Chapter 347 : White Album
“Cut! Great take!”
Hearing the director’s words, Bai Yiyue let out a long sigh of relief. Her picture-perfect smile disappeared instantly, replaced by an exhausted expression. The filming for her new album’s music video was finally done. She felt like she had barely survived the ordeal.
“Good job~”
Wu Zi, her manager, walked over and handed her a towel and a bottle of water. The hot weather combined with the grueling filming schedule had pushed Bai Yiyue to her limits.
Bai Yiyue grabbed the water and gulped it down, savoring the cool liquid sliding down her throat. She could feel her energy slowly returning.
“Sister Zi, there aren’t any more appointments scheduled for the next few days, right?”
Seeing her artist’s hopeful expression, Wu Zi smiled slightly. “Nope, you’re free for the next few days. You can finally relax.”
“That’s fantastic! I remember there’s a beach nearby, isn’t there? Let’s go there later!”
“If you want to, sure. But you’ll have to follow my lead.”
“Deal!”
Without waiting for further discussion, Bai Yiyue ran off to change clothes. She figured if she stayed in her current outfit any longer, she’d break out in a rash.
As she changed, Bai Yiyue couldn’t help but think of Ling Ning. Ling Ning had invited her to join this beach trip, but Bai Yiyue had been forced to decline due to her busy schedule. The regret lingered—especially the thought of missing out on seeing Ling Ning in a swimsuit. Why did it have to turn out this way?
Determined, Bai Yiyue vowed to convince Ling Ning to wear a swimsuit for her once she got back. No matter what, she couldn’t let this opportunity pass.
While Bai Yiyue changed, Wu Zi stayed behind to finalize the wrap-up work with the staff. Once Bai Yiyue returned, they immediately set off toward the seaside town.
As Wu Zi drove, Bai Yiyue couldn’t shake an odd feeling. No, it wasn’t “odd” so much as it was “too normal.” Her manager, usually so composed, seemed uncharacteristically unaffected by everything.
Bai Yiyue knew Wu Zi harbored feelings for her. But since she already had someone she liked, she chose to feign ignorance toward Wu Zi’s affections. This arrangement had worked well enough until now.
She remembered how despondent Wu Zi had looked after finding her “White Album” diary that night. But by the next day, Wu Zi had acted as though nothing had happened. The abrupt change was unsettling.
Still, given Wu Zi’s rational and level-headed personality, it wasn’t entirely surprising. If Bai Yiyue hadn’t met Ling Ning, maybe—just maybe—she could have fallen for Wu Zi. But that was nothing more than a passing thought.
Feeling Bai Yiyue’s gaze, Wu Zi turned to her briefly and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I was just thinking Sister Zi is looking more and more beautiful lately. If I were a guy, I’d definitely be captivated by you.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Bai Yiyue regretted them. Why do I keep saying things that make everything more complicated?
“If you were a guy, I definitely wouldn’t like you.”
Wu Zi’s tone was light, but her words carried weight.
Wu Zi had always known she was a lesbian. If Bai Yiyue were a man, no matter how perfect he might seem, Wu Zi would never have fallen for her. She wouldn’t have even become her assistant or manager in the first place.
The music video set wasn’t far from the seaside town. In less than thirty minutes, they arrived at their destination. The salty sea breeze brushed against their faces, and Bai Yiyue wanted to shout, “Ocean, here I come!”
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"Xiaoxiao, I really don’t get it. How can someone as uncoordinated as you be the star of your school’s track team?" Ling Ning asked, watching Zhou Xiaoxiao struggle with a float ring in the water. Despite two days of lessons, she hadn’t made any progress.
"I don’t know either! I’m just as frustrated as you are! And for the record, my lack of coordination only happens in the water!"
“Don’t lie! Yesterday, you tripped over your own feet. How do you explain that?”
“Ugh!” Zhou Xiaoxiao huffed, clinging to her float ring. “Fine! I’ll figure it out myself. You go have fun.”
Zhou Xiaoxiao felt guilty. Ling Ning had spent two whole days teaching her to swim without getting to enjoy herself. The least she could do was let Ling Ning relax.
"Really? Okay, then. But just so you know, you’re out far enough that your feet can’t touch the bottom."
“Wait, what!?” Zhou Xiaoxiao panicked. “Ling Ning, don’t leave yet! Push me closer to the shallow water first!”
Ling Ning smirked. “You know, people only realize their true potential when they’re pushed to their limits. So... good luck!” With that, she walked away, adding, “And this definitely has nothing to do with you tickling me earlier and making me question my life choices!”
“Wait! Don’t leave me here!”
Ling Ning, of course, wasn’t so heartless. She had already asked Xia You and Xia Li to keep an eye on Zhou Xiaoxiao before leaving. Now, she could finally relax and enjoy herself.
As she prepared to dive into the water, a familiar voice called out behind her. Turning around, she was knocked off her feet by a running figure.
Staring up from her spot on the sand, Ling Ning blinked in disbelief. Sitting atop her was none other than Bai Yiyue. Why is she here? Didn’t she say she had work?
Bai Yiyue was just as stunned. She had been running toward the ocean, momentarily blinded by the sun, and hadn’t realized she was about to collide with someone—let alone Ling Ning.
“My lady, you forgot your goggles and swim cap,” Wu Zi said, walking over with the items in hand. She froze when she saw her employer straddling Ling Ning. Why do they keep running into each other everywhere we go?
"You… why are you here?" Ling Ning asked.
"I… I could ask you the same thing!" Bai Yiyue stammered.
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Author’s Note:
Seeing the title, you might want to strangle me. But remember, no updates if I’m dead!