Bursting Tomato 20

The songstress's role was complex. She had once come from a well-off family, the daughter of a wealthy household. Later, warlords seized her family's property, and her father risked his life to save her, letting her escape to this place.

She was a delicate woman with nowhere to go. A trafficker sold her to the Baile Tower, where she became a songstress.

Beautiful and well-read, she carried an air of scholarly refinement, yet her singing was cool and aloof. Her admirers called her a winter plum, and poets wrote verses for her, making her quite the sensation.

So the songstress didn't need to smile often; her smile was worth a fortune and had to be bought.

Her madam understood the value of scarcity, wanting to sell her at a high price, so she never made her receive guests.

Her life was one of drifting sorrow. Though she had vision, she was forced into a life of prostitution—a stark contrast to the rich young lady she had been.

Her character was complex and reserved, and only Lu Mingqiu could play her.

As for herself, she had to conceal her blue eyes. Black pupils suited the role better.

The songstress ultimately died from a stray bullet of the invaders, while the rich young lady would grow up and throw herself into the tide of reform.

It was a tragic story. Perhaps there was love between them, perhaps not. More importantly, it depicted two women's different circumstances and choices during turbulent times—they were a microcosm of an era.

But these nuances meant nothing to Yan Xianchuan. Her gaze was like a nail, fixed firmly on that line, wishing she could burn a hole through it.

This was filming; they wouldn't actually do anything, just capture an ambiguous atmosphere.

But... Yan Xianchuan glanced at the script, then at Lu Mingqiu, and her eyes swept over the necks of the director and screenwriter in front, feeling they were extremely obstructive.

Lu Mingqiu had filmed many movies and naturally had her share of intimate scenes. Yan had seen such scenes before.

In that film about the era of the Great Cleansing, when the character Lu Mingqiu played lost her lover, she kissed his brows, kissed his hollow cheeks, and kissed his chapped lips.

At the time, Yan Xianchuan had felt nothing, even appraising the composition.

But now, she found it increasingly hard to watch.

The actress playing the rich young lady suited the role in looks and temperament, like a sunflower full of vitality. Her features weren't stunning, but once she immersed herself in the character, her acting added radiance and charm, enhancing her appeal.

In the shot, when the two stood together, they looked especially well matched.

Yan couldn't quite name her feeling, but she felt uncomfortable.

Of course, Yan Xianchuan sincerely respected Lu Mingqiu's job and fully understood the sacrifices required in acting—a good work required the actor to compromise their self for the role.

She just felt a tightness in her chest. Perhaps the studio was too cramped and closed, even with air conditioning keeping it cool, the sheer number of people clustered could make anyone uncomfortable.

With that thought, Yan Xianchuan stood up and silently slipped out the door.

Outside, it was a clear day. A cool breeze carried the news of autumn's approach. Though the sun blazed with undiminished heat, a trace of wind brushing past felt like a noisy beast spreading its arms, scattering golden-fuzzed chicks in all directions.

The sunlight scattered like those chirping chicks.

She stood by the door, breathing in the fresh air, yet she felt more stifled, not relieved.

Because her mind wasn't there—it had flown back into the studio, uncontrollably imagining what was happening inside.

Wouldn't it be strange if she left for no reason and then went back just as randomly?

Yan Xianchuan rarely hesitated. After a moment, she decided she was indeed being ridiculous.

Since when did she start caring what others thought?

With a calm face, she pushed the door open, returned to her seat, and scrutinized the actors on set. After a while, she concluded with satisfaction—In terms of looks, I'm far superior.

Her gaze was so intense it nearly became tangible, making the other party feel like needles on their back and nearly causing them to slip out of character, requiring a retake.

Lu Mingqiu was both professional and eager to finish quickly, so she filmed her scenes all morning and afternoon, making swift progress.

She was busy all day, and no one would be tactless enough to disturb her during meals.

Yan Xianchuan didn't order food with the assistant; instead, she had the extra presence of mind to ask the assistant to bring some desserts.

The dishes tended to be light, with no spicy or pungent foods. Yan Xianchuan wasn't picky and could eat anything.

After lunch, they returned together to the hotel floors. Coincidentally, they ran into Xiao Shu again.

She was still followed by four or five assistants—some holding umbrellas, others holding water. As soon as she saw Lu Mingqiu, she walked quickly over. "Senior! What a coincidence, meeting again. At this hour, have you eaten, Senior? If not, I just ordered from Huixiang Pavilion; they have their signature drunken fish."

Her makeup was still on, and the pearls hanging from the hairpin swayed, catching the eye.

"I just ate, about to head upstairs to rest," Lu Mingqiu paused to reply, her voice gentle. "Thank you for the thought."

"What a shame, just missed it." Xiao Shu waved a hand without lingering. "Then rest well, Senior!"

With that, she left with her group.

It was a small interlude. Lu Mingqiu was always popular, so Yan Xianchuan gave it no mind.

But in the elevator, she kept glancing at the person beside her. The latter looked back. "Do you have something to say?"

Yan Xianchuan didn't answer directly. "I read the script today."

"How is it?" Lu Mingqiu asked.

"There's a bed scene." Yan Xianchuan said calmly.

"If you hadn't mentioned it, I might have forgotten." Lu Mingqiu considered. "It's indeed inappropriate. I've publicly announced I'm married, and if I take such a role, it could affect my reputation, especially since I'm an omega."

"Thanks for the reminder," she said with a smile. "I'll have the screenwriter modify it later and cut that part out."

A small flower bloomed in Yan Xianchuan's heart, and the clouds cleared. She said primly, "No need to thank me; it was the right thing to do."

"No filming for me tomorrow morning, so I can sleep in. In the afternoon, I'll shoot on location. I bought you some sunscreen," Lu Mingqiu said, motioning for her to come to her room.

The two rooms had identical layouts, nothing special.

Lu Mingqiu's suitcase stood by the wardrobe, and the warm yellow light of sunset filtered through the sheer white curtains, tinting the furniture in shades of maple gold.

She walked in, took a small box from the TV stand. "It's the same brand I use. You never seem to use any. The sun in Nanjin City is pretty harsh, and since you care so much about your face, don't get tanned."

Yan Xianchuan took the flat rectangular box. "Thank you." She paused for a moment, then, as if genuinely puzzled, asked, "Are you always this thoughtful?"

Amid countless complex and vital matters, she still found energy to arrange these trivial details, as if her energy was boundless.

"It's just a small thing, no trouble," Lu Mingqiu said.

Clearly, she wasn't satisfied with that answer. They exchanged a look, and Lu Mingqiu realized. "Ah, I know what you're asking."

She hesitated, then said softly, "I'm used to it."

She pulled out a chair. "Sit, let's talk."

"You know, my esper power gives me strong affinity. But even if someone seems nice at first, the moment they reveal a crude side, my favor toward them drops instantly."

"So I must maintain a considerate and gentle demeanor to use my power more effectively," she continued, her tone not weary but resolute. "I can't brainwash everyone. But if I can make as many people as possible like me, so that when I stand up, they'll agree with me and support me, then it's worth it."

"Understood." Yan Xianchuan said.

By normal social rules, offering comfort or praise would be more appropriate. Yet she thought to herself—she too was forced to compromise with this so-called normal society, and she wasn't doing any better than the other.

"Ah," she sighed, sympathetic. "We're truly in the same boat."

Lu Mingqiu: "..."

Who shared a boat with a mentally ill person?

Yan Xianchuan blinked, her gaze brimming with sympathy, more dazzling than the sunset on the bedding. "Rest assured, I'll definitely help you achieve your dream."

Lu Mingqiu was momentarily speechless. "...Thank you."

What a wonderful thing! Delighted, Yan Xianchuan returned to her own room, having set her life goal for the coming days. Truly heartwarming.

At first, filming seemed novel, but after a few days, it became dull.

On set, it was noisy and chaotic; each shot often required several takes, and Yan Xianchuan had nearly memorized the dialogue.

Lu Mingqiu held an exalted status, and most of the cast were from Danyou Media, so there was no on-set conflict—everyone was as courteous as clay figures, without a hint of temper.

One day someone bought fruit, the next day someone treated the whole crew to a meal, more harmonious than a kindergarten.

Watching Lu Mingqiu act never bored her, but if she had to keep watching others, her patience would run thin.

Lu Mingqiu seemed to notice and said, "If you're bored, go back to the hotel. I saw you playing games earlier; you can continue. The TV in the hotel can cast."

Seeing she hesitated, Lu Mingqiu gave her back a gentle push. "Go on. Su Hong and the others are here."

"How about this: I'll assign you a task. Go rest a bit, and when the time feels right, go to Huixiang Pavilion to pick up dinner for us. They don't have delivery; we need to fetch it ourselves. Okay?"

"Fine," Yan Xianchuan said.

She strolled back to the hotel, collapsed onto the bed, stared at the white ceiling, and let her mind go blank. After an unknown stretch of time, a knock came at the door.

She didn't overthink it, assuming it was the housekeeping lady. She pulled the door open, only to find not a cleaner but Xiao Shu, whom she'd met several times.

"Oh? It's Miss Yan." Xiao Shu seemed surprised. "I was walking by and saw someone from afar; I thought it was Senior who had returned."

"I'm here to give a gift to Senior." She lifted the bag on her left arm. "Could I go inside to talk? If people see me in the corridor, it might cause misunderstandings."

Yan Xianchuan glanced at the white bag but couldn't tell its contents. She stepped aside to let her in.

"Back when we rehearsed 'Paint Spring Hall,' Senior always guided me. I benefited greatly and improved a lot. If not for her, I wouldn't be where I am today, so I've always been especially grateful to Senior."

Xiao Shu took out a rectangular box from the bag. "Master Qing Zhu had a custom order, and I specially went to him to forge a necklace. I intended to give it to Senior for her birthday. But since I happened to meet you here, I might as well deliver it now. Fine jewelry must be worn by the right person; otherwise, it just gathers dust."

She extended her hand, holding the box out to Yan Xianchuan. "Miss Yan, you're Senior's beloved. You must know her well. Could you take a look first whether this gift is suitable? If not..."

She playfully stuck out her tongue. "Consider I was never here. I'll find another gift for Senior."

Her words were reasonable, and Yan Xianchuan suspected nothing, taking the box.

The box was platinum-colored with two green bamboo stalks printed on it. As she held it, a fragrance wafted into her nose—it was sprayed with perfume, a sweet peach blossom scent.

She opened it, revealing a silver necklace with two emerald bamboo leaf pendants.

The leaves had delicate, clear veins, and the chain seemed composed of small bamboo segments, quite elegant.

"It looks nice." Yan Xianchuan glanced and closed the lid again. "She'll like it."

—Whether she liked it or not, Lu Mingqiu would always praise it.

"That's great!" A smile spread across Xiao Shu's lips, not one of surprise but of confident smugness.

She leaned in to take the jewelry case, but as she approached, a more intense peach fragrance spread, instantly filling the entire room.

The scent was sticky, like steam from a sauna, raising body heat, making it hard to breathe, slowing thoughts, as if an invisible syrup held one fast.

"Miss Yan," Xiao Shu kept getting closer, her round cat-like eyes showing determination.

She was dressed lightly. As she bent down, her chest looked like two mounds of white cream, soft and alluring.

Calling Yan Xianchuan's name, she reached out to wrap her arms around her neck and sit on her lap.

"What are you leaning in for?" Yan Xianchuan leaned back, holding the box against her chest, her eyes clear, showing no sign of being entranced.

Xiao Shu froze, her smile stiffening.

It shouldn't be. Impossible. She was using the most renowned Ecstasy Incense, specifically designed to disrupt the effects of pheromone suppressants, and to bewilder the mind, stirring base desires.

She had gone out of her way to find it and had seen its effects—even the coldest person could turn into a beast of lust. That was why she had applied it to the jewelry case, intending to drug Yan Xianchuan and sleep with her.

The two were always together, leaving no opportunity. To avoid seeming deliberate, Xiao Shu had only talked to Lu Mingqiu in public, acting aloof, but her real target was Yan Xianchuan.

If she could ride the Yan family's coattails, her desire to be above others would be realized.

She had a plausible excuse and her past behavior was impeccable, easy to let people lower their guard. Besides, alphas—were they any better? They were all the same. Xiao Shu had seen through them for years.

Take the wealthy families: who didn't keep a dozen lovers outside? The younger generation was no less than the older one, playing more creative tricks.

Even without drugs, a beautiful omega offering herself for free—who would reject easy pleasure?

She used the drug only as insurance.

Yet this person seemed unaffected and was even playing dumb.

Xiao Shu bit her lower lip and giggled. "Miss Yan, why feign ignorance? You let me in; we both know what's going on, right?"

She stopped moving but leaned against the desk, crossing her legs, one hand resting on the table, her calf swinging slightly, quite seductive.

"You and Senior are married in name only. Why hold back? Everyone plays around, don't they? That's how it works."

Yan Xianchuan stared at her for a long while, then said slowly, "You've sprayed too much perfume."

Xiao Shu: ?

She was half angry, half amused. "Miss Yan, do you really not get it, or are you just toying with me?"

"If you didn't mean anything, why did you let me in? Playing hard to get?"

She licked her lips. "I didn't expect Miss Yan to be so interesting."

Xiao Shu raised her hand, hooking a thin shoulder strap and trailing it down her finger.

Yan Xianchuan's expression drastically changed. She shot up, grabbed a bedsheet from the wardrobe, and flung it over Xiao Shu's head, wrapping her from head to toe. Then she twisted the sheet and, ignoring the squeals, opened the door and shoved her out.

Xiao Shu couldn't believe it. Fumbling her way out, a moment later, the jewelry box was also thrown out with a thud.

The sheet was wound around her several times, like a giant dumpling. Xiao Shu stumbled, fell onto the carpet, and struggled to free herself. Her hair was a mess like a rooster's nest, but her expression was even more chaotic, more colorful than a spilled palette.

She sat in the heap of sheets, the jewelry box nearby, the necklace knocked out, emitting a strong fragrance.

Her anger nearly pushed her to confront Yan Xianchuan, but remembering she had just been thrown out—clearly, she wasn't interested—Xiao Shu thought of the Yan family and her face darkened.

After a moment of thought, she straightened her hair, picked up the box, dragged the sheet, and left.

She had to find pheromone suppressants quickly; if she were discovered in this state, it would be terrible.

Initially, Yan Xianchuan hadn't thought much of it until the scent intensified, and she sensed something wrong. Her suppressants were highly effective and hadn't completely failed, so she only felt flushed.

When physical urges couldn't affect her, neither could psychological ones.

She had planned to ask who this person was and how she knew that they were only married in name, but she threw clothes off so fast Yan panicked and shoved her out.

Since she had suffered a loss in front of Yan Xianchuan, she probably wouldn't spread the story. Later, Yan could ask Lu Mingqiu to investigate.

Yan turned on the air purifier and opened the window, letting fresh air in to clear the scent.

But as the breeze brushed against her, her head suddenly buzzed, making her reel.

The heat inside body was like sparks on a prairie, growing with the wind, bursting into a fiery blaze.

This was the other effect of Ecstasy Incense—designed to thwart those who tried to escape. Exposed to cold air, its effects would instantly double.

In a daze, Yan Xianchuan staggered a few steps, lost her balance, and sat down on the floor.

She shut her eyes, weathered the haze, recovered her lucidity, and sent a message to Lu Mingqiu.

【Someone named Xiao Shu drugged me with an aphrodisiac.】