Chapter 11: The Boss And Her White Little Lotus
"Ruxue," Lin Qinglan murmured low, voice a smooth balance of authority and warmth.
Yu Zixue's heart skipped. The fire from before hadn't gone out — it had only shifted, transforming into something calmer, deeper, tethered to the steady, unyielding presence of Lin Qinglan.
And in the quiet aftermath of roses and rivalry, with no audience left, the space between them felt smaller than ever.
Lin Qinglan quickly lifted Yu Zixue, taking her into her arms. Her voice was calm, unflustered, yet the strength in her embrace was unmistakable. "Since you are not in good health, just stay on the bed," she instructed evenly.
One slender hand supported Yu Zixue's back, the other curved beneath her knees. Even through thin layers of clothing, Yu Zixue felt the steady warmth of Lin Qinglan's body — firm, controlled, composed.
Yu Zixue hummed softly in response, obedient on the surface. She allowed herself to be placed carefully on the mattress, fingers instinctively catching at Lin Qinglan's coat before reluctantly loosening her hold.
She was helped into a sitting position. Lin Qinglan remained standing in front of her, gaze sharp, measured, lingering just a moment too long.
That gaze was precise, dangerous, and intimate all at once.
Yu Zixue's expression nearly faltered under it, but inside, her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Aiyu, she called silently in her mind.
What now? Her system replied, already sensing potential trouble.
I've decided something, Yu Zixue thought slyly. I'm going to tease the heroine a little more.
Define "a little." Aiyu's voice echoed in her mind, calm but curious, probing for details.
Yu Zixue grinned slyly to herself. Just enough to make her flustered… maybe a little more if she resists.
Just enough, she thought, to make her hate Yao Yinuo even more. If I act generous, if I praise him… she'll get annoyed at him, right?
You're provoking her on purpose, Aiyu noted flatly.
It's strategy, Yu Zixue corrected innocently. A little jealousy never hurt anyone.
Host, Aiyu warned, faint amusement in her tone, don't overplay it.
Relax, Yu Zixue replied smugly. I know exactly how far to go. I'll look pitiful, kind, selfless… and she'll burn for me.
You are incredibly mischievous, Aiyu concluded.
And effective, Yu Zixue added proudly.
Outwardly, her lashes fluttered as if holding back tears. She forced her lips into a pale, delicate smile.
"Qinglan… in fact, Brother Yinuo is a very good person…" Her tone was soft, self - effacing, perfect little white - lotus style, even as she waited to see whether Lin Qinglan's expression would darken.
The temperature in the room dropped. Lin Qinglan's cold gaze pressed the rest of the sentence back into Yu Zixue's throat before it could fully form. No raised voice. No dramatics. Just icy, penetrating calm that made the air feel thin.
Yu Zixue swallowed. Why is she angry? Is she… jealous?
The thought sent a flicker of heat straight through Yu Zixue's chest.
Oh, Aiyu's voice slid smoothly into her mind, almost amused. She's reacting. You're doing great, host.
Yu Zixue's fingers tightened subtly at her sides. She is?
Her micro - expressions shifted the moment you praised Yao Yinuo, Aiyu analyzing quietly: jaw tension, eye focus, emotional fluctuation. Clear response.
Yu Zixue's pulse skipped. So she really doesn't like it…
Correct, Aiyu replied. Your provocation is effective.
Yu Zixue inhaled carefully, forcing her breathing to remain slightly uneven for show. No… I need a distraction.
From what? Aiyu asked silently in her mind.
From this, she answered quickly. It feels like it's going to turn chaotic. I don't want to overdo it and end up getting hated. If I push too far, she might actually get annoyed with me instead.
A brief silence followed.
Your concern is noted, Aiyu said evenly. Adjusting intensity is acceptable. Strategic retreat preserves long - term advantage.
Yu Zixue's lashes fluttered again, only half - acting this time. Exactly. I'll quit while I can. Leave her wanting more instead of pushing her away.
Sound judgment, Aiyu approved. You're maintaining control.
Yu Zixue steadied herself, heat still lingering faintly in her chest. Jealousy looked good on Lin Qinglan. A little too good.
Careful, she reminded herself. Too much fire, and even a white lotus could get burned.
She gave up immediately and changed the subject with exaggerated cheerfulness. "Qinglan, wait for me a while, I'll change clothes."
There would be filming at night. She was only pretending to be sick to shorten the distance with Lin Qinglan. If the production team invited a doctor and discovered she was perfectly healthy, Lin Qinglan might personally end her career on the spot.
Or worse. Blade her in public with that calm, beautiful face.
Yu Zixue quickly climbed off the bed and crouched beside her suitcase, rummaging through it with dramatic urgency.
Behind her, Lin Qinglan stood still. Watching. Always watching.
After digging for a moment, Yu Zixue triumphantly pulled out a boyfriend - style white shirt and a pair of white shorts. She changed quickly, her back half - turned yet deliberately unhurried, fingers sliding along her waist as she adjusted the waistband.
The shirt fell loosely over her body, slightly sheer under the room's soft lighting. It hung just long enough to suggest she might not be wearing shorts at all.
Two long, white, slender legs extended below the hem — smooth, straight, impossible to ignore. Her calves caught a subtle shimmer from the light.
Her skin was white with a faint blush at the knees and collarbone. Her long hair cascaded down like black silk, brushing over the thin cotton fabric. When she removed the pearl hair accessory from her head and let her hair fall freely, the transformation was immediate.
Innocent. Pure. Dangerous.
She turned and walked toward Lin Qinglan, her face glowing as if carrying spring in her eyes. "Qinglan."
Lin Qinglan's pupils darkened almost imperceptibly.
The loose arc of the shirt outlined Yu Zixue's graceful curves. Beneath the fabric, her waist was tight and flat, the subtle line of her abdomen visible when she breathed. The shirt collar slipped slightly to one side, revealing a delicate collarbone, a patch of skin that invited touch.
She wore white cotton slippers without concern for detail, as if she had simply thrown something on casually.
As if she had not carefully calculated every visual effect.
As if she had not noticed Lin Qinglan's gaze slowly traveling from her hair… to her lips… to the faint outline beneath the shirt.
Yu Zixue stepped closer naturally and took Lin Qinglan's hand.
Her fingers were warm. Soft. She intertwined them deliberately, enjoying the faint clinginess of the contact.
"I'm fine," Yu Zixue said, tilting her head slightly, eyelashes fluttering. "See?"
Lin Qinglan lowered her lashes, hiding whatever storm flickered beneath. Her voice dropped into a low register. "Let's go."
That was all. But she did not withdraw her hand.
Yu Zixue felt the subtle tightening of those elegant fingers around hers and nearly smiled in quiet triumph.
They walked out together.
Other guests were already waiting in the studio.
The moment Du Ruxue and Lin Qinglan appeared — hands linked — the atmosphere shifted. Several people froze.
It was the first time they had seen Du Ruxue so openly intimate with Lin Qinglan.