Chapter 53 (1/2)

Xiao Tao, whose uninspired name translated literally to “Little Peach,” was the female lead’s maid.

“They’re not asking for much for this character. I’m sure you’ll be able to get the part with your looks alone,” Yi Ling said helpfully.

Yan Huan took another sip of water as she listened to Yi Ling repeat what she had overheard: Wen Dongni had told someone over the phone that she had already been chosen for the role of Hong Yao. Yan Huan found this amusing, yet somewhat disconcerting at the same time.

Yi Ling had to have extremely sharp ears if she was able to hear Wen Dongni from that distance. Yan Huan’s thoughts began to stray: Was Yi Ling able to hear their neighbors— the married couple next door— whisper to each other at night?

“Are you saying you were able to hear everything she said?”

Yan Huan walked to a chair nearby and sat down. Her fingers continued playing with the cup in her hand, like a child playing with a beloved toy.

“Of course.” Yi Ling thumped her chest. “Who do you think I am? I have perfect hearing. In fact, here’s a secret…” She looked around furtively, and when she was sure they were entirely alone, she moved closer to Yan Huan and whispered into her ear. “You know our neighbors, the couple next door? I can hear everything they say to each other at night.”

Pffffffttt! Yan Huan spat out the water in her mouth.

“Huanhuan, that is so disgusting. Did you have to wash my face? Really?”

Yan Huan cleared her throat. She turned away and continued sipping at her water, sincerely glad that her ears were not as sensitive as Yi Ling’s. She had never overheard the couple next door, and had never been forced to listen to the sounds of their nightly activities.

The two of them went back home. Yi Ling was feeling very depressed.