After Being Scummed – Chapter 82

Childish Ghost

When Yin Bai arrived at the set of Zuo Jingyou’s drama group, it was already past 7 o’clock in the evening. The remaining glow of the sunset had faded, and the heat that had simmered in the late summer was completely dispersed by the night breeze. A hint of autumn coolness lingered in the air.

Upon entering the indoor studio, Yin Bai found Zuo Jingyou and Xiao Nian still shooting the final scene of the day. Director Xu Shishi sat behind the camera, watching the outstanding performances of the two actors and feeling that they could do another take.

At that moment, Yin Bai, who was covered in dust, arrived at the entrance of the set. Seeing Xu Shishi calling “CUT,” Yin Bai immediately tapped Zhang Yu on the side, signaling her to enter and greet Xu Shishi.

Understanding the signal, Zhang Yu hurriedly took a few steps forward and approached Xu Shishi. She lowered her voice and called out, “Director Xu.”

Xu Shishi raised her gaze and looked at Zhang Yu, expressing surprise, “Assistant Zhang… Why are you here?”

Zhang Yu pointed behind herself and lowered her voice, saying, “The boss came looking for Teacher Zuo.”

Xu Shishi immediately understood and picked up the megaphone, shouting towards Zuo Jingyou, who was in conversation with Xiao Nian on the set, “Teacher Zuo, someone is here!”

With Xu Shishi’s shout, everyone’s gaze turned towards the entrance. Zuo Jingyou, who had just finished discussing the previous performance with Xiao Nian, immediately turned her head and spotted Yin Bai standing outside the door, leaning on a cane.

When their eyes met, Yin Bai smiled and waved at her, saying, “Hey.”

Zuo Jingyou grinned and chuckled softly. Ah, she really did come in a hurry. It looks like she really missed her.

Zuo Jingyou furrowed her brows, a smile playing on her lips. She turned to Xiao Nian beside her and said, “Sorry, Teacher Xiao, I need to go over for a moment.”

After saying this, Zuo Jingyou paid no attention to Xiao Nian’s reaction. It was as if she were a little nightingale, completely engrossed in the embrace of her love for Yin Bai.

When Zuo Jingyou approached Yin Bai, Yin Bai couldn’t contain her joy, feeling like a young boy who had finally met the girl of his dreams. Overcome with shyness and excitement, she opened her arms to Zuo Jingyou and said, “Teacher Zuo, come here for a hug.”

Zuo Jingyou lowered her gaze and smiled gently, tenderly nestling into Yin Bai’s embrace.

Amidst the watchful eyes of the onlookers, they held each other. Yin Bai raised her hand, caressing Zuo Jingyou’s soft black hair and inhaling the familiar scent emanating from her. With a slightly bittersweet tone, she said, “Teacher Zuo, I missed you so much. Without your presence enveloping me, I feel like a flower withering in the approaching autumn, my whole being wilting.”

Her voice sounded deeply distressed, and Zuo Jingyou leaned against her shoulder, listening to her heartfelt confession. In that moment, she felt like her busy heart had finally found a place of rest.

In an instant, all weariness dissipated, and she felt herself filled with strength.

Zuo Jingyou embraced her tightly, holding her waist firmly. After a while, she released her grip and looked up, smiling as she said, “I missed you too. You really came.”

“Of course, when Teacher Zuo finally spoke up, no matter how far, I had to rush over to see you!”

Yin Bai raised her hand and gently stroked Zuo Jingyou’s black hair, as if no one else was around. Her expression was incredibly gentle as she said, “Teacher Zuo, you’ve lost some weight.”

Zuo Jingyou pursed her lips and smiled, saying, “Not at all, it’s just for the role. So, I lost a bit of weight.”

“But it’s still too thin. After filming, you must make sure to replenish properly.”

The two of them spoke intimately, and Xu Shishi, who had a perceptive eye, walked over and greeted Yin Bai, saying, “Hello, Director Yin.”

Yin Bai released Zuo Jingyou and leaned on her cane as she looked at Xu Shishi. A cold, indifferent mask appeared on her face, and she nodded nonchalantly, saying, “Hello, Director Xu…”

The two of them could barely be considered acquainted. Xu Shishi expressed gratitude for Yin Bai’s care for the crew’s meals since joining the production. Yin Bai told her not to be polite and that if there were any financial difficulties, she could always approach her for investment.

After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Shishi felt a bit embarrassed and said, “Director Yin, as you can see, Teacher Zuo still has a scene left to shoot. Should we finish filming it first?”

Yin Bai released her hold on Zuo Jingyou and nodded, speaking in a cold and indifferent tone, “Hmm, you can continue filming. I’ll just watch from the side.”

As she spoke, Yin Bai lightly pushed Zuo Jingyou on the waist from behind and her gaze became incredibly gentle. “Teacher Zuo, hurry up and shoot. I’ll wait for you to finish work.”

Zuo Jingyou smiled and softly replied, “Okay.”

After watching Zuo Jingyou return to Xiao Nian’s side, Yin Bai leaned on her cane and, ignoring the curious gazes of others, approached Xu Shishi.

Xu Shishi, who was sitting on a chair, looked up and saw Yin Bai standing awkwardly with her cane on the side. She thought of getting up to offer her seat. However, Yin Bai raised her hand and lightly tapped Xu Shishi’s shoulder with her finger, her face cold as she said, “Don’t mind me, continue filming.”

Just as Xu Shishi was about to say something, she noticed Zhang Yu and the crew members bringing over a stool and placing it next to Yin Bai. Yin Bai sat down on the chair, straightening her back while leaning on her cane, her face icy as she looked towards Zuo Jingyou on the set.

She exuded an aura that seemed to warn others not to approach, giving off a particularly bossy vibe.

As Xu Shishi looked at her stern profile, she couldn’t help but recall the scene earlier at the entrance where Yin Bai joyfully embraced Zuo Jingyou. Suddenly, she felt a slight toothache.

How should I put it, that double standard attitude, it really is quite domineering.

With these thoughts in mind, Xu Shishi picked up the megaphone and shouted to the set, “All departments, get ready. Script supervisor, start filming!”

The two actresses on set quickly got into character. After finding their positions, they swiftly immersed themselves in the scene as soon as the word “action” was called.

Yin Bai sat behind the video monitor, her gaze crossing rows of cameras, firmly fixed on Zuo Jingyou’s face. Leaning on her cane, legs crossed, and back straight, she seemed to be attending the most luxurious opera performance, enjoying the performances of Zuo Jingyou and Xiao Nian.

Under her earnest gaze, the two dedicated actresses remained focused and quickly immersed themselves in the scene, finding their own emotions and delivering an outstanding performance.

When Xu Shishi announced cheerfully, “Cut! Alright, thank you all for your hard work. We’re wrapping up for the night!”

The crew members on set let out a sigh of relief and happily began packing up.

Yin Bai, sitting behind the camera, enthusiastically applauded and exclaimed, “Excellent performance!” Then, she turned her head to look at Xu Shishi and sincerely said, “Director Xu, I wonder if you and and the crew would honor me by joining in having a meal?”

“I’ve already arranged dinner at the hotel. We can go there directly after wrapping up.”

Xu Shishi was momentarily taken aback, and she pushed her glasses up while shyly smiling, saying, “Since Director Yin is treating, we’ll gladly accept your invitation for a meal after we finish.”

After Xu Shishi spoke, she picked up the megaphone and called out to the crew, “Let’s clean up the set. Once it’s done, Director Yin will treat you all to a meal!”

Yin Bai blinked her eyes, and in no time, everyone cheerfully expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Director Yin.”

Yin Bai waved her hand and forced a smile without saying anything more. After dealing with this situation, she turned to Xu Shishi and said, “Assistant Zhang will accompany you all to the hotel later. Teacher Zuo and I have something to attend to, so we’ll leave first.”

Xu Shishi smiled and said somewhat apologetically, “Teacher Zuo doesn’t have any scenes tomorrow morning, so Director Yin can bring her back on time in the afternoon.”

Yin Bai remained silent for two seconds and then said faintly, “Thank you.”

After the conversation between the two ended, Zuo Jingyou and Xiao Nian bid their farewells and walked towards Yin Bai. Xiao Nian stood in place, hesitating for a moment without approaching to greet Yin Bai, who exuded a chilling aura while leaning on her cane.

She actually understood Yin Bai’s personality to some extent. Just like that day, after parting ways, they would become familiar strangers. When it wasn’t necessary, there was no need to exchange greetings.

Moreover, Zuo Jingyou was still here.

Her identity was awkward. Even if Zuo Jingyou wouldn’t mind, after the incident with the live broadcast, it would be better for her and Yin Bai to avoid any suspicion. At least for these few years, it would be best if the two of them didn’t have any contact.

It’s so awkward, Xiao Nian thought.

Xiao Nian turned around and had her assistant pass her the thermos. She pretended not to notice Yin Bai and casually drank her water, waiting for Lu Qing to come and pick her up from the set.

Zuo Jingyou didn’t pay attention to Xiao Nian’s reaction and went straight to Yin Bai’s side. Yin Bai stood up with her cane and held Zuo Jingyou’s hand, smiling shyly. “I’ve already greeted Director Xu. Let’s go back directly.”

Zuo Jingyou was somewhat surprised. “Didn’t you say you were treating everyone to a meal? Aren’t you coming too?”

Yin Bai casually replied, “Socializing is something Assistant Zhang can handle. Besides, you’re off work now, so can I go home with you?”

Seeing Zuo Jingyou’s lack of response, Yin Bai shook Zuo Jingyou’s hand and coquettishly said in a soft voice, “Let’s go home, let’s go home. Take me home. I’ve been flying all day, I’m so tired.”

Just as she was being affectionate, Lu Qing, who was waiting for Xiao Nian to finish work, walked in. When Lu Qing saw Yin Bai being affectionate with Zuo Jingyou, she was momentarily stunned.

Upon hearing the footsteps, Yin Bai also looked up and saw Lu Qing standing at the door. Their eyes met, and Yin Bai’s soft expression froze on her face as she blinked.

Lu Qing pursed her lips, hesitated for a moment, and still greeted them, “Hello, Teacher Zuo. Hello, Director Yin.”

Upon hearing Lu Qing’s voice, Xiao Nian turned around and looked at her from a distance.

When Xiao Nian saw Lu Qing standing at the door greeting Yin Bai, she furrowed her brows slightly. She thought that Lu Qing would most likely feel jealous upon seeing Yin Bai, so she would have to put in some effort to appease her tonight.

It’s really a narrow path for enemies.

Coincidentally, upon seeing Lu Qing, Zuo Jingyou and Xiao Nian had the same thought. Zuo Jingyou sighed, tightened her grip on Yin Bai’s hand, and leaned closer to her, saying while looking at Lu Qing with a faint smile, “Director Lu is here to pick Xiao Nian up from work again? You’re really punctual. Director Lu always arrives right after work ends.”

Lu Qing pursed her lips and smiled somewhat embarrassedly. “Yes, I calculated the approximate time for her to finish work beforehand.”

Zuo Jingyou smirked, “Director Lu and Xiao Nian are truly affectionate.”

Hey, hey, hey, what do you mean by them being affectionate? Are she and Teacher Zuo not affectionate? Yin Bai thought to herself as she reached out and wrapped her arm around Zuo Jingyou’s waist, giving Lu Qing a forced smile.

Lu Qing looked at Yin Bai’s face and felt a strange sensation in her heart. She glanced at Yin Bai and hesitated for a moment before saying, “Teacher Zuo and Director Yin are also quite affectionate. Did Director Yin fly here specifically to see Teacher Zuo?”

Yin Bai said very elegantly and coldly, “Hmm.”

She paused and reluctantly said, “I have made a dinner reservation at the Galaxy Hotel. If Director Lu and Teacher Xiao are available, how about joining us for dinner?”

Anyway, she and Zuo Jingyou weren’t going, and she just casually extended the invitation. Although Lu Qing seemed like a good person, Yin Bai still felt uneasy when she looked at her face.

Lu Qing nodded and said, “Thank you, Director Yin. I’ll go find Nian Nian first.”

Nian Nian, Nian Nian, my foot! Are you afraid that others don’t know how affectionate you two are?

Yin Bai and Zuo Jingyou nodded together and said, “Goodbye.”

After exchanging greetings, Lu Qing immediately walked towards Xiao Nian, who was drinking water inside, and called out, “Nian Nian.”

Xiao Nian turned around and smiled at Lu Qing, saying, “Wait for me a moment. I’ll tidy up and then we can go back.”

Lu Qing replied, “Okay.”

Pretending not to hear the conversation between the two, which sounded like an old married couple, Yin Bai immediately wrapped her arm around Zuo Jingyou’s waist and walked outside while muttering, “When did Xiao Nian’s wife arrive? Why didn’t you tell me anything?”

Look at the tone of this old married couple, look at the affectionate terms they use, I wonder how much dog food they’ve scattered on the set. It’s annoying! Don’t they have any sense of public decency? Don’t they know that single dogs can’t consume too much dog food or they’ll be stuffed?

Zuo Jingyou glanced at Yin Bai and said helplessly, “Why does it matter when she arrived? Are you planning to come and challenge her?”

Yin Bai hobbled forward, tapping her cane firmly, and said indignantly, “Of course not! Don’t you think it’s excessive for them to show affection every day? As your girlfriend, I naturally want to come and assert my presence, to overturn their bowl of dog food!”

“You’re so childish!”

Zuo Jingyou frowned and glanced at Yin Bai, “Are you a child? Why do you have to compare yourself with them? I’m not like you. I know the person I love, and they treat me well. Isn’t that enough?”

Speaking of which, Zuo Jingyou released her hold on Yin Bai’s waist and looked at her earnestly, asking, “Did you come here because you wanted to see me, or because your former rival is showing affection here and you want to show off by coming to find me?”

“Yin Bai, you need to think carefully before answering me.”

The two of them stood not far from the entrance, facing each other in confrontation. Yin Bai felt the emptiness of the embrace and her heart began to feel a chill. After seriously contemplating for a moment, she replied, “Ninety-nine percent is because I miss you, and one percent is to confront Lu Qing. You know, I’ve had a dislike for her for quite some time, not just for a day or two.”

Yin Bai leaned on her cane and looked at Zuo Jingyou’s stern expression. Her heart started to beat faster, and she cautiously said, “So, you won’t be angry, right?”

Zuo Jingyou smiled and lifted her hand to pinch Yin Bai’s ear, giving it a slight tug of force. “No, I won’t. How could I be angry with you? You’re an honest good kid.”

In contrast to her gentle tone, the force in her hand was really strong. Yin Bai winced in pain but didn’t dare to resist, so she could only say meekly, “Yes, I am a good kid.”

“Teacher Zuo, can we talk about it when we get home?”

Yin Bai’s submissive appearance made Zuo Jingyou chuckle. She released her grip, pinched Yin Bai’s face, and sighed, “You, you’re so childish, so annoying. Sometimes you’re just an unruly child… but you’re impossible to dislike.”

Zuo Jingyou reached out and took hold of Yin Bai’s arm again, supporting her as they walked forward. She leaned against Yin Bai’s slightly flushed earlobe and whispered softly, “I feel like you’ve corrupted me. It’s quite nice to have a girlfriend picking me up after work.”

“So, I’ve decided to forgive your little scheming, as long as you behave well from now on.”

Zuo Jingyou leaned closer to Yin Bai and whispered in a low voice, “Although I don’t have much competitiveness in me, I have to be childish and say this: You’re not allowed to lose to Lu Qing.”

Yin Bai reached out and made an “OK” gesture, confidently saying, “Of course, I won’t lose to her!”

Ha, how could she possibly lose with a silly goose like Lu Qing!

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