Chapter 26: You Can Continue To Be Naive In Front Of Me

It is summer now, and the flowers in the Deng Mansion Garden are in full bloom. Ruan Yesheng is walking on a path with pressed flowers and leaves. Xi Mo is walking beside her, and a camera is following them slowly.

Everyone present was focused on them.

The staff must stare intently because of work needs, while Feng Tangtang is because she was fangirling. She sat under the umbrella with a bunch of snacks in her arms, tore open a bag, and squeezed out a piece of potato chips, but she didn't put it in her mouth, she just subconsciously held it in her hand, and looked at Xi Mo and Ruan Yesheng who were filming over there. With a dazed expression, she was screaming in her heart, as if she had gathered all the fans and entered an unparalleled realm.

Ruanruan and Sister Xi acting together on the same screen, Feng Tangtang is about to cry.

Waiting for a while with the script in hand, Ruan Yesheng turned her head to glance at Xi Mo beside her and spoke, "Ding'e, Father intends to send me to the palace."

Xi Mo folded her hands and put them close together in front of her body while remaining silent. She exuded both dignity and humility.

In the early days, Deng Sui had no reservations in front of Ding'e. Ding'e was not good at talking and often acted as a listener. Deng Sui also knew her habits. Even without verbal responses, Deng Sui could still naturally confide in her. She knew she was truly listening to her.

So Ruan Yesheng looked into Xi Mo's eyes and continued: "Earlier, he asked me to talk in the study room, saying that I was old enough to prepare for some things. The implication was that my portrait had been submitted to the roster for His Majesty to review."

*Women were selected as xiunu (elegant females) for the court as early as the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD). source. The drama is set during Wei Dynasty (386–534/35 AD)

Xi Mo didn't say anything else. Looking ahead, she said in a calm voice, "Miss, the swing is up ahead."

"Then let us go quickly." Ruan Yesheng smiled, turned around, and held Xi Mo's hand, leading her toward the swing. Xi Mo's feet swayed a bit, and then followed her a little cautiously, with a clumsy look of following her steps. Ruan Yesheng laughed at her affectionately in front of her: "You are really always the same, a wood."

Hearing this, Xi Mo lowered her head and said, "...Mm."

According to the script setting, Ding'e's restraint should have been shown here. Compared with Deng Sui's early innocence, Xi Mo's acting is very good, and Ruan Yesheng also cooperates seamlessly. However, Xi Mo felt that her own nervousness seemed to be no longer following her understanding of the script. That kind of restraint and tension had truly taken root in her heart.

She wasn't sure if it was because the weather was hot, or because of other reasons, a fine layer of sweat broke out on her palms. This slippery touch made her very uncomfortable.

Ruan Yesheng felt it, and loosened her hands slightly, but held her tightly again.

The discomfort deepened by the tightening, so Xi Mo had no choice but to bite the bullet and hold Ruan Yesheng.

Many people think that actors are just actors, and all the emotions are performed according to the needs of the script. However, beneath the cover they put on, many actors will naturally refute, saying that they acted with true emotions, saying "The character is me, and I am the character." Such words could be seen as insulting, but when Xi Mo hears these arguments, she doesn't show any reaction.

Maybe she had already thoroughly analyzed herself and believed that she truly is like that. She thinks those people are just stating facts, and there's no need for her to refute them.

She showed superb acting skills in front of the public. She cried when she should cry, laughed when she should laugh, affectionate when she should be affectionate, and hysterical when she should be hysterical. Every expression and every movement is deeply moving. The role is as fresh as being endowed with a soul in her hands. Although she has many black fans, those blacks really rarely criticize her acting skills. It is also her unrestrained acting skills that allow her to gain countless character fans every time. Those fans are infected by her acting skills and cannot distinguish between reality and illusion. Even in reality, many of them are used to using their favorite characters. Calling her by her character's nickname. They channel their enthusiasm for the character onto Xi Mo, intensifying their passionate affection for her. Their love for her becomes even more fervent.

However, Xi Mo knows that acting is acting, no matter how real she acts, it is just acting. It is not uncommon for many actors to fall in love with their co-stars because of getting too emotionally involved in their roles. But she is too calm in this regard.

She cruelly separates her acting skills from her genuine inner feelings, like tearing flesh from bone. For the sake of acting, she can switch personalities anytime, anywhere, but she's aware that none of those are truly her.

But now in front of Ruan Yesheng, it was just a simple scene, and it was just such trivial details, but she felt the real restraint deep in her heart— these feelings weren't something she was acting out. Perhaps it was the first time she had experienced this, making this unfamiliar sensation even leave her a bit flustered.

Fortunately, Xi Mo's self-adjustment ability is very strong, and she calmed down after a while, suppressing this uncomfortable feeling, and she returned to being Ding'e, and calmly separated Ding'e from herself and continued filming work.

Several cameras adjusted their shooting positions. One of them focused mainly on the close-up of the two people. Xi Mo carefully helped Ruan Yesheng onto the swing.

Deng Sui has always relied on Ding'e very much. Ruan Yesheng sat on the swing and looked at Xi Mo with a smile on her face: "This time, push it slowly, and do not push it too high."

"Don't worry, Miss." Xi Mo said.

Xi Mo pushed the swing behind Ruan Yesheng. The weather was so hot that even the sunlight seemed to become transparent, forming many halos that made people want to squint. As the swing returned, Xi Mo protected Ruan Yesheng's waist to prevent any accidental falls. She lowered her head and could see the halos falling on Ruan Yesheng's hair accessory, sparkling with light.

Feng Tangtang watched from the sidelines, thinking to herself: Why does this scene look so romantic, what's wrong with it?

She pondered over it but couldn't pinpoint the exact reason that felt off to her. Nevertheless, she felt an inexplicable excitement, as if her blood was surging within her. Then, she turned her head and noticed the bodyguard Gu Qisong standing not far away, watching like a watchtower. She quickly beckoned him over, signaling for him to come under the umbrella and enjoy the shade.

Gu Qisong came over, and Feng Tangtang handed him the open bag of potato chips: "Brother Gu, do you want some?"

"Thank you." Gu Qisong nodded his thanks with a sullen face but didn't eat. His eyes returned to the filming location over there. After the incident with the dead chicken earlier, he seemed to be on edge, not daring to relax even for a moment.

Feng Tangtang knew that he was dedicated to his work, so she didn't disturb him anymore, she just put the bag of potato chips in her hand and continued to watch with interest, while she raised her hand casually, so that Gu Qisong could reach for it if he wanted to eat.

On the other side, Ruan Yesheng had her back to Xi Mo and was still in character, saying, "Regarding my entry into the palace, Ding'e, what do you think?"

Xi Mo pushed the swing gently and said: "I do not have any ideas. The Young Miss' thoughts are my thoughts. So, if you would like to share your thoughts with me, you can. I have been listening all along."

She has been freed from the discomfort of accidentally getting too immersed in the role. She felt that her soul had detached, allowing her to continue observing herself act with Ruan Yesheng with an unbiased eye. Her acting skills are proficient, and a cool breeze seemed to come around. In this deep calmness, she felt the comfort that she was used to before. Finally, she had completely left behind that invasive feeling that had taken root in her heart. 

Very well, she was still the same person as before.

She hadn't changed because of anything.

...and certainly not because of the woman before her.

Ruan Yesheng's lips still carried a smile, but she tilted her head slightly, seemingly with a shallow worry. "I am willing to enter the palace. I understand Father's intentions. Grandfather has long passed away, and the Deng family has enjoyed his favor. Despite our longstanding prominence, we fear that our grace might diminish over time and that imperial favor might wane. Father wants me to enter the palace for the sake of the Deng family's future stability. Currently, there are hidden currents within the court, and the Emperor and Empress Dowager Dou are locked in a hidden power struggle. Father does not know which side to support now, fearing that displeasing Empress Dowager Dou might bring trouble or that offending the Emperor might incur his displeasure. He's caught in between, feeling both apprehensive and fearful. Father has said that the court will inevitably change, but we don't know when those changes will come. If I enter the palace, I can serve both the Emperor and Empress Dowager Dou, observing the situation for Father. If that day truly arrives, I will not be left helpless or let others slaughter me."

Ruan Yesheng finished speaking such a long series of lines, without any lag and naturally complimented them with her facial expressions. Feng Tangtang's attention was to the extent that she forgot to eat. She thought that when Xi Mo was focused on acting rather than getting angry, she was truly like a goddess. Seeing that she was about to become a crazy fan by accident, she questioned if she had become a crazy fan because of her Stockholm Syndrome. At some point, another person had come by her side, and upon looking, it was the makeup artist waiting for touch-ups. The makeup artist was watching intently and even snacking on Feng Tangtang's snacks. The two "crazy fans" were munching away like squirrels, occasionally sharing their thoughts on the performance and praising the acting skills of the two over there. Nearby, Gu Qisong stood like a stick.

At this time, Ruan Yesheng finished speaking and then chuckled, "Ding'e, I have been talking about how things will be after entering the palace, but I did not realize that the plan has not even started yet, and I am speaking prematurely."

Xi Mo said lightly: "With the Young Miss' appearance, demeanor, and knowledge, entering the palace is an inevitable matter if Miss wishes. However, even though Miss is willing, she is not happy."

Back and forth, the two of them were able to respond to each other's lines smoothly.

Ruan Yesheng then gestured to Xi Mo to push the swing higher. She sat delicately on the swing, light and graceful like a free-spirited bird. "My entry into the palace is for the sake of the Deng family. Yet, I have never met the Emperor before, and I must serve by his side. How could I be happy? However, I am thinking that in the future, when I meet the Emperor, I can gradually cultivate affection. If I truly come to love him, then I will naturally find much joy. Third Brother is unhappy about my entering the palace. He is quite displeased, saying that my thoughts are merely naive. Father found out and scolded Third Brother, but I do not know where he has gone off to now."

The swing steadied in Xi Mo's hands, and in this momentary pause, Ruan Yesheng raised her head. "Ding,'e, do you think I am naive?"

Xi Mo looked into her eyes and saw the light shining inside, her heart suddenly tightened.

For some reason, she saw the verdant past in the seemingly pure but confused eyes.

When they were in college, she had once said that Ruan Yesheng was naive, with a slightly exasperated tone.

Back then, her aura was strong enough to make everyone around her keep their distance, yet Ruan Yesheng always approached her as if no one else was around. She considered herself unfamiliar with Ruan Yesheng, yet Ruan Yesheng seemed to be unaware of it. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but there were two occasions when Ruan Yesheng bumped into her at the same intersection. After that, Ruan Yesheng started waking up early and waiting at that intersection for her to pass by.

However, she didn't know it at the time. For some reason, she had to change her route to the classroom, but once she passed the intersection again, she saw Ruan Yesheng waiting there.

At that time, Ruan Yesheng was still so young, wearing a snow-white skirt, and it was raining lightly. She could still walk around in the rain with an umbrella, and kick a few flowers falling in the rain with a smile.

"Naive, childish." Those were the words Xi Mo had said to her as she walked past at that time.

Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=2188414

This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.

In her memories, she had indeed been naive once.

But she changed afterward. After a longer leave of absence, when she returned, Xi Mo almost didn't recognize her.

Ruan Yesheng underwent such a rapid transformation, growing as if she was swelling to burst her own bones. Just after a period of absence, all of her youthfulness had vanished completely. Her interactions with others had matured, she displayed grace and propriety, and she became a well-known fairy* at school. Clever and alluring, as if she wore a mask of smiles, making it impossible for anyone to see through her. She walked in the crowd with ease.

*term used is 妖精 (yāojing) - supernatural beings that can be translated as fairy, elf, or goblin, in Chinese folklore they're linked with mischief, coquettishness, or lewdness.

The camera is still moving forward. From the beginning until now, Lin Qitang has never yelled "cut", and the word "satisfaction" is written all over his body comfortably. He wasn't aware of Xi Mo's current feelings. After all, everything displayed on the monitor was perfect. He didn't expect that the two of them could cooperate so harmoniously for the first time. Lin Qitang was happy, and the other staff were even happier, the smoother the shooting process, the easier it will be for them, without going back and forth.

Xi Mo's palms were sweating again as before.

Fortunately, there is no need for Ding'e's lines in the script at this time. At this time, it is Deng Sui's lines. Ruan Yesheng laughed at herself: "Forget it, it will be completely different after entering the palace anyway. Third Brother worries about my naivety, but it is indeed unnecessary."

The look in Xi Mo's eyes was erratic. When she thought of Ruan Yesheng in the past, she almost couldn't distinguish between memories and reality. The feeling that penetrated into her heart once again made her feel at a loss.

Lin Qitang, who didn't know the truth, looked at the close-up of Xi Mo's facial expression on the monitor, seeing her accurate expression, his facial muscles twitched with excitement. However, for the sake of his own image as a director, he didn't want to show his excitement too obviously, so he held it back causing even his eyebrows to tremble.

Xi Mo put her hand on Ruan Yesheng's back and gently sent the swing out again.

She said slowly: "I will be by the Young Miss' side. If Miss is in the palace, I will be in the palace. Even if things are unpredictable in the future, Miss, you can continue to be naive in front of me."

This voice is light but soft, scattered in the summer light.

—Oh my God!

Upon hearing this, Feng Tangtang was so close to jumping up from her seat and waving imaginary flags with the makeup artist while screaming in excitement. However, she had no flags and only had a bag of potato chips in her hand. As she was about to shake the bag of chips in place of the flags, she noticed the bag was almost empty. With a sulky expression, Gu Qisong, who was acting as a deadpan spectator, was helping himself to the chips from her bag, crunching away. Meanwhile, he was watching the scene between Xi Mo and Ruan Yesheng, his face still deadpan but clearly enjoying it.

Feng Tangtang knew that her brother Gu might have joined the fan camp.

After Xi Mo finished speaking, it happened that Ruan Yesheng was swinging back to the rhythm of the swing again. Ruan Yesheng's heart was pounding, and she couldn't help but look up at Xi Mo again, her ears turning crimson.

Xi Mo also looked down to see Ruan Yesheng's reddish ears, and the two looked at each other, she suddenly became a little flustered, this time the two of them didn't care to match the rhythm of the swing. The swing was swaying back and forth, and Ruan Yesheng, not sitting securely, leaned forward and was about to fall off.

Lin Qitang had thought that the scene was going so smoothly that he almost forgot how to say "cut." But now, seeing Ruan Yesheng almost falling forward, he was startled and nearly toppled off his stool, shouting loudly, "Cut!"

At the same time, the atmosphere on set shifted from the previously focused and calm filming state to a state of excitement. Feng Tangtang, the number one idiot fan, stood up anxiously, and the newly converted idiot fan, Gu Qisong, had a stern expression and almost rushed over.

Fortunately, Xi Mo had already reached out to pull, but seeing her pull didn't work, she subconsciously took a big step forward and hugged Ruan Yesheng tightly from behind.

Ruan Yesheng sat on the swing while Xi Mo held her tightly from behind, finally managing to steady the swing this time.

Ruan Yesheng: "..."

Xi Mo felt Ruan Yesheng's silence in her arms and saw Ruan Yesheng's ears that were almost blood red so she also became stunned.

Then she felt the two round and soft mounds in her hands, her face turned white and red, then she hurriedly withdrew her hands from Ruan Yesheng's chest.

Ruan Yesheng hurriedly jumped off the swing, turned around, and stood there straight, like a girl from a good family who was taken advantage of. She pursed her lips but her expression carried a spring-like charm, all the while remaining silent.

Xi Mo: "..."

...I didn't take advantage of you!

...That was originally my own chest!