were empty, having been hungry for too long.

As fans shared their feelings of being spoiled by their idols along with pictures from the scene online, fans from other fandoms couldn’t help but feel envious—

Look how happy Lin Qinglu’s fans are!

The benefits of this wave of public opinion for Lin Qinglu are self-evident.

In the backstage area, Lin Qinglu was still making final preparations. Her phone vibrated, and she opened it to see a message from Song Pianxian.

They often chat casually, except during their working hours. Even when they’re working, it seems like their conversation never stops; the only difference is the length of time between replies.

After Song Pianxian replied to her previous message, she added:

“I brought you some food.”

Food?

The door to the lounge was pushed open, and Luo Chun came in with a plate of butterfly pastries:

“We rushed back, and we didn’t have time to prepare for the birthday party. Ms. Song took care of everything for us.”

Luo Chun placed the tray in front of Lin Qinglu and briefed her on what had happened outside: “Thanks to Ms. Song, you’ve now become a pampered idol.”

This wasn’t Lin Qinglu pampering her fans; it was the domineering CEO spoiling her artist.

Lin Qinglu remained composed in front of the bustling staff, giving a faint acknowledgment.

She picked up a piece of butterfly pastry, its delicate wings light and sweet. Before applying lipstick, she took a gentle bite.

The rich scent of milk exploded between her lips and teeth. She closed her eyes contentedly, like a cat basking in the winter sun.

The sunlight seemed to be all fuzzy and warm, enveloping her entire body.

In a few hours, she would be seen.

Because of the theme and the live broadcast, even if she was just a supporting figure at the birthday party, she still needed to tidy up backstage.

Backstage.

Ji Liu was worried about her watermelon-red silk cheongsam:

“If only I hadn’t exaggerated my height, why do I feel a little taller?”

Next to her, Xu Weiyu wore a sky-blue cheongsam, with airy bangs framing her face, looking innocent and charming. She said obediently:

“When the time comes, just keep sitting, and no one will notice.”

Ji Liu felt even worse: “I also lied about my waist size. Will my little belly be noticeable when I’m sitting?”

She successfully amused everyone in the room, and laughter filled the air until the door opened, and a figure appeared.

At night, no matter how bright the lights were, people always felt insufficiently clear.

When she appeared, it was as if people were looking up at night-blooming jasmine. As she moved, her graceful figure swayed gently, exuding fragrance, yet remaining elegant and noble.

Her eyes were like autumn water, with a hint of a smile on her lips. Dressed in professional attire, her back was straight, exuding a faint dignity that came from long-standing authority.

The backstage fell silent for a moment.

Xu Weiyu was the first to stand up and greet her: “Ms. Song.”

The stunning charm in Ji Liu’s eyes had not yet faded.

The last time she saw Song Pianxian, she was already wearing her costume, looking more graceful and womanly.

The second time she saw her, her intellectual beauty in everyday attire was even more charming, making people unable to resist taking a look—

Stop, don’t think about it, friend’s wife!

Ji Liu covered her mouth in her mind and stood up to greet: “Ms. Song, nice to see you again.”

Everyone in the room, whether they knew each other or not, followed suit with greetings, not knowing if they were swayed by her beauty or captivated by her aura.

Song Pianxian, who was here for a small gathering, seemed more like an inspector.

“Good evening, everyone,” she nodded in response.

After a brief chat, Jian Yixin went to change into her cheongsam.

This cheongsam was worn by the female lead on the eve of the climax of the entire movie. The fabric was expensive, made from the extremely rare heavy satin Xiangyun yarn, with dark green jacquard patterns and butterfly buttons.

Xiangyun yarn tends to be dark in color, with large patterns; otherwise, it looks tacky. It’s all about the temperament; if someone with a poor temperament wears it, they will likely appear old-fashioned and vulgar.

But on Jian Yixin, it couldn’t be more suitable.

The birthday party in front ended smoothly. When Lin Qinglu returned backstage, she saw Jian Yixin coming out in her cheongsam.

The dark green fabric wrapped around her well-defined figure without a single wrinkle. The waistline was as sleek as water, outlined by the fabric.

Her shoulders were round and delicate, leading down to her tightly toned, fair arms. Under the slightly split cheongsam, her slender legs and delicate ankles were faintly visible.

She didn’t see herself, currently tying up her hair, slightly bowing her head, with two strands of hair falling beside her slender swan-like neck.

She sat down on the chair from the side.

As her waist swayed, the soft-fitting cheongsam brushed against her, outlining her enchanting contours.

Lin Qinglu’s throat rolled silently as her gaze felt as if it were burning, concealing her sight.

Seeing Lin Qinglu not far away through the mirror, Jian Yixin paused, then smiled and said:

“You’re back? Happy birthday.”

“Thank you.” Lin Qinglu walked behind her, hands resting on the back of her chair, slightly bending over, and their gazes converged in the mirror.

Lin Qinglu’s voice was low and slightly hoarse, “Looks very nice.”

Actually, Jian Yixin had never worn this cheongsam. She only stood in for that dance. This outfit was worn by Lin Qinglu before she danced.

Jian Yixin could imagine, “It must look even better on you.”

After all, Lin Qinglu was the real female lead.

Lin Qinglu smiled faintly, stood up, and didn’t respond.

How could they be the same?

When she wears it, she wouldn’t think of tearing this dress apart.

As the protagonist of the birthday party, Lin Qinglu wore a black chiffon cheongsam.

The black color accentuated her confidence and pride, with slightly upturned red lips, thick eyelashes, and captivating eyes, exuding a charming and dominant aura, becoming the center of attention.

The collar was made of black silk, faintly revealing the color of her skin, like white plum blossoms hidden in the dark night, with only a faint fragrance to be found.

But daunted by Lin Qinglu’s powerful presence, people hesitated to approach, left only with amazement and longing.

Ji Liu grabbed Xu Weiyu’s arm, looking serious, “Little Sister, listen to me, stay away from them later.”

“Huh?”

Because being in the same frame would be very embarrassing.

And they might be treated like dogs.

With Ji Liu’s extreme lack of anticipation, the small gathering took place as scheduled in the private cinema.

More people flooded into the live broadcast room, stars gathered at Lin Qinglu’s gathering, and fans from various fandoms came to support their idols.

Cheongsam best showcased a woman’s charm and figure, especially when they walked hand in hand in cheongsams under the camera’s gaze.

The hem of the cheongsam swayed like water waves, and they walked gracefully, like enchanting fairies coming out of the water.

Light blue, water red, dark green, deep black.

Fresh, charming, elegant, splendid.

“I’m dying, no need to save me.”

“I want them all!!!”

“Lin-Xu, Lin-Ji, Lin-Song! It’s a celebration for all Lin fans!!”

“No celebrating for all, Lin Qinglu, you’re not keeping your virtue!” Chen Lu was very angry, forwarding and dissing Lin Qinglu.

She already had her flawless cousin, how could she still be “all” with others outside?

“Exactly! Lin Qinglu, you’re not keeping your morality!”

“LuLu is right, looking at the positioning, it’s Lin-Song’s victory, okay?”

“Sob sob, our Lin-Song’s big flag has to be carried by Lulu.”

Chen Lu expressed anger: “How many times have I said I won’t switch to Lin-Song!”

“Then are you switching to our Lin-Ji?” someone from the next wall asked.

Chen Lu replied instantly: “No.”

“Tsk, still claiming not to be a Lin-Song fan, yet so stubbornly upright and tsundere.”

“…”

Chen Lu uninstalled Weibo for the 59th time.

The interior of the cinema was decorated with a taste of the Republic of China era.

Antique record players, ebony candy boxes filled with dried dates and melon seeds, and incense pieces already in the tea cups.

Velvet cushioned sofas, two long and two short. Next to them stood a floor-standing bat screen, with several scattered redwood chairs, surrounding an octagonal table with blue-and-white porcelain on shelves nearby.

Men wore suits, some even wore military uniforms from the crew with ingenuity. Women draped in cheongsams reclined on the sofa, with platinum and various colored gemstone bracelets on their hands shining.

Lin Qinglu sat with Jian Yixin on one side of the sofa, catching a glimpse of Ji Liu holding Xu Weiyu’s arm, sitting far away from them, thinking that her good sister was helping to clear the scene for her.

She regained her focus, picked up a teacup, lifted the tea lid, and the steaming hot aroma wafted out.

Lin Qinglu handed the incense to Jian Yixin, smiling, “Can you smell it?”

Jian Yixin’s nose twitched, sniffed, and nodded.

She thought Lin Qinglu was offering it to her, but just as she was about to reach out, she saw Lin Qinglu turn her wrist, lower her head, and sip twice, ignoring her.

When she looked up again, it seemed as if some of the shimmering light in her eyes had been separated by her lips, and her lips were moist with suggestive shimmer, her eyes seemed to hide hooks, smiling:

“It indeed smells good.”

Distracted by those eyes, Jian Yixin lost focus for a moment and failed to respond.

She felt that tonight’s Lin Qinglu… was a bit different.

Therefore, when Lin Qinglu handed her a dried date with a toothpick, Jian Yixin still thought she was just asking a question, but she didn’t expect the dried date to be brought directly to her lips.

The crystalline sugar threads stuck together, barely visible.

This time, Jian Yixin had to react.

But realizing it at this moment was of no use; the dried date was already at her lips, so she could only reach out and take it: “I’ll do it myself.”

The toothpick was so short that their hands, both with beautiful knuckles, had to touch each other.

When Jian Yixin took the toothpick with the dried date in hand, it seemed as if there was still the lingering warmth of another person on the side of her hand.

She ate the dried date, indeed very sweet, soaked in honey.

Then, the staff began to play the pre-edited movie clips, one of which was a trailer for Zhao Niang, which would be shown together.

During the screening, the lights were turned off, and the movie content was played synchronously in the live broadcast room. Even after the editing began to play, the barrage was still discussing the previous matters as if there was a delay:

“Ah ah ah, what is Lin Qinglu doing, what is she doing, I’m so excited please don’t stop.”

“Although I don’t like lilies, but just now that scene was really amazing, who doesn’t like to see two beautiful Big Sisters messing around?”

“Lin Qinglu is definitely seducing Song Pianxian!!! I recorded it, I have evidence!!!”

“Lin Qinglu, you’re just lusting after her body!”

…

The barrage was like a gathering place for groundhogs, chirping incessantly. In the dark private cinema, only the sound of the video was playing.

Because they had to give Lin the leading actress face, no one played with their phones. Those who were secretly sleeping probably felt embarrassed to snore, so the scene was as quiet as a chicken, dark as hell.

The least focused audience in the scene might be Lin, the leading actress herself.

The two were very close. In the dim light, the leading actress reached out and tried to hold Song Pianxian’s hand, which was placed on the sofa.

Without looking away, she smoothly touched the back of the other’s hand. Just as she was about to grasp it, the other person dodged it without a trace.

Why didn’t they let her hold it? Were they teasing her?

The leading actress felt puzzled, then persisted and chased after it, successfully catching Song Pianxian’s hand.

A smile appeared at the corner of her lips but was quickly suppressed.

Song Pianxian’s hand was warm and soft. When held tightly, the knuckles pressed against her palm, momentarily satisfying the leading actress, but in her mind, she couldn’t help but think of Song Pianxian’s figure, feeling unsatisfied again.

But everything had to be taken step by step.

Lin Qinglu thought for a moment, leaned close to Song Pianxian’s ear, and whispered with a hint of breath:

“Don’t be afraid, they can’t see.”

This was nonsense. But if there was nonsense to say, there was a reason to be very close to Song Pianxian.

She heard Song Pianxian’s low hum and didn’t say much.

The leading actress leaned in, said her piece, lingered for two breaths by her side after speaking, got a response, and then satisfactorily stood up and left.

Suddenly, there was a low exclamation from the direction of Ji Liang, and Jian Yixin turned her head to look.

Both actions happened simultaneously, and Jian Yixin’s lips brushed past Lin Qinglu’s cheek diagonally.

It was very light, like a swan’s feather gently falling into the water, or like peach blossom petals drifting to the ground, soft and light, with a faint fragrance.

There was no sound from Ji Liang’s side, and the screening room returned to silence and darkness.

But the leading actress’s heart was in a mess.

In the moment it happened, Jian Yixin widened her eyes and then subconsciously pursed her lips.

09 was baffled: “I’ve never seen this kind of scene…”

The hand held by Lin Qinglu tightened even more, and through this gesture alone, Jian Yixin could imagine the bright eyes of the other person.

Clear and bright, shining with brilliance, making it hard for one to extinguish the beautiful light within.

Nothing else happened afterwards; the live broadcast ended after the gathering, and everyone went their separate ways.

Lin Qinglu put on her little coat and said reservedly to Jian Yixin:

“I’ll be back on set tomorrow.” So, do you want to wait until tomorrow?

Jian Yixin almost effortlessly understood what those eyes were saying.

Should she take this opportunity to clarify things with Lin Qinglu?

How could she explain her series of actions logically without revealing the existence of the system and the task to Lin Qinglu?

Logic theories that couldn’t convince herself shouldn’t be used to try to convince others.

Jian Yixin quickly came to her first conclusion: she needed more time to think.

At least it couldn’t be today, it had to be now.

“I’m heading to M City tonight,” Jian Yixin heard herself say, “Take care and get some rest.”

Lin Qinglu pursed her lips, her voice slightly hoarse:

“Okay.”

“But, you might not be able to leave tomorrow,” Jian Yixin laughed, adjusting her messy hair, “I haven’t given you your birthday present yet. Someone will contact you tomorrow.”

Lin Qinglu also curled her lips:

“Okay.”

After Jian Yixin left, Lin Qinglu went to the apartment with Liu Lele.

As Liu Lele drove, she sighed, “I thought you might confess tonight…”

Sitting in the backseat, Lin Qinglu rested her chin on her hand, her fingers lightly brushing across her face. In a place where no one could see, a sweet light flashed in her eyes like honey.

“Tonight wasn’t bad either.”

“Hmm?” Liu Lele thought for a moment, “It was quite fun. I saw that it trended a couple more times.”

The leading actress didn’t respond to her.

She opened the chat with Jian Yixin and said to her:

“I’ve received the birthday present I like.”

In another part of the city, Li Dong was quietly asking Jian Yixin:

“Ms. Song, do we need to reschedule the trip to M City?”

Why did Ms. Song not go to celebrate Lin’s birthday? Why didn’t they spend the beautiful night together?

Wasn’t the plan to go to M City tomorrow afternoon?

“Yeah, let’s go earlier.”

“Okay, I’ll change the booking.”

After Li Dong left, Jian Yixin closed her eyes, then received a message from Lin Qinglu:

“I’ve received the birthday present I like.”

Her eyes trembled.

09 looked at this development, hugging herself helplessly:

“Host, what are you going to do?”

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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