《Transmigration as a Female Supporting Role Who Attempted Suicide》


 Chapter 1: Wearing a book

    <h4>Chapter 1</h4>


    Ji Nian suddenly felt sore all over her body. She tried to open her eyes but couldn''t no matter how hard she tried. She felt her strength was slipping away steadily. Unwilling to give up, she struggled again. Her fingers seemed to move a little bit.


    Could it be sleep paralysis? Ji Nian thought clearly in her mind. Then a sudden dizzy spell came over her.


    She opened her eyes with difficulty. What came into view was a shower head. The surroundings were luxuriously decorated. She looked down puzzled at where she was - a bathtub, filled with red water.


    The pain from her wrist made her shudder involuntarily. She turned her head and saw a deep gash on her wrist. She cried out in fright with a hoarse voice.


    At this moment Ji Nian felt she was having a nightmare, but the constant pain from her body kept stimting her to stay awake. There was fear in her eyes. Where was this? Wasn''t she sleeping at home?


    The fear in her heart made her struggle to get up with difficulty. She waspletely naked now. Stumbling, she staggered out of the bathtub. Dizzy and nauseous, she slipped and fell hard on the floor. She gave a muffled grunt, even more dizzy now.


    With great effort she got up, leaning against the bathroom wall and slowly walked forward. Passing by the mirror, she froze.


    Who was this? She stared wide-eyed in disbelief. In the mirror was a strange woman, deathly pale, soaking wet hair, naked body, vacant eyes.


    Ji Nian was so frightened she fell to the floor again. The woman in the mirror also fell. Trembling, she reached out and touched the mirror. She discovered that the woman in the mirror was herself!


    "No, no, no, this is a dream," Ji Nian closed her eyes, unwilling to believe it. Then she thought this must be sleep paralysis. Mumbling to herself, "Evil spirits begone! Evil spirits begone! Prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony..."


    After the chant, Ji Nian opened her eyes again. The scene before her was unchanged. The woman was still this stranger. The bathroom was still this bathroom. She was bewildered.


    But the blood from her wrist kept flowing. She became dizzy and nauseous again. With strong willpower she struggled to her feet, pushed open the bathroom door and walked out.


    The house was huge. As Ji Nian walked, looking at everything before her eyes, she could tell it was expensively decorated with a minimalist European style. The sofas and furniture in the living room looked extremely expensive.


    Yet the whole room was inplete disarray, with clothes scattered everywhere, broken bottles on the floor, and blood stains trailing along the floor.


    She had no time to think anymore. Her eyesight started to blur, the scene before her eyes growing indistinct. A phone ring made her jump again. Stumbling, she made her way to the phone and with difficulty brought it to her ear.


    "Ji Xiaonian!" an angry roar came from the phone. "Are you home?! Do you know we''re finished?!"


    Hearing the voice over the phone, Ji Nian''s consciousness gradually faded. Before passing out, she struggled to ask for help, "Save me..."


    The person on the other end was stunned, hearing this powerless reply. With a loud bang, no more sound came. She anxiously called out, "Ji Xiaonian! What are you doing?! Where are you?!"


    The phone on the other end didn''t hang up, and no sound came. She grew uneasy, hurriedly grabbed her bag and rushed out the door.


    After 30 minutes, He Yi arrived in a panic, took out her key card and opened the door. The scene before her made her gasp.


    A naked woman was lying on the floor next to the sofa. Around her were the broken shards of a knocked overmp. Her mobile phone next to her wrist was covered in bloodstains. The beige carpet was speckled with red.


    He Yi screamed and rushed over, lifting up the woman. Her hands shaking, she dialed 120 for an ambnce.


    "Ji Xiaonian, have you gone mad?!" He Yi''s eyes were red, glistening with tears.


    Hospital ¡ª


    Ji Nian slowly woke up and opened her eyes. What came into view was white, and the IV drip hanging on the stand. Her first thought was that she had been saved.


    Turning her head, she saw a teary-eyed woman staring at her. Ji Nian was startled.


    "You''re crazy!" The woman scolded loudly, then burst into loud sobs, saying, "You nearly scared me to death!"


    Ji Nian moved her lips, not knowing what to say. Who was this person? Was she the one who sent her to the hospital? But Ji Nian didn''t recognize this stranger at all.


    "I..." Ji Nian''s hoarse voice.


    "What I! Even if you were kicked out of thepany, even if your reputation is ruined, you can''tmit suicide!" He Yi looked at the woman, eyes red, tone angry.


    "Who are you?" Ji Nian asked.


    He Yi was stunned. She touched Ji Nian''s head, shocked, "Slitting your wrists could damage your brain?"


    Ji Nian looked confused, telling her this was such a realistic dream.


    "Ji Xiaonian, I don''t have time for your jokes!" He Yi had a serious expression. "I told you before not to be lovesick, lovesick! And now look, not only is your money gone, you nearly died!"


    "Who are you..." Ji Nian asked in bewilderment again.


    "I''m He Yi!" He Yi gritted her teeth in reply.


    "He Yi?" The name sounded familiar. Ji Nian thought for a moment, then remembered she had called herself Ji Xiaonian. Her expression froze as she stared wide-eyed at the woman before her.


    "You''re called He Yi!" Ji Nian eximed loudly, then pointed at herself uncertainly, "I''m called Ji Xiaonian?"


    He Yi looked at her as if she was an idiot, her face dark, saying, "I don''t have time for your jokes!"


    Ji Nian now felt she had been struck by lightning, lying in bed doubting life itself. She had transmigrated into a book, a novel she had been reading before bed called "The CEO''s Strong Pampering of His Sweetheart."


    The sweetheart was the female protagonist Shen Shuyao, and He Yi was her future agent. But this female protagonist would be a top actress with numerous honors in the future.


    Ji Xiaonian was the first celebrity He Yi managed, or rather, the failed product she created. An asional mention in the novel, a woman who didn''t seed and went cold even before bing famous,mitting suicide over a male celebrity...


    She didn''t know who this male celebrity was exactly, because in the novel she was just an extra with no details written about her. Everyone was focused on the storyline between the female protagonist and the CEO.


    "Sigh." He Yi looked at the woman and sighed.


    Ji Nian was still lost in thought and looked at her nkly.


    "Let''s go back and clean up the house today. Sell off whatever luxuries you have that can be sold." He Yi said dejectedly.


    "Why?" Ji Nian asked.


    He Yi red at her. "Your affair with Cheng Liran was exposed! And Cheng Liran used you of harassment. Thepany terminated your contract. You were broke to begin with, and with these damages added up, it''s 10 million!"


    Ji Nian was confused. She had woken up with a different body, and now she had also inherited a huge debt of 10 million.


    "Cheng Liran," she murmured nkly. In the novel he was a top idol, excellent at singing, dancing, everything. Ji Xiaonian actually had a history with Cheng Liran?

 Chapter 2: Being Filmed

    <h4>Chapter 2</h4>


    At this moment, two people who had just been discharged from the hospital were standing on the steps. To be precise, the doctor did not discharge them, but Ji Nian and He Yi did not have enough money in their pockets to pay the medical fees.


    They were standing in front of the hospital entrance in a daze. Ji Nian nced at He Yi, who had a calm expression, and the corner of her mouth twitched as she said, "Are you sure I''m a female celebrity?"


    He Yi calmly said, "You''re a female celebrity."


    Ji Nian looked confused. She looked at the peopleing and going in front of the hospital entrance, but no one took an extra nce at them. She asked doubtfully again, "Are you sure I''m a female celebrity?"


    "Do you want me to say that your hot search is still trending on Weibo right now?" He Yi nced over.


    "But... I don''t feel like anyone recognizes me..." Ji Nian was confused. What kind of female celebrity could openly stand in front of a hospital without a single person recognizing her?


    "What are you thinking? Don''t you have any idea about your own poprity?" He Yi was about to be angered to death. This girl had just tried tomit suicide and now she was acting stupid.


    "Oh..."


    "You debuted two years ago. I finally got you a supporting role recently, which I thought was a breakthrough, but at the critical moment, you were exposed." He Yi said with a pained expression.


    "What should we do now?" Ji Nian asked.


    I almost forgot. Ji Nian had debuted, but she hadn''t be popr enough for everyone to recognize her. Now her career hadpletely cooled off and she was 10 million yuan in debt.


    "Let''s go back to your house to pack up your things and prepare to move out," He Yi said calmly, holding her bag.


    "Why do I have to move?"


    "How expensive is that little vi of yours? The monthly rent is over 30,000 yuan. You relied entirely on Cheng Liran giving you 100,000 yuan a month, and you spent it all on luxury goods," He Yi said impatiently.


    "I don''t have a single penny?!" Ji Nian eximed in shock.


    "What money do you have? Aside from using your face to shoot magazines and act as an extra, what other ie do you have?" He Yi asked.


    "I don''t know..." Ji Nian had a mournful look. Having transmigrated here, she had no memories at all.


    "Let''s go," He Yi also looked hopeless. Holding her bag, she walked forward in high heels.


    Ji Nian watched her leave and hurried to catch up.


    "You know, you''ve shown your face on TV before, so some people recognize you. But now that your career has cooled off, there''s no need to put on the airs of a celebrity. As long as people don''t throw eggs at you on the street, that''s good enough," He Yi nagged all the way.


    "Yes, yes." Ji Nian nodded.


    "It was so difficult to get you that supporting role. Even a third female lead would have been good," He Yimented.


    Since Ji Nian had just arrived and didn''t understand much, she asked, "He Yi, why was I dating Cheng Liran? He''s a popr rising actor now."


    "You''re asking me? How would I know about your own affairs?" He Yi rolled her eyes at her. She had an expression of looking at an idiot. Great, this girl''s mind was not clear either.


    Ji Nian didn''t dare ask any more questions. She didn''t even dare to face He Yi''s ck face.


    When they returned to the small vi, He Yi was cleaning up the house. She saw that the bathroom was covered in blood stains, and the bathtub was full of bloody water. The entire bathroom reeked of the smell of blood.


    She lookedplicatedly at the girl who was still picking up clothes outside the door. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she reached out to pull the plug in the bathtub so the water gradually drained out.


    "Don''t move out there! Just sit down and rest properly. I''ll take care of this!" He Yi yelled loudly.


    Ji Nian was stunned. Feeling a little dizzy, she went to sit down on the sofa.


    She picked up her phone next to her and opened Weibo. A video caught her attention and she clicked to watch it.


    The video showed two women standing at the hospital entrance. One of them was still wearing patient clothing and looked pale from afar.


    The title read: Cheng Liran''s ex-girlfriend, Z-list celebrity Ji Nian, at hospital entrance, suspected suicide attempt?


    "Wow," Ji Nian said in surprise. Finally, she had some semnce of a celebrity. This is it. She had been caught on camera going to the hospital.


    The next videos were even more outrageous. There was also footage of her and He Yi getting on a bus. Thements below were all fromizens.


    "A celebrity riding the bus?"


    "Hahahaha, why do I find her confused expression a bit cute??? Am I crazy?"


    "Wait, why does she have a piece of gauze wrapped around her head? Did she hit a wall trying tomit suicide?"


    At this time, Ji Nian, who was silently reading thements, touched her forehead and saw the broken pieces of a floormp not far from her feet. She had knocked it over when she fainted...


    "Trash Ji Nian, get out of the entertainment industry!"


    "It''s obvious Cheng Liran already broke up with her peacefully. She''s the one who kept clinging to him, and now she''s trying to y the victim?"


    "I think the suicide attempt is fake. You can see she deliberately showed the gauze on her wrist."


    "People nowadays will do anything for eyeballs."


    Seeing that thements below were all cursing her, Ji Nian simply stopped reading. She opened her WeChat contacts, which had very few people - only two: He Yi and Cheng Liran.


    Cheng Liran''s chat was pinned at the top. When she opened it, a sudden pain in her chest almost made her pass out again. Her face was anguished as she gasped for breath until it gradually eased a little. She was confused in her heart - what was going on?


    As she slowly read through the man''s chat records, her heart ached more and more.


    "We were just a contractual couple. I hope you can let go in a timely manner."


    "We agreed from the beginning that we could end things."


    Seeing this, Ji Nian felt suffocated by the pain and passed out. Before she lost consciousness, an unfamiliar man''s face somehow appeared in her mind.


    He Yi came out from the bathroom with red eyes after finishing cleaning everything up. She picked up the scattered clothes on the floor and saw the trail of blood stters along the way. Looking at the woman leaning against the sofa, she said, "You''re sofortable while I clean up your mess."


    Seeing that the woman did not respond, He Yi walked over with red eyes to check on her. Seeing herplexion, could she have fallen asleep?


    "Ji Nian?" He Yi pushed her but got no reaction. She then recalled that the woman had lost too much blood today and was indeed tired. She took the nket from the sofa and covered her with it.


    That night, Ji Nian woke up from hunger. When she woke up, her whole body felt weak and her face was deathly pale. She smelled a scent of food and turned to see through the ss door that He Yi was busy working away in the kitchen.


    "He Yi, smells so good!" Ji Nian said, standing at the kitchen door.


    "You''re awake? Hurry ande eat. I simmered chicken soup to replenish your energy and blood," He Yi said with a smile. She carried a bowl of soup over and set it down on the dining table.


    "Okay." Ji Nian responded with a smile and sat down at the table. She blew on the soup and took a sip with the spoon. Her eyes lit up and she said, "Delicious!"


    "Of course! My cooking skills." He Yi said proudly.


    Seeing that the woman across from her was sincerely drinking the soup, she picked up her phone to browse Weibo and said in surprise, "Ji Nian, we got caught on camera going to the hospital."


    "I know," Ji Nian busily drank her soup and briefly responded.


    "Tsk, thements are quite nasty," He Yi frowned.

 Chapter 3: Moving House

    <h4>Chapter 3</h4>


    "After you rest for a couple of days, move out," He Yi said.


    "Move where?" Ji Nian didn''t really care where she moved. After all, she wasn''t originally in this profession. She had studied at the teachers college at her university and came out to be a music teacher, just getting by day to day.


    "You don''t have money now, and neither do I. But I have to bring on other new talents that thepany has arranged," He Yi said.


    "You''re not going to take care of me anymore..." Ji Nian was stunned.


    "When I have time I will certainly take care of you, sister. I need to make money too. Thepany has arranged for me to bring on new talents. They''ve already given up on you,"plexity filled He Yi''s eyes.


    "Oh, but I don''t really know how to find an apartment..." Ji Nian''s face was filled with loss. Having just arrived, she only knew He Yi.


    "Find a cheap one. You''re going to have to learn to take care of yourself these days. I probably won''t have time to see you for a long time," He Yi said, sadness in her eyes as well.


    In fact, she saw Ji Xiaonianpletely as a friend. She was also the one who had brought Ji Xiaonian into the industry, so she felt differently towards her.


    "Ok, that''s fine. I''ll WeChat you if I don''t understand something," Ji Nian said with a smile.


    "Remember to wear a mask when you go out. We''re at the peak now. Don''t be afraid of anything, just be afraid of Cheng Liran fans recognizing you and beating you up," He Yi couldn''t help reminding her.


    "Ok," Ji Nian replied.


    After speaking, He Yi immediately left with her bag. The spacious room instantly became quiet.


    Ji Nian nked out for a bit, lowering her head to drink soup. Suddenly, she felt somewhat afraid. Her nose turned sour and tears flowed out.


    After adapting for two days, Ji Nian still didn''t know if she could go back. With her current body, she had the figure and the looks. Other than the w of being deep in debt...


    On that side, ever since she was young her parents had divorced. They each started their own families and no one took care of her. When she was little she would feel confused about which family to go to for New Year''s. Later when she grew up, she came out to be a primary school teacher. It had been years since she''d contacted them.


    And in these past few days, through heryers of exploration, she already knew the original owner''s general circumstances. Ji Xiaonian debuted at 19 years old with a high school education. Because she was good-looking, she auditioned to be a trainee and was noticed by thepany, so they gave her to He Yi, a new agent, to train.


    In the two years since her debut, she had mostly just been a model for photoshoots, and had acted as supporting female roles three and four in several web dramas, all unimportant characters of course.


    The only time she became popr was because her rtionship with Cheng Liran was exposed, which let people know that such an unknown actress existed.


    She didn''t really understand why she was in a rtionship with Cheng Liran, about the contract lover business. There were no clues about it on her phone or anything suspicious in the house.


    Today was the day she moved. Over the past couple days, she had sold all the luxury goods through social tforms, only keeping some clothes and skirts.


    After signing the lease termination agreement with thendlord and checking that there was no damage in the vi, she got her deposit back, which was two months of rent, adding up to around 70,000 RMB.


    Added to the money from selling luxury goods, she had 200,000 RMB cash on hand, but! She needed to pay back debts! Ji Nian looked pained as she made a mobile transfer to an ount. She heard it was to pay back Cheng Liran for damages.


    Because she had obstinately made a scene at Cheng Liran''spany, damaging his image and losing him two endorsements, they sued her for huge damages adding up to 6 million RMB.


    He Yi had specially called to tell her that whenever she had money, she needed to pay back Cheng Liran first. Thepany''s 4 million RMB in damages could be paid back slowly. Capitalists were just like that, finding all sorts of ways to make you pay while not knowing what exactly you are paying for. Added up it was over 4 million.


    At this moment, Cheng Liran, who was in talks for a coboration, suddenly heard a payment notification from his phone.


    At the dinner table, everyone was silent for a bit. Cheng Liran embarrassedlyughed and picked up his phone to mute it, while sneakily checking to see who had transferred him money. He saw a cartoon avatar and a transfer note saying "still owe you 5.805 million RMB," he was stunned. It was her.


    "Who was it?" the woman sitting next to him wearing a white dressughed and asked.


    "It should be a business partner," Cheng Liran answered with a smile.


    "Oh? Which business partner would unexpectedly transfer you so little money?" the director next to him asked doubtfully.


    Cheng Liran smiled and said, "This ount seems unfamiliar. I''ll have to go back and confirm who exactly it is."


    "Hahaha," the directorughed.


    At this moment Ji Nian had just taken the subway and bus to arrive at her new ce. The sight in front of her made her involuntarily gasp. With her current economic ability, moving from a vi to the urban vige was quite... a big difference.


    This was a local person''s house on the outskirts of the capital city, a small building they had constructed. The d¨¦cor was simple. It seemed most of the tenants here were migrant workers, almost 3 hours away from downtown by bus and subway.


    Thendy was a local auntie. Seeing a girl wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans with white shoes, such a casual outfit, yet even with a mask on, she still gave off a particrly stunning aura.


    "Ah, you''re that young girl I spoke to on the phone!" When thendy saw her carrying two luggage cases, she came up and asked.


    "Auntie, hello. I''m the one who contacted you," Ji Nian politely replied.


    "Tsk, so pretty with fair skin too," thendy auntie looked at her with a smile. "Auntie hasn''t rented to such a beautiful young girl before!"


    Ji Nian was somewhat embarrassed, scratching her head with an awkward smile.


    "Let auntie take you upstairs to see. Us women don''t know if you girls can get used to it," thendy auntie said with augh.


    "Auntie, I''m not picky," Ji Nian replied, following behind.


    There was no elevator here. Ji Nian first left her luggage downstairs, asking an elderly man sitting on the first floor to help keep an eye on it.


    Following thendy auntie, they arrived at the third floor. Opening the door, Ji Nian was stunned again. This really was a farmer''s house. Quite simple...


    It was a studio apartment with a bed and a wardrobe. The bed frame was made of wood with no mattress, just a matid on top. There was a table and arge window, so at least the lighting wasn''t bad. A very small kitchen was blocked off by a ss door. But the floor was cement...


    Ji Nian was taken aback. There weren''t even tile floors! Sheforted herself. No need to panic. It just meant she didn''t need to mop the floors.


    "This room was previously lived in by a married couple. They kept it clean. Look, they even left the water heater and air conditioner! The room is small and can''t fit a washing machine. As a youngdy you can wash clothes by hand," thendy auntie exined.


    Ji Nian consoled herself that she had lived in all sorts of environments when she first entered society. Although here was a bit run down, it was enough for one girl to live in.


    "Auntie, I don''t have money on me. Can I pay first month''s rent upfront?" Ji Nian asked. Normally rental ces required paying first andst month''s rent upfront.


    Thendy auntie thought for a bit. "No problem."


    "Then let''s sign the contract," Ji Nian said with a smile, eyes curving into crescents even with her mask on.


    With one look thendy auntie liked this girl. Her temperament was clean and even though her looks were covered, you could sense she was an exceptionally beautiful girl.


    "Sure! The contract is prepared in advance. Let me find it," thendy auntie said, rummaging through her bag. "Here, here. Youngdy take a look." She reached out and handed it over.


    Ji Nian took it and looked through the contract. Seeing no issues, she picked up a pen and signed her name.

 Chapter 4: Sand Sculpture Review

    <h4>Chapter 4</h4>


    With the help of thendy auntie, Ji Nian carried tworge suitcases and went up to the third floor.


    "Walk over there and turn the corner. There is a small supermarket with mattresses, shampoo and other things," thendy auntie said, feeling that the young girl looked confused. "Remember to buy buckets and basins for washing clothes."


    "Okay, thank you auntie," Ji Nian answered obediently.


    By the time Ji Nian was done, it was already three or four o''clock in the afternoon. Although she didn''t do much, she still felt exhausted.


    The monthly rent was 1,000 yuan, which was already a bargain price in Beijing. Out of the 200,000 yuan she had, she had paid back 195,000 to Cheng Liran, leaving 5,000 for herself. She paid a deposit of 1,000-2,000, and spent 500 on daily necessities like an electric cooker. Ji Nian sighed, thinking about how money goes so quickly and things are so expensive.


    Looking at the tidy room with the mattress on the bed and the cotton quilt underneath sent over by thendy auntie, saying her family didn''t need it and it would make sleeping on the mattress morefortable, Ji Nian was deeply moved. Thendy really was too kind.


    After boiling water and tearing open the instant noodle package and soaking it in arge bowl, she sat at the table looking utterly miserable, not even being able to afford bucket noodles.


    The phone rang and seeing it was He Yi, Ji Nian picked up.


    "He Yi."


    "Did you move?" He Yi asked over the phone.


    "Yes," Ji Nian answered while eating instant noodles.


    "Where did you move to?"


    "The suburbs, three hours from the city center," Ji Nian replied.


    "That far!" He Yi eximed over the phone.


    "Weren''t you the one who told me to live cheaper?"


    At that moment, Ji Nian could hear people calling He Yi over the phone. It sounded quite noisy. He Yi hurriedly said, "I''lle find you when I have time. You just recovered, can''t skimp on food. If you really have no money,e to me and I''ll give you credit through Flower Pay."


    Ji Nianughed. Deeply moved, she said, "I also have Flower Pay. You earn money for yourself first."


    She then heard a "beep" indicating the call had ended. Calmly finishing her noodles, she drank up all the soup.


    Leaning against the bed, she now had to think about her living expenses. First, not only did she have to pay off her debts, she had to maintain her livelihood. With so much debt, it would be difficult to pay it off with an ordinary job, although she used to be a teacher. But the original owner didn''t have any credentials, so that path was out.


    Ji Nian flipped through Weibo worriedly. Her trending searches had died down, but there were still peoplementing nasty things under her Weibo posts every day. She was indifferent to it¨Dthe criticism was directed at the original owner, not her.


    Suddenly she came across a post. The original poster said a funeral home was hiring, 700 yuan a day for the day shift, 1,600 a day for the night shift, limited to males only.


    Thements below by other people made the already gloomy Ji Nianugh to death.


    "1,600 a day for the night shift¨Deven if someone runs away, I''ll carry them back for you."


    "Forget someone running away, even if they all wake up together I''ll lock them back up."


    "If he doesn''t be a zombie, it would be letting me down for that 1,600."


    Ji Nianughed out loud. Reading this post cheered her up. She decided to chime in as well,menting: "1,600 yuan for the night shift. If you don''t meet your quota I''ll make up the difference."


    This blogger also liked to post all kinds of weird questions, and Ji Nian saw another new one he had just posted.


    His question was: If a family married you into it but the husband felt no emotion toward you, giving you 300,000 yuan a month as pocket money but leaving you alone in a huge empty house, nevering back, what would you do?


    Ji Nian thought about it. If something this good really happened, that would be great. She swiftlymented back: "Burn incense and worship Buddha, praying that the rich daddy lives to a hundred years old in wealth and honor!"


    Ji Nian yawned. As she scrolled through her phone lying down, she fell asleep without realizing that herments had pushed her onto the trending searches again.


    At this time,izens were puzzled¨Dthroughout the whole scandal exposure, debt and contract termination, she never came out to rify anything. Other than the hospital video, it was as if she had vanished.


    And this blogger was also a well-known inte celebrity, bing popr from these kinds of weird questions.


    He was shocked to suddenly realize there was an officially verified "Ji Nian"menting under him. Clicking through to the homepage, it really was her.


    The blogger was dumbfounded,menting under her: "Is this really you?"


    Because of this series of sillyments like "1,600 yuan for the night shift. If you don''t meet your quota I''ll make up the difference" and "Burn incense and worship Buddha, praying that the rich daddy lives to a hundred years old in wealth and honor," Ji Nian''s Weibo made it onto the trending searches again.


    Fearlessizensmented:


    "Has she gone crazy from the huge debt?"


    "Is this Cheng Liran''s shameless ex-girlfriend?"


    "I don''t know why, but I''m sensing a strong silly aura."


    "A no-name D-list celeb thinks she deserves Cheng Liran? Get lost. Sinking so low as to leech poprity from an inte celeb."


    When He Yi saw herself on the trending searches, she was frightened and hurriedly called.


    Ji Nian who picked up the phone was sleepy and listless. "Hello?"


    "Did you go mess around on Weibo with your main ount?" He Yi asked.


    "What happened?" Ji Nian sat up and turned on the light.


    "Sis, you''re trending again," He Yi said.


    "Huh? But I didn''t do anything. I was just lying at home." Ji Nian said, astonished.


    "See for yourself." He Yi said helplessly. "I know you''re washed up, but don''t be so reckless. Disappear from the public eye for a while until people forget about you. Then maybe you''ll have a chance ating back."


    "Yeah, yeah. Anyway I''m already ruined with huge debt and no works or skills. Don''t you worry about me!" Ji Nian saidughing.


    "Alright, alright. I''m busy so I''m hanging up." He Yi finished and hung up.


    When Ji Nian opened Weibo, she saw she was number three on trending. She had turned off her private messaging due to too many people harassing her. She then opened thements.


    She saw the blogger''s "Is this really you?"


    Ji Nian took a sip of water and replied: "Yes, you''re very interesting."


    At this time, the blogger who received her reply was eating. He almost choked and coughed for a long time before confirming and seeing herment reply. He was stunned for a bit before politely answering: "Thank you."

 Chapter 5: Short Video

    <h4>Chapter 5</h4>


    Ji Nian was now fully awake and thinking about the big issues in life again. How could she earn money? She nced at the blogger''s reply saying "Thank you," but did notment further.


    Suddenly an idea crossed her mind. In her old world, inte celebrities made good money. Now that she was good-looking, should she develop her career towards being an inte celebrity?


    As she nodded to herself decisively, she opened Douyin, the short video app everyone here used, and browsed through the content. She felt more and more that she could also do it.


    However, when she tapped on her personal center, there were 99+ments and private messages. She was puzzled to find that the original owner also had an official Douyin ount with a few selfies and videos. Ever since her love affair was exposed, there were no nicements under the videos, so she clicked the button to mark all of them as read.


    What kind of videos could she make? Ji Nian was vexed. She opened the front camera to look at herself. With a face and big eyes like these, wless skin... Ji Nian stroked her own face. She really envied herself.


    Her hair was a bit messy. She picked up ab from the desk and tidied it up, cleared her throat, and sang a song that was very popr in her old world.


    As she opened her mouth, she was astonished. Her voice was ethereal, flexible and moldable, with a nice treble range. She tried some high notes and had no problems hitting them at all.


    Ji Nian seemed to see a ray of light ahead. As an elementary school music teacher who could y the piano and amateur guitar yer, plus all those pop songs from her old world, wouldn''t it be easy to make money this way?


    With this thought, Ji Nian prepared to record a video. The lighting in this rented apartment was somewhat dim, but no matter, she put on her earphones, turned to face herself, adjusted her position, and tapped record.


    She recorded a verse, listened back to herself in the video with earphones on, half of her exquisite features showing as she sang clearly in the dim light. Even with no makeup on, her delicate facial features made her very attractive. Her ethereal and clean voice was captivating.


    Satisfied, she tapped to turn on subtitles, filled in Composer: (Mystery), Song: (Guest), then input the lyrics.


    "Done!" Ji Nian tapped upload. She wondered what the reaction would be to this video going public, so to be safe, she checked the music listening tforms here. None of the songs were familiar and the one she sang didn''t exist either.


    That night, whenizens clicked open Douyin, a video suddenly popped up - a woman singing clearly under dim lighting, but it was a song no one had heard before.


    "This person looks very familiar."


    "Oh my god, isn''t this called Ji Nian?"


    "She''s out here singing now?"


    "Has nobody noticed this song seems nicer the more you listen?"


    "Don''t know who it is, stumbled across this video by chance. Can you do the full song?"


    "Get out of the entertainment industry."


    "Please stop pestering him after an amicable breakup, okay? And you''re still singing love songs? What are you implying?"


    In a sh, Douyin''s poprity shot up. Cheng Liran''s fans forwarded it to Weibo with the title (18-Tier Ex-Girlfriend Still Won''t Let Go).


    With this, Cheng Liran''s fans exploded. They couldn''t ept that their beloved idol was actually dating such a person - an unknown figure who was clinging on desperately after the breakup and now shamelessly ying on Douyin.


    Within just an hour of the video being posted, Ji Nian''s phone kept ringing. She took a look - sure enough, most were scolding her, but there were also quite a few people who didn''t recognize her and left friendlyments.


    She saw one that said "Can you do the full song? What is this song, why can''t I search for it?"


    Ji Nian tapped to reply: "It''s a new song. I''ll record it for you tomorrow."


    Theizen who received this reply was dumbfounded. She had just checked the information on this Ji Nian and she didn''t seem great, yet she gave such a nice reply. So theizen also tapped: "Thank you!"


    Just then, He Yi sent a WeChat message popping up. Ji Nian tapped it open.


    He Yi: You''ve posted another video?


    He Yi: But it sounds quite nice, your voice is good. You''ve totally got what it takes to be a singer.


    Ji Nian: I''m nning to go all out trying my luck as an inte celeb. I''ve still got a long way to go paying off the foreign debt.


    He Yi: I can see your sessing, go for it!


    Ji Nian: Hahahaha, for sure!


    The video was still gaining poprity. Ji Nian couldn''t be bothered with thements - they were all unpleasant anyway. Right now she was thinking about developing her short videos in future, so she went online to search for tips and tactics.


    Luckily she has a good memory. As apulsory course throughout college, she would find opportunities everyday to practice popr tunes on the piano. With her brain capacity, she had memorized quite arge repertoire.


    The next day, Ji Nian nned to go out and buy a guitar. The weather was quite hot currently, so she simply tied her hair in a neat bun, wore a shirt dress with white sneakers, slung a crossbody bag over her shoulder, and headed out like that.


    After checking online, she learned she''d have to go to busier streets to find instrument shops. She transferred from bus to subway, nowfortably blowing the air con inside the train. With a face mask on in the heat, she was still sweltering hot, but she daren''t take it off - it''d be trouble even if just a tiny few recognized her.


    Yet the passengers kept sneaking nces in her direction. With casual clothes on, a neat bun, and a shirtdress unting her long, fair and slender legs, she attracted eyes even in an ordinary outfit, even a few men nudging each other wondering if they should ask for her WeChat.


    Getting off at her stop, Ji Nian followed her navigation to an instrument shop. A very handsome young man greeted her, dressed like someone deeply into music, with a somewhat wild look.


    "How much for a guitar here?" Ji Nian asked.


    "What kind are you looking for, miss? We''ve got guitars at all price ranges."


    "Um...nothing too expensive." Ji Nian said, somewhat embarrassed.


    "We''ve got them. Please take a look inside." The young man smiled.


    Ji Nian stepped in. The interior decor was very stylish, with a grand piano that was clearly out of her budget at a nce.


    She picked up a guitar and tried it out; the sound wasn''t bad. It felt rather expensive to her. "How much is this one?" she asked.


    "It''s one of the more costly ones, over three thousand yuan. It has very fine workmanship." The young man exined.


    I see, Ji Nian nodded and decisively put it down. "I want something more affordable."


    The young man thought for a moment, then walked off and returned with two guitars. "These will be cheaper. We''ve currently got an anniversary sale and discounts."


    "About how much?" Ji Nian really didn''t have much money, just 2,500 yuan on her.


    "1,200 for this one, 1,500 for that." The young man replied. Their shop mostly carried mid to high end brands, so they were typically 1,000 yuan at least.


    Ji Nian eximed inwardly. Guitars were so expensive? Herst one had cost just over 600 yuan andsted her a long time. She picked up the 1,200 yuan guitar and felt it out. Pricey meant good quality. It felt nicer than her previous 600+ yuan guitar.


    "Alright, I''ll take this one. The tuner and capoe free with purchase, right?" Ji Nian asked.


    "Yes we provide those." The young man started packing up the guitar.


    "No wait. Could you help tune it for me first? I need to use it after this."


    The young man nodded with a smile. "Of course."

 Chapter 6: The Guest

    <h4>Chapter 6</h4>


    Ji Nian had finished installing the guitar, said thanks to the little older brother, and then left with the guitar on her back. At this time, she only had 1,300 yuan left in her hand. She felt a little anxious, wondering if she could go back to the original world. If she did go back...


    "Forget it," Ji Nian pursed her lips. What if she couldn''t go back? She should first help the original owner pay off some of her debts, although she didn''t know exactly how to make money.


    She walked to a park and Ji Nian found a ce with no one and sat down. A gust of wind blew by and her whole body felt much morefortable. Seeing no one around, she freely took off her face mask.


    In the distance on thewn, there were still several pic nketsid out with snacks on them, and little kids ying around.


    Ji Nian took out her phone. The scenery here was nice, so she wanted to record a video here. She took out her guitar, tried out the feel, yed an apaniment, and then yed a versatile apaniment. She tried it out and felt it was still good.


    She set up her phone, put on headphones, adjusted the position of her face. It had to be said, Ji Nian''s face was wless from 360 degrees. Her original face was just forgettable in the crowd. This was also an experience of what it felt like to be a beauty. It was truly magical.


    With everything ready, she pressed record on the video. She smiled and said to start, "This song is called ''Guest''. Theposer is (Mysterious). I''m singing the whole song as requested by ament."


    After singing, she felt very distressed in her heart for some reason, a very sad feeling. Her heart kept faintly aching.


    Ji Nian frowned and gently patted the ce on her chest. How strange. While singing, she especially wanted to cry. She picked up her phone and added captions before uploading it.


    After getting everything done, she wanted to go back. In this unfamiliar world, she didn''t have such a good mood to go out shopping. Actually it was because she didn''t have money.


    On the subway, her phone kept showing message notifications. She took it out and looked. Her eyes showed surprise as the video''s click rate kept rising. She saw thements below.


    "Your wedding is also mying of age ceremony. To be honest, I don''t know this female celebrity. I just looked her up. She is Cheng Liran''s ex-girlfriend who caused a huge ruckus. But this song sings my story."


    "Remember to send me an invitation. I want to see the answer key next to you, the failed exam-taker."


    "Crying, just went through heartbreak."


    "Because of Cheng Liran, I don''t like this Ji Nian. But I have to say, she sings well."


    "Trash Ji Nian, get out of the entertainment industry."


    "Acting pitiful now?"


    "Does anyone want to know who (Mysterious) is?"


    "My god, no makeup! So pretty!"


    Since most people didn''t recognize her, thements below were still quite friendly. She didn''t want to reply to each one, but instead liked a few selectively.


    At this time, the passerby on the subway who was browsing Douyin saw the person singing in the video, and the person standing next to her wearing the exact same clothes. Although she had a mask on, intuition told her it was Ji Nian.


    "Are you...Ji Nian?"


    Ji Nian was startled. She could recognize her even with this? No, she absolutely wouldn''t admit it. She firmly shook her head.


    She just saw the passerby look puzzled for a moment, look back at her phone, and want topare the person in front of her again. But when she raised her head, the person had just gotten off the subway. She suddenly realized, it was her!


    The video had only been uploaded for two hours, yet it blew up. It included a torrent of abuse from Cheng Liran fans, but now she had be a hot search on Douyin. And Weibo blew up another title.


    (Cheng Liran¡¯s girlfriend lost love and sang love song) Mystery personposed it. Is this her capitalist backer? Or is it hereback n?


    At this time, He Yi stared wide-eyed in disbelief. How was it that Ji Nian seemed to be aimbotting her way to hot search after hot search along the way? She opened the uploaded video.


    He Yi: Big sister, you made hot search again.


    Ji Nian: You¡¯re 4 years older than me, thanks.


    He Yi: Tell me, where did you get this song from? It''s too good!


    Ji Nian: Didn''t you see I wrote (Mysterious)poser?


    He Yi: Do I know what you''re capable of? Tell me who Mystery is!


    Ji Nian: Tsk, myself!


    He Yi: Bye!


    Ji Nian looked at her phone andughed. She found that this He Yi was quite cute, unlike the dominant and aggressive person in the novel. She nodded in realization. That''s right, she was a new artiste manager now. The female lead hadn''t shown up yet for a while.


    On the other hand, Cheng Liran, the idol browsing through short videos, listened to this song repeatedly. As an idol, singing was his primary job while acting was secondary. But this song was very special. Who exactly would give her a new song?


    At this time, Eighth Older Brother also came across the video and urgently ran over, saying, "Look, Ji Nian actually released a new song. This is a new song! Theposition and lyrics don''t seem to be written by herself. Who is Mystery?"


    "She didn''t write it herself. She doesn''t have that level of skill." Cheng Liran pursed his lips and said.


    "Could there really be capitalists backing her rise?" Eighth Older Brother said in puzzlement.


    "Impossible." Cheng Liran had an absolute tone as he said, "Don''t bother with her. We have nothing to do with her now."


    Eighth Older Brother nodded. But he had a thought that he didn''t know if he could ask Ji Nian for the contact info of this mysterious person.


    On the other hand, Ji Nian, who had just returned home, felt hungry. Looking at the induction cooker and wok in the small kitchen, she wanted to eat piping hot rice. She immediately sprung into action and ran to the supermarket.


    As a qualified short video blogger, she had to share her life. Taking advantage of the gossip between the original owner and popr little fresh meat actor now, she started recording videos again.


    shing a smile, she recorded her dazzling smile and said to the screen, "Today I''ll teach everyone a money saving trick."


    She entered the supermarket and picked up the discounted spinach in her hand, saying, "This vegetable looks alright still. It''s on sale for only 1.5 yuan. I''ll take it."


    Then she looked to the side at the fresh refrigerated goods, all packaged nicely. She held up a packaged pork and joyfully said, "Wow, this half piece of meat is only 5 yuan. I can take it."


    After checking out, she went back and started recording the finished product of the cooked dish, neatly ted on the table. She happily said, "Tonight''s dinner of stir-fried pork and spinach, the pork was 6.5 in total. Adding the rice and everything, this meal cost about 7 yuan. Today I saved money again! Have you all eaten?"


    After recording, Ji Nian first heartily ate her meal. After eating, she busily edited the video using her phone''s built-in functions to simply edit it. Then she uploaded it.


    By this time, her Douyin fans had already reached 2 million. Of course, most of them were Cheng Liran fans who came over, with the main purpose being to scold her...

 Chapter 7: Live

    <h4>Chapter 7</h4>


    After posting the video, Ji Nian didn''t want to worry about memorials for now and took a break to browse Weibo and see what was trending.


    Then a headline appeared before her eyes again, [Cheng Liran''s Ex-girlfriend Heartbroken Singing Love Songs] with the mysterious songwriter - was this the capitalist behind her? Or was it part of hereback n?


    "Capitalist?" Ji Nian eximed in surprise. If she had a capitalist, would she be in such dire straits? She only had a little over 1,200 yuan left and had to stretch every penny.


    Angry, she directlymented: "I haven''t gotten a capitalist yet, please tell me where to apply for one?"


    After seeing most of thements cursing at her, Ji Nian took a deep breath to adjust her mood and said, "Don''t get mad, they''re not scolding me, but the original owner."


    The entertainment industry was also very confused. Why did this hot search keep getting upied by an unknown person? So everyone guessed that it must be deliberate hype between her and Cheng Liran for mutual benefit.


    At that moment, the executives of the short video app Douyin were having a meeting to discuss the day''s traffic.


    "From observing over the past few days, there is one blogger, a minor celebrity, whose poprity and viewership are very high. Her video of ''Guest'' has been trending the entire day." One person reported.


    "I''ve listened to that song. The lyrics are simple and rtable, with great potential for future growth." Another person nodded.


    "We can add this song to our audio library and privately contact her about the copyright." The leader nodded.


    "Look! She posted another video. In just one hour, it has 100 million views." An employee said in surprise.


    The video was then yed on the meeting screen. The woman had a radiant smile and said, "Today I will teach you a money-saving method."


    After watching the whole video, everyone fell silent. It was quite ordinary - just grocery shopping and cooking. But because of her existing poprity, the view count was very high.


    "Is she a celebrity?" The leader asked.


    "Yes, our research shows she used to date the popr singer Cheng Liran." The employee answered.


    "A female celebrity living in such poor conditions?" The leader was puzzled. One look and you could tell it was a migrant worker''s home, not to mention the tableware or the cement floor identally shown in the video...


    "Well...it''s likely due to her debts. After the breakup, she kept harassing Cheng Liran and was sued, ordered to pay 6 million in damages. Herpany also terminated her contract for 4 million more. So she has 10 million in debt, which can be found online." The employee said, looking at his tablet.


    "Poor girl." The leader nodded, then said, "Contact her about the copyright. Shecks money, so will likely agree."


    "Understood." The person-in-charge nodded and took notes.


    At this time, He Yi had just finished work. He routinely checked Weibo and Douyin, seeing her poprity still going strong. Hemented, "Back then, with daily hot search rankings, she probably got lots of endorsements right?" He opened WeChat and sent a message.


    He Yi: Sis, what are you up to?


    Ji Nian: You''re 4 years older than me, thanks.


    He Yi: I see the ce you''re staying is a bit makeshift...also too pitiful...


    Ji Nian: Or I can squeeze in with you?


    He Yi: Sis, mypany provides housing, bunk beds.


    Ji Nian: Excuse me for intruding, you''re also poor.


    He Yi: You''re really letting loose now. A failed romance turned you into an unbeatable cockroach.


    Ji Nian: Goodbye!


    At this time, her online videos stirred up more waves. Cheng Liran''s fans keptmenting below, using her of deliberately seeking sympathy with the love songs, cooking videos, money-saving tips, and poor living conditions.


    But some unawareizens started paying attention to her because of the song "Guest". They had no ill intentions and maintained a neutral, observant attitude.


    Her Weiboment "Haven''t gotten a capitalist yet, please tell me where to apply for one" made everyoneugh to death. They kept leaving messages below.


    "Count me as one capitalist."


    "Where''s the capitalist?"


    "Hahahaha."


    "She''s using her main ount to p back, is she letting loose?"


    "One song ''Guest'' got you floating?"


    "Trash."


    "Get out of the entertainment industry, ugly freak."


    Recently, Cheng Liran didn''t even want to check his phone. Every time he opened it, there was news about Ji Xiaonian that left him confused. Why was this Ji Xiaonian still haunting him like a vengeful ghost?


    Ba Ge was also puzzled. He was visually fatigued seeing her hot searches everyday, but had to admit, the person behind her really knew how to keep her trending. Could it be that mysterious songwriter again?


    Ji Nian thought about making a bigger move - why not go live? She felt it was a good idea. Currently without money, going live on Douyin to sing could attract gift rewards if she was lucky!


    With that thought, she immediately got to work. Not having brought any cosmetics from before, she had been bare-faced this whole time. So Ji Nian just tidied her hair and found a spot with good lighting before opening the live stream interface.


    Theizens were still clicking on her videos when they suddenly noticed the "Live Stream" words on her profile picture.


    She''s even doing a live stream now? Everyone was puzzled and clicked in, but the erratically shrinking and erging face on the screen gave them a shock.


    "What kind of demon is this!"


    "Scared me to death."


    "Mom! Help!"


    At this time, Ji Nian was still adjusting the beauty filter and hadn''t noticed the influx of people to her stream. When she looked and saw the effects weren''t good, she simply turned the beauty filter off, restoring the video to normal.


    "Promise me you won''t use beauty filters anymore, okay?"


    "That filter nearly killed me."


    "Ugly freak! Get out of the entertainment industry."


    "Bare face? So pretty."


    "Cheng Liran had good taste after all. What a cute face."


    "Screw off, is she even worthy of Cheng Liran?"


    Seeing the barrage ofments, Ji Nian was surprised and saw how many people were now watching. "Why are there so many?"


    "Can you sing ''Guest''? I love that song so much."


    "Trash, piss off."


    "Who allowed you to live stream?"


    "Disgusting."


    At this time, Cheng Liran''s fans kept scolding. Ji Nian chose to ignore them and responded to oneizen, "Sure, I''ll sing ''Guest'' for you guys."


    After that, she picked up her guitar, adjusted her sitting posture, and started softly singing. Apanied by the guitar, her ethereal voice made the song even more poignant.


    Seeing the woman in the video still singing, the barrage ofments suddenly quieted down. The verbal abuse also gradually lessened.


    For some reason, watching her sing this song made them recall the news about how she kept pestering Cheng Liran after their breakup.

 Chapter 8: Rocket

    <h4>Chapter 8</h4>


    After one song finished, the bullet screen became lively again, with a group of peoplementing below.


    "Sounds so good."


    "Oh my god, I just forgot to scold someone?"


    "Add one to the above."


    "Actually she''s nothing much, just can''t let go after the breakup, it''s normal that Cheng Liran is so outstanding, she can''t get over it."


    "Why did Cheng Liran date an unknown woman? Just because she sings well?"


    "Get out above, she only has high school education, not good enough."


    "What do you mean? What''s wrong with high school education?"


    The bullet screen started arguing about education, apanied by their quarrels, a rocket straight up flew over, and the screen started to get flooded.


    "Oh my god, someone even sent a gift?"


    "Rich rich."


    Ji Nian saw someone sent a gift, was surprised with eyes wide open, then smiled brightly: "Thank you brother for the gift."


    Just after saying that, a few more rockets swooshed over, shocking the bullet screen saying this person is crazy.


    Ji Nian didn''t know how much a rocket cost, looking at the bullet screen saying it''s very expensive, she also clicked on the gift to take a look, scrolled down, got a shock, hurriedly stopped: "Stop stop stop, don''t swipe anymore."


    Then she squinted counting the zeros above, converted it to RMB in her mind, stared nkly for a moment with eyes wide open.


    "What is she doing? Is she counting how much money it is?"


    "Did anyone notice this scene looks a bit cute?"


    "Trash Ji Nian, online beggar."


    "Shameless woman, you must be very happy now right?"


    "Is the big brother who sent giftscking leg essories?"


    Ji Nian came back to her senses, seeing the screen was still getting gifts, she cleverly answered: "Big brother, let''s do this, if you really want to give me, let''s send red envelopes privately, this tform takes 60%mission from me, I feel so heartbroken!"


    The atmosphere was brought up, some fearless audience also started sending gifts, some gave free little stars, some tens of RMB little gifts, the full screen kept shing nonstop.


    "Ji little Nian felt heartbroken, number one big brother give privately, her 10 million debt hahaha."


    "10 million? For real?"


    "It''s on Weibo, real and true."


    "I''m about to dieughing."


    "Hype? ying pitiful?"


    Ji Nian thought for a while, seeing the friendlyments on the bullet screen, she obediently answered: "To be precise, my debt is 9.805 million, I paid back 195,000."


    "Too miserable, ordinary people like us would have a mental breakdown with 10 million debt."


    "I''ve been working for so many years, don''t even have 1 cent of savings."


    "Add one to the above."


    Ji Nian looked at the bullet screen seriously: "So now I have to scrimp and save, live streaming to sing for everyone, hoping those with money can pay, those without can support me."


    "I can''t stopughing hahahaha."


    "She looks so serious saying that I spitugh."


    "No money."


    "I simply support you."


    Ji Nian thought, looking at the gifts on screen, continued: "Everyone should consume rationally, those dozens of rockets from the big brother almost sent me away, money''s not easy to earn, be rational be rational."


    After saying that, the big brother sent a few more rockets again, the screen exploded, Ji Nian froze for a second.


    "Big brother said he''s not listening."


    "I''m not being rational."


    "Big brother please bring me up."


    "Isn''t Ji little Nian very happy?"


    "Hypocrite."


    Ji Nian calcted rapidly in her mind again, wow, earning so much in one stream, then she said: "Big brother who sent rockets, what song do you want to hear, I''ll sing for you, you gave me so much I feel a bit embarrassed."


    Only saw the big brother who kept sending gifts indifferently replied: "Sounds good."


    "Big brother I''ll sing for you, send me a few rockets okay?"


    "Add one to above."


    "Add two to above."


    "Indifferent big brother sending rockets online."


    "Got so much poprity as soon as started streaming? Are these water armies?"


    Ji Nian smiled, her mind spinning rapidly, she has many nice songs in mind, so she picked up the guitar, said: "This is also a new song,poser (mysterious) song name (arrogant), hope everyone will like it."


    The woman in the video was still singing, her eyes seemed to be from lights or tears, making her look very sad, giving off a teary, yet desperately holding back tears feeling.


    But Ji Nian was truly sad, or rather, not her, but this body. She felt the original owner left some consciousness behind, that''s why the mood swing was so big.


    "Illusion? Feels like she''s very sad."


    "If you owed 10 million won''t you be sad?"


    "ying pitiful again!"


    "Please don''t ride on Cheng Liran''s poprity!"


    "What pity are you pretending?"


    Ji Nian tried hard to suppress the body''s emotions, smiled awkwardly, the held back tears still glistening, pitiful look, smiling asked: "Does everyone like this new song?"


    "Trash, get out of the entertainment industry."


    "Only knows how to ride on poprity."


    "The song sounds really good."


    "Who''s the mysterious?"


    Ji Nian saw the curses on bullet screen, the body''s emotions getting stronger, she felt, it must be the original owner''s leftover consciousness, that''s why the mood swing was so big.


    But she still smilingly answered: "The (mysterious) is theposer, can''t reveal who he is, but heposes very well."


    "Why would someone make songs for a has-been like you?"


    "Your sponsor behind the scenes?"


    "Add one to above, someone must be supporting her behind."


    "Nowadays people really say anything for poprity."


    Ji Nian felt the body almost couldn''t take it anymore, the heartache making her almost suffocate, expression starting to be blurred, everything went dark before her eyes, she actually just fainted like this, the guitar fell to the ground.


    "What happened? Fainted?"


    "Pretending right? Pretending to faint?"


    "Oh my god,e on with this? Old trick Ji little Nian."


    "I feel it doesn''t look fake, where is she, can someone call an ambnce to help?"


    "Trash, just keep pretending."

 Chapter 9: Pass Out

    <h4>Chapter 9</h4>


    Twenty minutester, the woman still did not move, and at this time there were still many people leaving messages on the danmu.


    "Can''t be real, can it?"


    "I don''t know why her eyes went nk just now, obviously it doesn''t look pretended."


    "Everyone don''t be fooled by her, she''s just pretending."


    "Always relying on hype like this."


    "Thest bit of goodwill is gone."


    And after an hour, the woman still hadn''t moved at all. At this time, most people had already believed it, and some had even called the police, but they couldn''t say the address.


    "Oh my god! She didn''t die, did she?"


    "No no, there is still breathing in her stomach."


    "This doesn''t seem to be pretending either, an hour has passed."


    Two hourster, it was ten o''clock in the evening, it had gone up on Weibo hot search, the video of her fainting was reyed and uploaded,ments of all kinds were below, and more were saying she was creating hype.


    And at the top of the rankings, Cheng Liran stared at his phone, feeling a little flustered from the beginning until now, then he took out his phone and made a call.


    "He Yi, Ji Xiaonian passed out during her live stream, do you know where she lives?" Cheng Liran asked.


    He Yi, who had just answered the call, was shocked and got up in a hurry and asked, "What? Where?"


    "Douyin is still live streaming, she''s been unconscious for two hours."


    "I don''t know where she lives!" He Yi eximed, looking flustered.


    At this time, Ji Xiaonian was awakened by the pain, she opened her eyes, curled up, covered in sweat, barely propping herself up.


    "She woke up! She woke up!"


    "She looks like she''s in a lot of pain."


    "Why is she grabbing her chest?"


    Ji Xiaonian saw that Douyin was still live streaming. She thought it was over and tried to reach out to click off the broadcast, but staggered and rolled off the bed. Her chest hurt so much she couldn''t breathe, and she felt like she would pass out again at any time.


    The phone fell on the ground, but at this angle, it could better show the woman copsed on the ground. Theizens exploded, those who came to watch from the hot search left messages.


    And at this time, the ringtone of the mobile phone vibrated as well, showing He Yi''s name.


    "Is this real?"


    "It looks pretty convincing."


    "No, this is real, she''s not that good of an actress."


    "Oh my god, oh my god, I called the police, why haven''t theye yet."


    Ji Xiaonian felt she couldn''t go on, a force kept suppressing her, her whole body was weak, she struggled to crawl to the door, and barely stood up to open it, but then copsed heavily back onto the floor.


    And theizens truly believed it now, seeing on screen the woman struggling to open the door and then falling heavily again.


    "Oh my god, it''s real!"


    "What on earth happened?"


    "I hope nothing happens to her."


    "It must be retribution, right."


    "Serves her right."


    "Those upstairs, please watch your words."


    Ji Xiaonian gasped for breath, lying on the floor, hearing soundsing from the stairs, she struggled to open her eyes.


    "My goodness me!" Thendy saw the person copsed at the door, and rushed over in fright to help her up, and said: "Youngdy, what''s the matter with you?"


    "Save me......" Ji Xiaonian said with difficulty, tears falling down her face, it hurts so much, every internal organ was in pain, then she fainted again after speaking.


    "Oh my god, oh my god! Come quickly, dear!" Thendy screamed loudly.


    Soon, a middle-aged man rushed over in a hurry, startled to see this, then carrying the woman downstairs on his back.


    Thendy saw a mobile phone on the ground. When she picked it up, she identally tapped the ''end livestreaming'' button. Her hands shook as she put it in her bag, closed the door, and then hurriedly caught up.


    At this moment, the live stream from the phone was cut off, and theizens exploded, all leavingments.


    "She was saved!"


    "Oh my god, I was so nervous watching it."


    "I just can''t imagine, if no one had passed by the door, who would go and save her."


    "I called the police so long ago, but they still haven''t found anyone."


    "Doesn''t she have any friends?"


    "Don''t know, but she seems so pitiful..."


    Cheng Li Ran Hospital


    Seeing the pale face of the person on the hospital bed, thendlord andndy had a worried expression, constantly asking questions.


    "Are you family?" the doctor asked.


    "No, we''re the youngdy''sndlord." Thendy quickly exined.


    "The patient has fainted from low blood pressure due to excessive blood loss." The doctor looked at the report.


    "Doctor, have you made a mistake? Loss of blood?" Thendlord uncle curiously asked by the side.


    "The patient has very deep wounds on her wrists, and the scabs have not healed yet, I can deduce that she should have attempted suicide not long ago, resulting in excessive blood loss. To tell the truth, with such deep wounds, physically and in all other ways she is very unstable, she should have......" The doctor frowned and asked.


    "Oh my god, suicide!" Thendy looked horrified.


    "How could she have peacefully lived that many days? She has now lost over 15% of her blood, and is at risk of death at any time." The doctor nced at the woman lying on the bed, with her face pale without a trace of colour. His face was full of surprise, was this a medical miracle?


    "Doctor, wha-what-what should we do now!" Thendlord stammered, also panicking.


    "Luckily she was brought here in time, she will need to be hospitalised for a period." The doctor said.


    "Thank you, doctor, thank you doctor." Thendy breathed a sigh of relief, then heard the sound of the phone vibrating in her bag, took it out hurriedly for a look, it was a call from someone named He Yi.


    "Hello?"


    "I''m Ji Xiaonian''s friend, which hospital is she at?" He Yi''s voice was urgent over the phone.


    "The youngdy''s friend." Thendy said to her husband next to her.


    Then the man took the phone, simply said a couple of sentences and reported the name of the hospital, then over the phone came a hurried thank you before the other side hung up.


    At this moment the hospital room was suddenly quiet again. Thendy lookedplicatedly at the woman on the hospital bed.


    "I say, a young woman, pretty as a flower, so polite, why on earth would shemit suicide?" Thendy sighed.


    "Wait until she wakes up, advise her more, she''s still young, no matter what happened she has to stay optimistic." The man said.


    After over two hours, a flustered He Yi rushed over and walked into the hospital room, seeing the person lying on the bed, she started crying instantly.


    "You''re her friend?" Thendy asked.


    "Thank you auntie and uncle, thanks to you being there." He Yi thanked them continuously, tears flowing non stop.


    "As long as she''s alright, as long as she''s alright, you''re her friend, you have to advise her more," Thendy lectured with a stern face.


    "Yes, yes." He Yi nodded in response.


    "Now that you''re here, we''ll go back first." Thendlord pulled the person next to him, and started speaking.


    "Yes yes, thank you uncle and auntie for your trouble."


    After they left, He Yi sat on the stool beside the hospital bed, eyes red and swollen, spaced out for a while, but kept on hearing the phone ringing non stop next to her. Picking it up for a look, it was Douyin private messages.


    She wiped her tears and clicked in. The private messages were already at 99+. She could see under Ji Xiaonian''s Douyin were allments.


    "Dead or alive?"


    "This is the result of creating hype."


    "I''m so worried, what''s the situation now?"


    "Oh my god, it''s even gone up on Weibo''s hot search."


    "Another day up on hot search?"


    "Hot searches haven''t stopped these days."


    "Who is Ji Xiaonian?"

 Chapter 10: Copyright

    <h4>Chapter 10</h4>


    He Yi opened the trending topics and found two pinned trending topics: one was a new song ("Arrogant"), and the other was a video edit of a woman passing out.


    She then used Ji Xiaonian''s Weibo ount to edit a message: "I''m Ji Xiaonian''s agent. She is still undergoing treatment. Thank you everyone for your concern."


    After posting the Weibo update, He Yi sighed and put down her phone without paying more attention to it. She asked for two days off from herpany and picked up her own phone. Life is too difficult.


    The next day ¡ª


    When Ji Nian woke up the next day, an IV drip hanger still came into view. She stared nkly, thinking she could go back to her original world.


    "You''re awake!" He Yi said happily.


    Ji Nian turned her head and blinked nkly. Then she was also surprised: "He Yi! How did you get here!"


    "You scared me to death. It''s all because I didn''t have money to hospitalize youst time. The doctor said this time you fainted due to excessive blood loss, surely because we didn''t recuperate well before." He Yi''s eyes were red with guilt all over her face.


    "It''s okay." Ji Nian smiled and said. She knew in her heart that it must not be excessive blood loss, but heartache. It was the too drastic emotional fluctuations in her mind that made her unable to breathe, could Ji Xiaonian still be there? Or was it her residual consciousness before she died?


    "I''ll definitely keep you in the hospital for a few more days no matter what this time." He Yi nodded firmly.


    Outside, the weather was very nice with blue skies, white clouds, and sunlight that wasn''t too harsh. At this time, two women were standing on the stairs at the hospital entrance in a daze.


    He Yi looked incredulous and said, "You recovered so quickly?"


    Ji Nian nodded. She insisted on being discharged, but the doctor refused. Then after another exam that showed her data was all normal, she went through the discharge procedure in front of the doctor''s dumbfounded expression.


    "Where do we go now?" He Yi''s face was full of suspicion.


    "Go home and take a look at my ce." Ji Nian smiled.


    To indulge today, they took a taxi since the distance was rtively close. It cost 20 yuan to arrive.


    They went up to the third floor and entered the shabby farm building under He Yi''s bewildered gaze and sat on the hard wooden bed.


    "Guess how much per month?" Ji Nian asked with a smile.


    "How much?" He Yi still hadn''t recovered. Looking at the surroundings, her eyes turned red and she said, "My sister has suffered so much, from living in a vi to here..."


    "Hey hey hey, why are you crying?" Ji Nian panicked and hurriedly took out tissues to wipe her tears.


    "I''m so sorry, I didn''t bring you wealth." He Yi said loudly and cried.


    Ji Nian was speechless with a ck line on her face. She silently waited for the woman to finish crying. She saw her stop and kept sobbing and said, "He Yi, are you done crying?"


    "What''s with that expression? I''m just concerned about you." He Yi wiped away her tears and said.


    Before Ji Nian could speak, a cell phone ringtone sounded. The two were stunned.


    "Unknown number?" He Yi''s still hoarse voice.


    Ji Nian was about to reach for it but was stopped. He Yi gestured with her eyes that she would take it herself. She put it to her ear and said, "Hello."


    "Hello, is this Miss Ji?" A man''s voice came from the other end of the phone.


    "I''m Ji Xiaonian''s agent He Yi. May I ask who you are?" He Yi looked confused.


    "Miss He Yi, I''m Zhang Yuan, the person in charge of Dou Yin Company''s music copyright. We''d like to put the songs "Arrogant" and "Guest" into the Dou Yin Music Library and would like to discuss the copyright issues." The person in charge of Dou Yin Company was surprised. Wasn''t she released from her contract? There was still an agent?


    After He Yi listened, she was stunned. Then she moved the phone away and whispered to the woman next to her: "Not bad, Dou Yin wants to buy the copyright of your two songs."


    Then she picked up the phone again and said, "Director Zhang, here is the situation. These two songs are new songs, and I don''t quite understand what this copyright means, what kind of form is it?"


    "Miss He, this copyright means that we will use her original music and put it on the music tform so that others can directly insert it as background music when making videos. It won''t affect the future development of these two songs on other tforms."


    "I see. How long does yourpany want the contract term to be?" He Yi asked.


    "Buyout." The other end responded directly and decisively. "We want to buy the permanent yback rights of these two songs on the Dou Yin tform. It''s not calcted annually."


    "Then what are the terms offered by yourpany?" He Yi asked.


    "We understand Miss Ji''s situation. For these two trending songs, our price is 1 million."


    He Yi was surprised. Then after thinking about it, she calmly said, "Director Zhang has also seen that our artist has gained poprity and traffic in a short period of time. These two songs were not casually written either. Don''t you think 1 million for permanent usage rights is a bit low?"


    Hearing 10 million, Ji Nian was shocked. Was this money too easy to earn? Back then, with a monthly sry of 4,000 yuan, how long would it take to reach 10 million? She nodded eagerly at He Yi to signal agreement!


    He Yi rolled her eyes at her and mouthed the words "no ss". Then she ignored the woman and continued seriously negotiating the price with the person on the phone.


    "Miss He, ourpany offered this price of 1 million because we saw the poprity of these two songs. And Miss Ji also has scandals haunting her now, so the price of these two songs won''t rise. But I have another cooperation method."


    "Please go ahead." He Yi answered.


    ""Guest" and "Arrogant", 1 million for permanent usage rights. For any new songs Miss Ji releases in the future, we can negotiate cooperation annually depending on if they still have good poprity. Then the pricing can be discussed." Director Zhang said.


    "How about this, we''ll consider it for two days and get back to you." He Yi said.


    On the other side, Zhang Yuan was shocked. You still need to consider this? Isn''t 1 million a lot? Given Ji Xiaonian''s poprity and the ck history in the news, 1 million was already very generous. Although surprised, he still answered, "Okay, we''ll wait for Miss He''s reply."


    After hanging up, Ji Nian anxiously said: "He Yi, why did you say you''ll consider it? 1 million! 1 million!"


    "Can you calm down! Isn''t 1 million a lot for permanent usage rights of two songs?" He Yi rolled her eyes at her.


    "Can the price still go up?" Ji Nian asked.


    "No." He Yi said calmly.


    "Then why are you still considering!" Ji Nian was anxious. Wouldn''t 10 million fly away?


    "Tsk tsk, why agree so eagerly? Wouldn''t that make us seemcking in pricing power? Let''s hang him for a day and give him a reply tomorrow to agree. I''ll go with you to sign the contract." He Yi said.


    Ji Nian calmed down and thought about it, then nodded and said, "Okay..."


    Not long after, another phone ring sounded and the two were stunned again, looking over.


    "Unknown number?" Ji Nian dazedly said.


    He Yi reached out to tap the speaker button and said, "Hello."


    "Hello, is this Miss Ji?" Another male voice came from the phone.


    "I''m Ji Xiaonian''s agent He Yi. May I ask who you are?" He Yi answered.


    "Miss He Yi, I''m Zeng Hou from Penguin Music tform. I''d like to discuss Miss Ji''s music copyright with you." Zeng Hou was surprised. Wasn''t her contract terminated? There''s still an agent?

 Chapter 11: Penguin Music

    <h4>Chapter 11</h4>


    "What kind of copyright do you have on your side?" He Yi asked.


    "It''s like this, ourpany saw that Miss Ji''s (guest) songs ''Proud'' and ''Arrogant'' are quite good, and we want Miss Ji''s two songs to be yable on our Penguin Music tform, but only on our music tform." Zeng Hou said.


    At this moment, the phone was in hands-free mode. When Ji Nian heard this, her eyes lit up. Another person hade to give her money. She seemed to see the dawn of her debt being paid off.


    "Do you mean that if we cooperate with you, the yback rights of this song will belong entirely to Penguin?" He Yi asked.


    "Yes, Miss He also knows that now almost half of the people use this software to listen to songs on our Penguin Music tform. Although we own the copyright entirely, we also understand that Miss Ji is short of money right now, so the terms we offer are still very good." Zeng Hou had a very confident smile on his face over the phone.


    "It''s like this, we just signed a music yback contract with Dou Yin. Will that affect this?" He Yi asked.


    Zeng Hou was surprised that Dou Yin had moved faster than them. It seemed that everyone hade for the poprity of these two songs. He said, "Miss He, don''t worry about this. Dou Yin is a short video tform, different from a music tform, so this will not affect it."


    "What are the terms you offered?" He Yi asked directly.


    "Two million. The music yback rights for these two songs," Zeng Hou replied.


    Ji Nian''s eyes widened in shock. Two million! She hurriedly nodded her head. He Yi''s eyes were also smiling, and she nodded to indicate that Penguin Music was still very conscientious.


    "Okay, when do we sign the contract?" He Yi agreed directly.


    Zeng Hou also expected the other party to agree. He said, "I''ll have to ask Miss Ji toe to ourpany tomorrow too. The apaniment and other things still need to be prepared in advance by our department, and then you''ll have toe to the recording studio to officially record the song."


    "Okay, we''lle over at 3pm tomorrow," He Yi replied.


    "Great, look forward to working with you, see you tomorrow," Zeng Hou said before hanging up.


    At this moment, Ji Nian was still a little silly. If she responded to Dou Yin tomorrow, then she would have earned three million in cash. She was still a little dizzy.


    On the other hand, He Yi was happy. Two million was already a high price, plus the one million Dou Yin offered, her debt was much lighter now.


    "Sis, you''re awesome, I didn''t expect you to be so skilled now, far better than before." He Yi said with augh.


    Ji Nian raised her head arrogantly, "It''s like gold will always shine."


    "Oh, you''re getting arrogant from some praise?" He Yi shook her head and then asked, "Who exactly is this mystery person? Why did he give you the song? Does he have any motive?"


    Ji Nian was startled, then said, "Mystery is me."


    He Yi spoke in a tone of disbelief, "What''s our rtionship? You''re hiding this from me? That''s not nice."


    "It really is me," Ji Nian said. She used songs from the real world.


    "Fine, if you don''t want to say, let it go," He Yi was curious but would not ask too much. In the past, she did not ask too many questions about Ji Nian''s rtionship with Cheng Li Ran either.


    Ji Nian felt helpless. She was toozy to exin either, after all, they were not songs she had written, so let her misunderstand.


    The next day, Ji Nian and He Yi took buses and subways, traveling over mountains and rivers before finally arriving at the entrance of Penguin Music''spany building.


    He Yi looked like she was about to vomit from the bumpy bus rides, and Ji Nian''s face did not look much better either. It took them three and a half hours from the suburbs to the city center and here. One had to say, Beijing was truly huge.


    "Sis, I can''t take it anymore," He Yi''s face was pale. She actually did not get carsick, but sitting in vehicles for so long was tiring. The subway was still alright, just crowded and made her feet tired. Buses were bumpy, starting and stopping all the way, making her dizzy and a little nauseous.


    Ji Nian''s face was also deathly pale. To be honest, she had never traveled around so much before crossing into this book. Now having inherited Ji Nian''s debt of 10 million yuan, and living far away, going out was also very inconvenient.


    "Do you think I''m doing any better..." Ji Nian had gagged a few times too.


    "Why don''t you rent a ce in the city first after this moneyes in, don''t rush to repay the debt," He Yi said.


    "No!" Ji Nian rejected it in one go. She did not have the habit of owing others money. Her past self had never even opened an installment n, rarely owing others money. Even if she did, she would repay it at the fastest speed.


    Although she had crossed over now, and did not know if she could go back, this was still her debt for the time being. She had to pay it back.


    Seeing her determined expression, He Yi did not say anything more, just sighed.


    Then seeing that the call had connected, she immediately changed her tone and said, "Hello Mr. Zeng, we''re already downstairs at thepany building, but we can''t get in without a pass. Can youe down to get us?"


    Zeng Hou looked at his watch, 2:50 pm, not bad, they were on time. He replied, "Miss He, please wait a moment, I''ll send someone down now."


    "Thank you Mr. Zeng," He Yi said.


    After waiting for ten minutes, a youngdy came down. When she saw that the person in front of her was the inte sensation Ji Nian, she was stunned for a moment.


    "Hello, Mr. Zeng asked me toe down to get... you..." The youngdy walked up to them and asked uncertainly. She had only heard that she was toe down to get someone, but had not been told who. Yet these two were the only ones standing outside thepany building.


    Ji Nian had just taken off her mask not long ago. Seeing the youngdy''s stunned expression, she replied, "Yes, we''re here to sign the contract."


    The youngdy was startled for a moment, then quickly said, "Okay, pleasee with me."


    In the elevator, the youngdy kept stealthily looking at the woman before her, with amazement in her eyes. She really was beautiful, even prettier than in the videos, with wless, fair and delicate skin, and exquisite features far better than many entertainer celebrities. It was strange, why hadn''t she be popr before?


    "You''re so beautiful," the youngdy said somewhat shyly.


    Ji Nian was surprised. To be honest, she still wasn''t used to having such a beautiful face as her original body.


    Being suddenlyplimented for her looks, her first reaction was still that it was for her past self, before realizing that it was meant for the current her. She smiled politely and said, "Thank you."


    The youngdy blushed and shyly lowered her head.


    Ji Nian thought she was quite cute. She herself was just an ordinary person in the past, not standing out at all in a crowd.


    She didn''t have long legs either, or such good skin. After crossing into the book, it seemed to fulfill her wish of bing a beauty. It felt quite awesome to think about it.


    With a "ding", the elevator door opened, stopping on the 19th floor. The youngdy said, "Miss Ji, we''re here. I''ll take you to Mr. Zeng''s office."


    "Okay, thank you," Ji Nian nodded in reply.

 Chapter 12: Accompaniment

    <h4>Chapter 12</h4>


    Zeng Hou was browsing Dou Yin and watching the video of Ji Xiaonian, who was still trending, when he suddenly heard a knock at the door. He turned off his phone and said, "Come in."


    Hearing the voice inside, the youngdy at the door pushed it open and gestured for the two people behind her to go in.


    Ji Xiaonian was taken aback for a moment, somewhat confused as He Yi pulled her in. Seeing the man sitting at the desk, she immediately stood up and walked over to greet them.


    "Mr. Zeng, hello." He Yi smiled.


    Seeing the astonishment hidden in the woman''s eyes, Zeng Hou had to admit that she looked even more delicate in person than she did in the video.


    "Miss Ji, Miss He," Zeng Hou nodded with a smile, "I''ve had coffee prepared. Please have a seat." He made a gesture for them to sit on the nearby sofa.


    "Thank you." He Yi smiled and boldly led Ji Xiaonian to sit down.


    Ji Xiaonian herself seemed rather ill at ease, awkward in front of a stranger. Moreover, the man before her was apany president, so in terms of momentum, she was even more nervous and uneasy.


    Zeng Hou noticed the woman''s difort and was surprised. It seemed that this Ji Xiaonian was somewhat introverted. She hadn''t said a word from start to finish and looked rather nervous.


    He Yi also noticed and was shocked. The old Ji Xiaonian looked down on everyone and carried herself like she owned the ce. Yet now she was nervous?


    Could it be that she had be insecure after being bashed by the critics online? He Yi was puzzled, sympathy in her eyes. She used to be so confident. Now she was like a different person. s, getting close to men really does lead to misfortune...


    "Miss Ji, don''t be nervous. This is our contract. Take a look. If there are no issues, let''s get down to business as soon as possible. We still need to create the apaniment to record the songs," Zeng Hou said with a smile.


    Ji Xiaonian was a little dazed. She took the contract and looked at it. Alright, she didn''t understand. She didn''t know these professional terms.


    Seeing that the woman had no reaction after a long time, He Yi reached over and took her contract to look it over carefully.


    After almost 15 minutes, He Yi finally raised her head and nodded, saying, "Mr. Zeng, this contract of yours means that you own all the copyrights. If any partners need to use these two songs, we''ll also get a share of the partnership fees, right?"


    Zeng Hou nodded. Theirpany had always been efficient. They gave what they were supposed to give, and their reputation in the industry was quite good. "That''s right. Although the percentage isn''t high, you''ll still have the rights you''re entitled to," he replied.


    He Yi nodded. There were no issues with the contract. Penguin Music was indeed very conscientious. She then turned to Ji Xiaonian and said, "You can sign it."


    Ji Xiaonian nodded. "Okay." She would just follow He Yi''s lead. She couldn''t go wrong that way.


    She then picked up the pen and signed her name very briskly, hesitating for a moment as she almost wrote the wrong name. She should write Ji Xiaonian.


    Seeing these three characters, He Yi frowned slightly, finding it odd. The handwriting seemedpletely different from before. But she wouldn''t pay too much attention to such details. One''s handwriting could change with mood when writing, so it was understandable.


    Satisfaction showed in Zeng Hou''s eyes. She was refreshingly straightforward, not acting arrogantly or demanding additional terms just because she had to sign a contract. Sometimes dealing with people like that could be vexing.


    After he signed, he politely said, "Miss Ji can go to the recording studio first. I''ll have the music producere over to discuss with you, and we''ll do our best to record the songs in the next few days."


    "Okay," Ji Xiaonian nodded.


    As they walked to the recording studio, a few young men inside looked over.


    Zeng Hou went over and introduced, "This is Ji Xiaonian, who hase to work on the musical apaniment."


    The young men were astonished, admiration in their eyes. Nowadays, anyone who watched Dou Yin knew her, with the halo of being Cheng Li Ran''s ex-girlfriend and having sung two songs that went viral.


    One man joked, "A beauty hase to our recording studio, how rare."


    Zeng Hou knew they were joking around and said, "Then you''d better take good care of her."


    Ji Xiaonian smiled bashfully, somewhat embarrassed. Zeng Hou could also see she was rather modest, and said, "Alright, hurry up and get to work."


    After that, the young men came over. One introduced himself, "Miss Ji, I''m the head of music production. You can call me Older Brother Li."


    Ji Xiaonian looked at him with her big eyes and sweetly responded, "Hello, Older Brother Li."


    Her soft, coquettish voice paired with her delicate features made people stare nkly. Older Brother Li almost couldn''t maintainposure. He marveled to himself that this woman was a vixen.


    "Were these two songsposed and written by Mystery?" Older Brother Li asked curiously. In the industry, Mystery had spread by word of mouth. The reason was that thepositions of these two songs were a little different, attracting the attention ofposers.


    Ji Xiaonian was startled for a moment and nodded, "Yes."


    "You y instruments. Could you y us an overall musical apaniment for the songs so we can hear?" Older Brother Li nodded. He had wanted to ask who Mystery was, but felt it might be rude to ask that right away.


    Ji Xiaonian nodded and looked at the electric piano not far away. She sat down and thought for a moment before starting to y.


    Everyone was astonished, having assumed she would y guitar. They didn''t expect she could also y piano.


    Captivated, they listened as she yed.


    After finishing the piece, she walked over somewhat bashfully and asked, "The songs are roughly in this form. I can write out the sheet music for you."


    Zeng Hou regained his senses and looked at her admiringly. "I really didn''t expect you were quite skilled at piano, Miss Ji."


    He Yi was utterly confused. In her heart she questioned herself - had she been negligent as Ji Xiaonian''s agent? She didn''t even know her client could y piano.


    Older Brother Li nodded appreciatively. "I can see you have solid piano foundations. You must have yed for many years, right?"


    Ji Xiaonian nodded. "Just a hobby and interest."


    "Alright then, leave us the sheet music for the two songs. Come back in a couple days to record the songs." Older Brother Li smiled.


    "Okay," Ji Xiaonian nodded.


    Zeng Hou was very interested. It seemed this ex-girlfriend of Cheng Li Ran did have some skills. A long-term partnership could lead to unexpected gains.


    After finishing everything, Ji Xiaonian left with He Yi, contract in hand. Seeing it was already 4 p.m., it would be dark by the time they took the subway and bus home.


    He Yi smiled, saying, "Penguin is a goodpany with an excellent reputation in the industry. You can tell from this contract alone that they are generous."


    Ji Xiaonian nodded. Although she didn''t know the specifics of the contract, He Yi was right.


    She was feeling a little ufortable now. She didn''t know if it was due to this body having attempted suicide before, but sometimes she would feel weak all over.

 Chapter 13: The Record Song

    <h4>Chapter 13</h4>


    After two days, Ji Nian received a call from Zeng Hou, notifying her toe over to record songs. The speed was still good. It hadn''t been long since he had made the apaniment.


    He Yi couldn''t ask for such a long vacation, so after apanying her to sign a contract with Dou Yin Company these two days, she also rushed back to work. She went out alone today.


    She casually wore a white T-shirt and a pair of light-colored jeans, matched with a pair of white sneakers. The whole person looked youthful and beautiful. Because her online incident was still fermenting, a mask was a must when going out.


    The gift withdrawal from thest live broadcast on Dou Yin came out, 50,000 yuan. She took it and transferred 45,000 back to Cheng Liran''s ount, leaving 5,000 on her, still owing him 5.76 million.


    The liquidated damages from the formerpany was 4 million. Ji Nian got a headache when she thought about this. What was the meaning of her crossing into this world? To help the original owner pay off her debts?


    After another round of crossing hills and wading through water, Ji Nian took the bus and subway and arrived at the Penguin Company. This time someone came down specially to wait for her.


    When she arrived at the recording studio, Zeng Hou also came over. She listened to the apaniment, her eyes surprised. This apaniment was no different from the one in her real world. This music producer really had some skills.


    "What do you think? Do you need to modify it?" Older Brother Li asked.


    Ji Nian shook her head and smiled, "It''s already very good as it is."


    "Then what are we waiting for? Come on, let''s start recording and see." Zeng Hou was somewhat impatient.


    Ji Nian walked in, stood in front of the microphone, listened to the apaniment sounding from the headphones, and sang lightly.


    After singing, everyone listened fascinatedly, and it took them a long time before they apuded. Zeng Hou and Older Brother Li looked at each other and smiled, with satisfaction in their eyes.


    "Okay, get ready. The apaniment for the song ''Arrogance''." Older Brother Li said to the people inside.


    Ji Nian gave an OK gesture. Soon another apaniment sounded in her ears. She listened to it, felt it was good, nodded, and got ready to record the song.


    At this moment, Zeng Hou outside had an appreciative look in his eyes and said, "She has very good vocal conditions."


    "I checked her information. She used to be a trainee and knows singing and dancing," Older Brother Li replied.


    "It''s strange she didn''t be popr for so long." Zeng Hou couldn''t figure it out.


    "That''s how the entertainment industry is." Older Brother Li nodded, listening to the singing voiceing from inside. The two songs were very good, and theposer was also mysterious.


    After recording the songs, Ji Nian walked out, somewhat embarrassed, "Is this okay? Or should I record it again?"


    "It''s good, very perfect!" Zeng Hou said with augh.


    Older Brother Li nodded and said, "If nothing unexpected happens, it can be rmended on our tform tonight."


    Zeng Hou felt these two songs would blow up hugely, nodded, and said to Older Brother Li, "Then hurry up and get it done."


    Ji Nian said she had to go back, "I still have things to do. Well, Mr. Zeng, Older Brother Li, I''ll go first."


    Older Brother Li nodded, "Okay, goodbye."


    Zeng Hou smiled, "Miss Ji Nian, your next song, you must give priority consideration to our tform."


    Ji Nian was stunned for a moment, then smiled, "Okay, sure."


    That night, when everyone opened Weibo and clicked into the hot search, they couldn''t help but wonder, why is it Ji Nian again?


    The reason was that the official ount of Penguin Music had tagged Ji Nian''s Weibo ount and released a promotion to exclusively y the two songs "Guest" and "Arrogance."


    The melon-eating crowds directly saw the truth this time. This was a coboration. The ck fans would not miss this opportunity either and left malicious bad reviews underneath.


    Some passersby who saw this were also curious. They clicked into the music tform and clicked on the two rmended songs.


    The Ji Nian who had been hanging in the hot search for many days once again became hot, not for anything else, but for these two songs. Many people leftments underneath.


    "People, they change as they walk. Hearts, they get colder as they get hurt. Feelings, they break as theyst. Tea, it gets cold as it sits."


    "When I''m in a bad mood, I don''t even dare to post moments for fear of bringing negative energy to my family. Mature people can only hide it slowly and digest it slowly."


    "I don''t know why, but I feel like Ji Nian is telling her own story."


    "I just realized if neither person takes the initiative, there really is no rtionship left."


    "Cried. I saw her cry while singing during the livestream on Dou Yin before."


    "Have you noticed she tried tomit suicide before? The scars on her hands weren''t fake."


    "Just went through a breakup, listening to these two songs makes me want to cry."


    "Using Cheng Li Ran for hype? Breaking up is breaking up. What''s the point of still using it as a selling point?"


    "She was unlikable to begin with. Releasing love songs now, what''s she implying?"


    Thements were a mix of good and bad. Some inte celebrities on Dou Yin also recorded videos with this song. In short, in just two days, these two songs became hot very quickly.


    On Ji Nian''s side, she also received good news on WeChat from He Yi that a variety show wanted her to record an episode. Hearing this news, she waspletely baffled.


    He Yi: An actor from this variety show suddenly had schedule conflicts. They happened to see your recent poprity and wanted you to fill in to record an episode.


    Ji Nian: What type? I don''t know how to record these.


    He Yi: Sis, you''ve already gone cold. It''s hard to find someone willing to let you record a show. You mustn''t turn this down no matter what. This may be your chance to make aeback!


    He Yi: Think about how much debt you''re in. How are you gonna pay it back if you don''t take on work and earn money!


    Ji Nian: I''ll take it!


    He Yi: Good. I''m sending you the key info. They couldn''t reach you today so they temporarily came to me. I''ve already signed the contract for you. You just go there yourselfter.


    Ji Nian: It''s signed already??


    He Yi: Yes.


    Ji Nian: Bye.

 Chapter 14: Variety Show

    <h4>Chapter 14</h4>


    Receiving the link sent by He Yi, Ji Nian clicked on it with a mix of excitement and unease. As an ordinary person, she was about to participate in a TV show, which was quite thrilling to think about.


    To be honest, she was afraid because she had never been involved in this kind of profession before. However, in order to help the original owner of her body repay debts, she decided to swallow her pride. If only she could return to the real world...


    But for now, she thought it best to focus on solving the current problem: repaying the debt.


    After taking a quick look at the content of the link, she realized that the variety show was about going to a rural area toplete tasks and experience life.


    This show wasn''t particrly popr, as it featured mostly faded celebrities. However, He Yi hadn''t revealed the specific details or the identities of the participants. It was kept confidential.


    It''s no wonder they approached her for the show. Cheng Li Ran, the A-list idol and her ex-boyfriend, had been trending frequently. They probably wanted her to boost the show''s poprity.


    Time was running out. The show was set in a mountain vige, and she would be a guest parachuted into the program. Since she didn''t have apany, she had to arrange transportation herself. She added the person in charge on WeChat, and he sent her the address.


    She packed her luggage quickly, taking only two sets of clothes in addition to what she was already wearing, making a total of three outfits. The weather was hot, so it would be convenient to change clothes. She didn''t bring much else, just some travel-sized toiletries and a charger.


    Her suitcase wasn''t even full. She grabbed the smallest one and picked up her keys, ready to head out.


    She bought a high-speed train ticket, which would take two hours, followed by a two-hour bus ride. Ji Nian couldn''t help but marvel at how convenient it was to have navigation in this day and age. It clearlyid out which transportation to take and how to get there.


    When she got off the bus, Ji Nian checked her phone. It was four o''clock in the afternoon, and she had been on the move for a while. She felt a bit exhausted, but the thought of earning money filled her with motivation.


    ording to the market price, she would earn fifty thousand yuan for this variety show. She couldn''t help but marvel again at how easy it was for celebrities to make money.


    At this point, the show''s staff had already sent someone to the station. They saw this extraordinary woman get off the bus and walked up to her.


    "Are you Miss Ji?" a man asked.


    Ji Nian was momentarily taken aback, then she took off her mask and replied obediently, "Yes, are you from the show''s crew?"


    "Hello, hello! We are the staff of the Love Life program. My name is Xiao Hei. The person in charge sent us to pick you up." Xiao Hei was amazed by her beautiful face.


    Ji Nian nodded and said, "Shall we go now?"


    Xiao Hei answered, "Yes, please follow us."


    "Alright." Ji Nian followed behind him.


    It was a small town, and overall, it didn''t look particrly developed. Even the train station was backed by a nearby mountain.


    But when she approached a tricycle, Ji Nian looked at Xiao Hei with a puzzled expression, pointing at it and said, "Your production crew... seems quite simple."


    Xiao Hei smiled and exined, "The road to the rural area we''re going to is not good, especially with recent rain, it''s full of potholes. This tricycle is more convenient."


    Ji Nian nodded dumbly, then decided not to mind it. She satfortably at the back of the tricycle.


    Xiao Hei and a fellow staff member looked somewhat surprised. She was beautiful and exuded a cool demeanor. They thought she might cause a scene because of the tricycle, but it turned out she was quite down-to-earth.


    As they drove along, Ji Nian nced at the surrounding scenery. It was filled with lush green mountains and clear waters, devoid of tall buildings, and painted a realistic picture of rural life.


    asionally, they would encounter elderly men herding cows or women tending to vegetable gardens, who would cast curious nces their way.


    Xiao Hei stopped the vehicle and said, "Miss Ji, we have arrived. Our amodations are in the few houses up ahead. You can go in first."


    Ji Nian hopped off the tricycle, nodded, and dragged her lightweight suitcase as she walked towards the house.


    Upon pushing open the courtyard gate, she was taken aback. In front of her were a group of people and a sea of cameras. Everyone seemed to be recording her...


    Not far from the entrance, a man washing vegetables stared at the woman who had just entered, his face filled with confusion.


    The production crew was also bewildered. They had just switched the camera to the scene of the man washing vegetables when the door beside them swung open, and someone entered.


    Xiao Hei, who had arrived from the back entrance, realized what had happened. Miss Ji had taken the wrong way and should have entered from the back.


    The assistant director looked at Xiao Hei coldly and whispered, "What''s going on?"


    "I... I..." Xiao Hei became flustered.


    Seeing the unexpected turn of events, the director''s eyes lit up. He quickly gestured to the man washing vegetables, indicating him to improvise.


    Ji Nian, with a bewildered look on her face, asked, "Did I go the wrong way?"


    "No, no, I''m Zhou Sheng, a singer. Are you the new guest on our lifestyle show?" Zhou Sheng regained hisposure, smiled, and asked.


    "Yes," Ji Nian nodded absentmindedly. Then she pointed to the crowd of cameras and the staff nearby and asked, "Are we already filming now?"


    Zhou Sheng hesitated for a moment and replied, "Yes."


    "What!" Ji Nian eximed in surprise. Then, feeling embarrassed, she looked in the direction of the man sitting in front of the camera and said, "I just arrived... I''m not ready yet... and we''re already filming?"


    At this moment, the video showed a woman with delicate features, wearing simple clothing, and lookingpletely baffled, which added some charm.


    The director noticed that this was a scene that could be enhanced with special effects in post-production. He nodded to the woman, giving her the okay sign.


    Ji Nian became even more confused. Looking at the numerous cameras, she asked, "Should I prepare something, like a... script? Or do I need to do something?"


    "Hahaha!" Zhou Sheng burst intoughter and said, "Is this your first time on a variety show? You''re so adorable."


    Ji Nian felt very awkward and ufortable. At that moment, everyone in the room seemed to have noticed something and came out.


    "Hey, is this the new guest?" a young man approached with a smile and asked.


    Ji Nian obediently replied, "Hello, I''m..." before she could finish.


    "I know you! You''re always trending on social media. I''m Wu Hai, an actor. You''re Ji Nian." Wu Hai had a cheerful andid-back personality, and he spoke with a big smile on his face.


    Zhou Sheng was the oldest among them, at the age of thirty-seven, and he was also the best chef. He walked over and said, "This is our member who loves life. He is Shen Yang, also a singer. This is Liang Jie, you should know her, the hottest host. And there''s a little girl who''s not here; she went out to water the nts."


    "Hello, everyone. I am Ji Nian, no, I mean Ji Xiaonian..." Ji Nian corrected himself quickly, then looked embarrassed and said, "I should consider myself an actress, right?"


    Everyone present burst intoughter at this introduction. Liang Jie smiled and said, "You are really interesting."


    "Isn''t being a singer considered? It''s been trending for so long," Wu Haiughed heartily.


    Shen Yang had a gentle temperament and just smiled with pursed lips without saying anything.

 Chapter 15: The Heroine Appears

    <h4>Chapter 15</h4>


    Zhou Sheng, as the oldest person, was a regr guest on this lifestyle variety show, and everyone called him Brother Sheng.


    Seeing the cameras all around filming them, Ji Nian secretly admired that they could still look so calm with so many staff around, while she would keep staring at the cameras if she was there...


    Realizing her difort, Zhou Sheng smiled and said, "Liang Jie, you''re a girl, so why don''t you show the neer around the bedroom she''ll be sleeping in tonight?"


    Knowing he was trying to liven up the atmosphere, Liang Jie responded, "Sure, anything Brother Sheng says!"


    She then pulled the somewhat bewildered Ji Nian along, saying, "Come on, I''ll take you to drop off your luggage."


    Looking a little confused, Ji Nian said, "Okay, thanks."


    With a camera following behind them upstairs, she tensed up a bit, mentally preparing herself that this was a variety show recording and she had to stay calm.


    Pushing the door open, Liang Jie turned on the light and said, "Here we are, this is your room. It''s been nicely cleaned up already."


    Ji Nian peeked inside. It was a small bedroom, very tidy but perhaps deliberately made to look a little shabby for the sake of the show.


    There was a wooden bed frame without a mattress, just a straw matid on top. Some basic furniture but overall still a rather cramped space.


    Liang Jie had expected the neer to mind the simple conditions, but to her surprise, she seemed totally unfazed and calmly wheeled her suitcase inside.


    "Not bad, very clean," Ji Nian gave an approving nod.


    Liang Jie was amazed, admiration in her eyes. She liked people who weren''t fussy. With a smile, she said, "The bed''s pretty hard but experts say sleeping on a hard surface is better for your health."


    Ji Nian opened her suitcase to take out her phone charger but felt awkward when she saw the camera zoom in to film the contents. Luckily her underwear was buried at the bottom.


    "Is that all you brought?" Liang Jie came over, asking in disbelief.


    Ji Nian nodded. "It''s enough. With what I have on, I''ve got three outfits. And travel sizes of shampoo, shower gel etc."


    "What? No makeup?" Liang Jie simply couldn''t believe her ears.


    "Didn''t bring any," Ji Nian answered matter-of-factly. Or rather, couldn''t afford any, she thought to herself.


    In shock, Liang Jie immediately touched her smooth bare face. "No way, you look totally barefaced but it doesn''t show at all! I thought you had great makeup skills and did a ''fake bare face'' look."


    Sensing the camera pushing right up to the woman''s face, Ji Nian said awkwardly, "Um...I''m actually useless at makeup."


    "So jealous. You look gorgeous barefaced," Liang Jie said enviously, as if she''d been struck a blow.


    Ji Nian smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond, when shouts sounded from downstairs.


    "Are you done yet? We need to get going to find ingredients!" Wu Hai yelled from below.


    On hearing that, Liang Jie yelled back, "Coming!" She then pulled Ji Nian out of the room with her.


    When they reached downstairs, they caught sight of the mission card that had just arrived, detailing that tonight''s dinner ingredients had to be earned through a task.


    Zhou Sheng chuckled. "We already got the vegetables. Just missing some meat now."


    The soft-spoken Shen Yang, who was always quietly working away, noticed someone still hadn''t returned and whispered: "Shuyao is still out watering the nts."


    Wu Hai nodded. "Let''s wait for her then before heading out."


    "What''s the task for today?" Liang Jie asked.


    ncing at the mission card, Zhou Sheng replied: "The vige chief is opening his fish pondter and wants everyone''s help. There''ll be some fish given to us afterwards as thanks."


    "Ah, so we have to get into the pond," Liang Jie grumbled, dissatisfied.


    Still confused about what was going on, Ji Nian somehow felt a sense of familiarity upon hearing ''Shuyao''.


    "I''m back!" A clear, chirpy voice rang out as an adorable, lively girl walked in.


    "Wee back! We were just talking about you," Wu Hai said with a smile.


    Seeing the unfamiliar woman, she halted in surprise. "Who''s this...a new guest?"


    When Ji Nianid eyes on her, she couldn''t help but stare, captivated. This woman had the kind of face that was innocent yet alluring ? fresh, pure, yet vibrantly pretty and youthful.


    "Hello, I''m the new guest, Ji Nian."


    "Oh I know that name!" Her eyes lit up excitedly as she grinned. "Nice meeting you, I''m Shen Shuyao, an actress."


    Ji Nian froze. "What did you say your name was?" she blurted out incredulously.


    Looking puzzled at her reaction, Shen Shuyao repeated, "I''m Shen Shuyao."


    Oh my god, it''s the female lead! Ji Nian''s eyes popped wide open. She was actually on the same variety show as the female lead character.


    "What''s the matter?" Liang Jie asked, eyeing the dumbstruck Ji Nian.


    Snapping out of her daze, Ji Nian was buzzing with excitement inside. This was the female lead! One look at that face and you could tell.


    "Oh, nothing! I was just thinking how gorgeous you are," Ji Nian gushed. Gotta make a good impression on the female lead, she told herself.


    ording to the novel, everyone close to the female lead ended up sessful in life. Even if she was an unimportant supporting character destined to be cannon fodder, Ji Nian was determined to turn her fate around. She made up her mind ? she would cling onto the coattails of the female lead for dear life!


    Unused to the suddenpliment, Shen Shuyao flushed red, mumbling shyly, "Thanks, you''re very pretty too."


    "How unfair. You didn''t say anything when you first met me," Liang Jie jump in lively as an experienced host to liven up the atmosphere.


    Ji Nian blinked nkly. "Is it toote to praise you now?" she asked innocently.


    "Yup, I''m resenting you already," Liang Jie pretended to be mad.


    Ji Nian blinked innocently again. "Aw don''t be like that..."


    Catching Liang Jie by surprise, she continued cheekily, "I was gonna say...resentfully cute. Could look at you all day long!"


    Liang Jie''s eyes widened before she burst outughing loudly. "Ji Nian, you''re too funny!"


    Her corny line cracked everyone up. Zhou Sheng gave a little cough and urged, "Alright, let''s get moving. Change into suitable shoes, we''re heading out soon."


    They had to cross the fields to reach the pond so everyone correspondingly changed into tall rubber boots, grabbing a few straw hats too. It was summer and only around 5pm, with the sun still high in the sky. It would only get dark after 8.


    Thinking of the vige pond she often yed in as a child, Ji Nian nonchntly wore slippers and a straw hat, looking every bit like a bumpkin uncle.


    Much to the director''s delight, he realized the neer had great variety show potential and instructed the camera crew to capture more footage of her.

 Chapter 16: Fish Pond

    <h4>Chapter 16</h4>


    As they walked, she chatted with the female protagonist casually, thinking of getting to know her better. Shen Shuyao was someone favored by Heaven''s will, so she had to cling to the thighs of this darling.


    "How long have you been in show business?" Ji Nian asked with a smile.


    Shen Shuyao thought for a moment and shyly answered, "Just over a year."


    In the book, the female protagonist had just graduated from university, debuted for a year, and was only about 23 years old. She was actually 2 years older than her.


    "You debuted quite early, you can be considered a senior already," Shen Shuyao said with a smile.


    "No no, how can I be called a senior," Ji Nian waved her hand and said, "My acting skills are notoriously bad, and no one recognizes me in show business anyway."


    Shen Shuyao was startled, her heart shocked. She didn''t know how to respond to this bluntness.


    The cameraman following them was about tough to death. Was this self-deprecation? Did she really not care about her image at all?


    "Didn''t you graduate from the School of Media? You must have learned a lot of things. Can I ask you when I don''t understand something?" Ji Nian asked earnestly. She had to build up a reason to get close to the female protagonist, right?


    Shen Shuyao nodded and answered seriously, "I have a lot to learn too. We can discuss together."


    "That''s great then," Ji Nian''s eyes smiled, shining brightly under the sun. The camera suddenly captured this gorgeous shot.


    Even Shen Shuyao was a little dumbfounded. She thought the woman before her was very beautiful, bright and charming, with an aggressive beauty. When silent, she exuded an aura of aloofness. When speaking, she was gentle and approachable.


    Walking slowly, the group ahead had long left them behind, only their retreating figures could be seen.


    Walking in the fields of the countryside, Ji Nian''s feet in slippers were already covered in mud, her pants rolled up to reveal fair ankles.


    Shen Shuyao wore water shoes, also covered in mud, making walking difficult and slow.


    Seeing the female protagonist frowning, Ji Nian thought to relieve her troubles.


    So she thoughtfully asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Shen Shuyao looked troubled and answered, "It rained heavily recently, the fields are still wet, and the mud is sticking to my shoes, making it a bit hard to walk."


    After listening, Ji Nian immediately squatted down, using scattered twigs on the ground to scrape the mud off for her.


    Shen Shuyao was shocked, nkly watching the woman sincerely cleaning her shoes.


    The camera kept following them, not knowing why, but feeling this scene was full of love. It seemed like good footage hade.


    Ji Nian scraped off all the mud, pped her hands, stood up and smiled, "Better now?"


    Shen Shuyao''s face was red as she said "Thank you."


    "No need to be polite with me," Ji Nian said with a smile.


    When they reached the pond, the vige chief had already drained most of the water, and several men were catching fish, covered in mud. Liang Jie was fine, holding a bucket waiting for them to catch fish.


    Seeing Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao who had just arrived, someone below called, "You came at the right time, weck manpower,e down and catch fish with us."


    Looking at the muddy water in the pond, Shen Shuyao hesitated. As an actress, image was most important.


    Seeing the female protagonist''s reluctance, considerate Ji Nian faked excitement and shouted, "Sure, I''ll go down. Shuyao can just hold the bucket up here."


    Before Shen Shuyao could react, a bucket was shoved into her hands, along with Ji Nian''s words in her ears.


    "Just wait up here, hold this bucket. I''ll catch fish and pass to youter, be careful not to stain your clothes." Ji Nian instructed.


    The cameraman was bemused. She was so considerate? He suddenly started shipping these two.


    After speaking, Ji Nian kicked off her slippers and entered the pond directly. She wore tight jeans and a white t-shirt. Just walking in, the muddy water reached her knees, even higher at the thighs in deeper areas.


    Suddenly feeling something moving under her feet, Ji Nian''s eyes lit up as she poked the area with her fishing tool. A frightened fish shot out, sshing her with mud.


    "Hahahaha," Zhou Shengughed out loud.


    The shy Shen Yang also smiled. The muddy Wu Hai joked, "Be careful, the fish are big."


    Ji Nian alsoughed. She didn''t mind at all, having grown up in the countryside herself. "Wait for me to catch a big one for you guys," she said.


    The camera frantically looked for angles. A great beauty was catching fish in muddy water, shocking yet amusing everyone. They realized this woman who often topped hot search charts was actually very easy to get along with.


    Appreciation showed in Zhou Sheng''s eyes. To be honest, they had wondered earlier if she and Shen Shuyao would try to push the dirty work onto each other.


    But unexpectedly, she had volunteered to go down, even giving Shen Shuyao an easy job of just holding the bucket. They could all see she had done this deliberately.


    Shen Shuyao was also confused. This was their first meeting, so why was Ji Nian constantly helping her?


    "Ahhhhh......" Ji Nian eximed excitedly, having caught an enormous fish.


    Wu Hai was shocked and shouted, "Quickly get it out before it jumps away!"


    Ji Nian quickly nodded. She carefully walked to the pond''s edge where Shen Shuyao came over swiftly with the bucket.


    With a "ssh", the fish was thrown into the bucket, still struggling due to itsrge size.


    After catching a fish, Ji Nian was pumped up, continuously fishing excitedly in the water.


    She caught every try. Having great fun, Zhou Sheng and the others were also energized, chatting andughing while catching fish.


    Seeing the harmonious scene and everyone''s miserable yet cheerful appearance, the camera crew felt this was great footage.


    Soon, after busy for almost an hour, the vige chief spoke for them to stop and rest.


    Hearing the words "stop work", everyone rxed. Really, this was tiring physicalbor, and actually everyone was quite tired already.


    Ji Nian was a mess, with sweat-soaked and muddy hair. Her jeans and white tee were filthy, still stinking of fish after leaving the pond.


    Seeing this, Shen Shuyao felt guilty, thinking things could have been the other way around if not for Ji Nian''s willingness to catch fish. As an actress, such an image was taboo.


    Seeing the female protagonist Shen Shuyaoe over with napkins to wipe her sweat, Ji Nian quickly stopped her and said, "Don''te over! I''m full of sweat and fish smells, it''ll stink you up."

 Chapter 17: Cooking

    <h4>Chapter 17</h4>


    Shen Shuyao was stunned, and her hand holding the tissue stopped. She said, "It''s okay, your hands are all muddy. Let me wipe them for you."


    Ji Nian thought that Shen Shuyao was the female lead, how could she serve her? She shook her head with a smile and said, "Anyway, I''m all dirty. No need to wipe, I can just wash up when I get back."


    Zhou Shengughed and said, "Yeah, Shuyao, look at her, wiping won''t help hahaha."


    Wu Hai was so tired that he had no energy left. He said weakly, "Okay, let''s go back and wash up first. Boss Zhou, let''s hurry and eat, too hungry."


    Shen Shuyao thought it made sense, so she put away the tissue, and then obediently said, "Okay, let''s go back first."


    Shen Yang was still holding the two fish the vige chief had given them, and shyly said in a low voice, "These are our fish."


    Zhou Sheng came over to take a look, nodded in satisfaction, and then said loudly, "Let''s go! Let''s go back and eat fish!"


    Liang Jie happily nodded. She was starving, and although she had been waiting upstairs, standing there had also tired her out.


    With a full harvest, Zhou Sheng, Wu Hai and Shen Yang went back covered in dirt, but they still let Ji Nian use the bathroom first. Among the three girls, she was the only one who went down to the fish pond and waspletely filthy.


    Ji Nian didn''t decline and went into the bathroom generously. In less than 20 minutes, she had washed her hair and taken a bath, leaving everyone in awe.


    Wu Hai looked shocked and asked, "Aren''t you girls supposed to take a long time?"


    Ji Nian looked puzzled and asked, "Take a long time to do what?"


    Zhou Sheng coughed lightly and said, "I''ll wash first, I still have to cookter."


    Although Wu Hai felt ufortable being all sticky, he also felt Zhou Sheng should wash first, since he was the only one who could cook here, and they were still waiting to eat.


    Seeing that everyone was quite tired today, Ji Nian said, "Boss Zhou, you worked hard today too. If you don''t mind, I''ll cook."


    Shen Shuyao was stunned and asked, "You can cook?"


    Liang Jieughed and said, "I hope it''s not a dark dish."


    "I''m afraid we won''t be able to swallow it hahaha," Wu Hai joked.


    Ji Nian felt a little embarrassed and said, "My cooking is decent, at least I can swallow it."


    Zhou Shengughed out loud and said, "Actually my cooking skills are just average too. It''s just that this group makes me look really good at cooking."


    "How about I show you guys some skills tonight?" Ji Nian raised her eyebrows and asked.


    At this point, no one objected. Liang Jie came out and said, "Okay, let''s taste the new guest''s cooking today."


    After getting everyone''s unanimous consent, Ji Nian went into the kitchen with peace of mind.


    Shen Shuyao followed behind with a gentle smile and said, "Do you need my help?"


    Ji Nian was a little ttered. As expected of the female lead, considerate everywhere. But how could she let the female lead do tiring work?


    She directly declined, "No need, you guys worked hard today, I''ll handle it, it''ll be quick."


    Shen Shuyao felt a little guilty, thinking it was a bit much to let Ji Nian do everything. She said, "Let me help with some odd jobs."


    Ji Nian was afraid of rejecting the female lead too much, in case it led to misunderstandings. She nodded and said, "Okay, you can help peel garlic and shred ginger, things like that."


    Shen Shuyao nodded and said with a smile, "Okay."


    But as soon as they entered, Ji Nian realized this was actual cooking over a fire stove. She looked at the big pot and firewood on the ground in surprise.


    It was like the rural cooking scene from when she was little. It made her feel a little sad.


    When her parents divorced during her childhood, she had lived with her grandparents for a period of time. They were poor then, and many families in the vige had built new houses, but hers still used firewood stoves. She was often the one cooking.


    Seeing the firewood on the ground, Shen Shuyao had to admit she didn''t know how to build a cooking fire either. Looking at the stunned woman, she said, "Or...let''s still have Boss Zhoue over?"


    Ji Nian snapped back to reality and smiled, "No need."


    After speaking, she skillfully used her knee to snap a longer piece of firewood in half.


    Seeing the garlic and ginger on the table, she said, "Shuyao, can you help shred these for me? Shred the ginger into thin strips, and mince the garlic, as long as they''re in smaller pieces."


    Shen Shuyao was a little surprised seeing her unconcerned about getting messy, but nodded and said, "Okay."


    Ji Nian took arge cutting board and put it on the old stove counter. She started gutting the fish cleanly and skillfully.


    The fish were a little lifeless from being carried back, although they were still alive and didn''t struggle much.


    She killed and cleaned the fish efficiently, then marinated them with cooking wine and salt.


    The cameras following them couldn''t help but be surprised. They didn''t expect her to look so adept, clearly experienced with cooking.


    On Shen Shuyao''s side, the ginger and garlic were ready. She came in holding a small te.


    Seeing this, Ji Nian had to praise the female lead, even if the cuts weren''t great.


    She pretended to be surprised and said, "Wow, so fast! You''re so capable."


    Shen Shuyao blushed and smiled embarrassedly, "I rarely cook, the cuts aren''t very good."


    Ji Nian immediately followed up, "No no, I think it''s great already. There''s nothing else I need help with, you can go rest first."


    Shen Shuyao''s innocent face and big eyes looked a little wronged. She shook her head and said, "I want to see how you cook."


    Since the female lead wanted to watch her, Ji Nian certainly wouldn''t reject her. This was a good chance to gain favorability. She smiled and said, "Alright, you can sit and watch."


    Shen Shuyao smiled shyly and answered, "Okay, let me know if you need any help."


    "Sure." Ji Nian responded briefly, then got busy with cooking.


    She nned to red braise one of the fish from the vige chief, and steam the other in.


    There was also spinach in the food basket, and some eggs and tomatoes on the table.


    She thought about it and felt stir-fried spinach and tomato egg drop soup would make a good meal.


    With the n in mind, she swiftly started preparing, skillfully squatting down to light some straw with matches, then adding smaller firewood until it caught fire, before putting on somerger pieces.


    Watching her skilled motions, Shen Shuyao was surprised, asking, "You seem...really experienced?"


    Lost in thought about the cooking, Ji Nian didn''t notice and directly answered, "When I was little, my grandparents'' kitchen in the countryside was like this. The environment was even worse actually, I was often the one cooking."


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes shed with disbelief. She felt Ji Nian was beautiful, with fair skin, delicate features, and an aura of elegance. She couldn''t imagine at all that she had such experiences.


    "I see..."


    "How about you? I heard you study at the Beijing Media College, your family must be well off." Ji Nian asked with a smile, still holding a spat to pan fry the fish.


    Shen Shuyao was startled, somewhat embarrassed to answer, "We''re okay, just an average family. My dad works in management at apany, so our family isfortable."


    Ji Nian of course knew the female lead''s family background from the novel. Although not amazing like the male lead''s, they were well off.


    "That''s really nice." Ji Nian turned and smiled, with genuine envy on her face.

 Chapter 18: The Joy of a Hero

    <h4>Chapter 18</h4>


    The fish in the pan was fried golden brown on both sides. Ji Nian added some garlic and ginger shreds, and the aroma came out instantly.


    Shen Shuyao sniffed and even the cameraman following her was drooling. The director suddenly felt a little hungry when he saw this shot.


    At this moment, Zhou Sheng and the others had all gathered at the kitchen door. Wu Hai eximed in surprise, "Wow, that smells so good!"


    With a smile on her face, Liang Jie walked in and patted Ji Nian on the shoulder. "Not bad, little Nian! I was a bit worried just now, but I didn''t expect your cooking skills to surpass brother Sheng''s!"


    Zhou Sheng pretended to look unhappy. "Oh really, you don''t appreciate my cooking anymore after eating hers?"


    Ji Nian was a little embarrassed. She just stir-fried a simple dish but it was enough to attract a crowd. "I''m almost done cooking, you guys can start scooping out the rice first."


    Wu Hai was already starving. He loudly said, "Let me do that!"


    As a shy big boy, Shen Yang silently followed Wu Hai to help pass him the bowls.


    "Well, Sheng and I will go take our seats at the table first and wait for you guys." Liang Jie winked yfully.


    With a smile at the corner of her lips, Shen Shuyao nodded and said, "Okay, you two go ahead and rest first. Nian and I will bring the dishes outter."


    Ji Nian was sweating profusely in the kitchen. It was summer after all, and she had just taken a shower but her body was already feeling sticky again. Luckily the room had air conditioning so she could sleep morefortably at night.


    Seeing sweat dripping down the woman''s fair cheeks, Shen Shuyao silently took out a pack of tissue from her pocket and went over to help wipe her sweat.


    Ji Nian was surprised. Seeing the female lead earnestly helping her wipe off sweat, she couldn''t help but admire her thoughtfulness befitting of a female lead.


    "Is it too hot? There''s a small electric fan in the room. Let me get it for you to blow some air?" Shen Shuyao gently asked.


    Ji Nian smiled and shook her head. "No need to trouble yourself. Are you feeling hot too? Why not go back to the room with the aircon first, I''ll get the food ready soon."


    Shen Shuyao''s forehead was also sweating a little. She shook her head. "I''m not hot, I''ll wait here with you."


    At this moment, Ji Nian suddenly felt the joy of being the male lead. Which woman wouldn''t fall for this one?


    When thest dish was brought to the table, everyone eximed in surprise. Despite just three vegetable dishes and a soup, after ving away the whole afternoon on empty stomachs, the tempting aroma was enough to stir up their appetite.


    The camera gave a nice close up shot of the dishes on the table. Not only do they smell great, the presentation was wonderful too.


    As Ji Nian took her seat, she noticed admiration in Liang Jie''s eyes and felt a little embarrassed. "Everyone try them and tell me what you think."


    "I haven''t even tasted them yet but I already know they must be delicious," Wu Hai was salivating, his chopsticks just short of reaching out.


    There was a look of pleasant surprise in Shen Yang''s eyes. He didn''t expect this woman with an aura of elegance to have such a fun personality, and even her cooking aroused his appetite.


    "Shuyao helped out a lot too, passing me the garlic, ginger, adding firewood..." Ji Nian said with upturned eyes and brows. She made a mental note to keep praising the female lead to rake in good feelings.


    Shen Shuyao''s face turned red as she modestly said, "I just helped out a little."


    Zhou Sheng guffawed. This episode of Love Life should turn out well, having a guest who could cook. He could finally escape his exile from the kitchen and properly enjoy a meal.


    After happily finishing their meal, it was already 8pm. Liang Jie volunteered to wash the dishes while Shen Yang cleaned up the table.


    Everyone sat under a big tree in the yard to enjoy the night breeze. It was scorching hot in the day but the countryside nights were rather cooling, apanied by the chirping of insects.


    If not for the cameras surrounding them for filming, Ji Nian would have found this scene especially heartwarming...


    Beside them, Zhou Sheng was tuning his guitar. Whenever he had spare time he liked strumming on it, discussing music softly with Shen Yang.


    Shen Shuyao looked up and noticed some fireflies, immediately crying out in pleasant surprise, "Look!"


    Liang Jie looked up to find the tree surrounded by many glowing fireflies. "I asionally see one or two, didn''t expect to see so many tonight!"


    Wu Hai sat fanning himselfzily like an old man, sighing, "Although technology is advanced now, it definitely damaged the environment. Only in ces like this can you find fireflies. Would you city folks ever see them?"


    Ji Nian nodded in agreement. When she was young living in the countryside, the skies were full of stars. She couldn''t remember since when, but the stars have be so scarce.


    Zhou Sheng strummed his guitar. "What a nice scenery. Shall we liven things up with a song?"


    "Good idea, Sheng sing us a fitting song!" Wu Haiughed.


    "Hahaha, I don''t have any fitting songs. I haven''t released an album in years," Zhou Sheng joked, but the bitterness in his eyes was apparent.


    He was once an extremely popr rock star in his youth. But as times changed and he produced no new songs, he gradually faded out of sight.


    Now, Love Life was his only job, asionally scoring some minor roles. Music seemed to be slipping further and further away from him.


    Noticing his mood, Liang Jie quickly changed the subject. "Shen Yang, you''re a singer too. Let us hear one of your songs."


    The shy Shen Yang was taken by surprise. He smiled awkwardly, "My newest song isn''t very fitting for this asion."


    Wu Hai had a sly look as he mysteriouslyughed. "Have you guys forgotten someone?"


    "Forgotten who?" Shen Shuyao curiously asked from the side, where she had been quietly listening all along.


    "Little Nian! Wasn''t your house purchase trending on hot search recently? Come, sing us something to liven up the atmosphere!" Wu Hai guffawed loudly.


    Liang Jie''s eyes lit up as she chuckled, "I almost forgot there''s another singer among us."


    Ji Nian was a little embarrassed by the spotlight on her. She scratched her head, "Well, there''s a nursery rhyme quite fitting for this."


    "Nursery rhyme?" Zhou Sheng looked puzzled. "Which one?"


    "Sheng, could I borrow your guitar for a bit?" Ji Nian reached out her hand smilingly. "I''ll sing a couple lines for everyone to guess."


    Zhou Sheng passed her the guitar. Ji Nian strummed a few chords and thought for a bit before slowly ying out a nice prelude.


    Beside her, Shen Shuyao listened intently with utmost focus. Zhou Sheng listened too, racking his brains trying to guess what nursery rhyme this could be. Why did it sound unfamiliar?


    As a singer, Shen Yang had a sharp sense for music. Hearing this melody, his eyes lit up in recognition.


    Liang Jie blinked in confusion and whispered, "Is this a nursery rhyme? I don''t think I''ve heard it before."


    Zhou Sheng shook his head indicating he couldn''t recognize the song either. Gazing at the woman seriously strumming the guitar, he admired her delicate side profile visible to them.


    Her temperament was truly unique - cold and unapproachable when silent, but surprisingly silly and whimsical when she speaks.


    And now seeing her focused on ying guitar, he found himself unable to look away.


    The director was very excited to capture this close up shot of the new guest Nian. He could tell she would make the show more interesting.

 Chapter 19: The Worm Flies

    <h4>Chapter 19</h4>


    After Ji Nian finished the prelude, she softly sang out the lyrics. Her ethereal and pure voice made everyone quietly calm down.


    Even the staff around were pricking up their ears and listening carefully.


    "The dark sky hangs low


    The bright stars apany


    The insects fly


    The insects fly


    Who are you missing


    ..."


    After a song, Ji Nian put down her guitar and found that everyone was quiet. She awkwardly said, "Uh...why is everyone so quiet..."


    Zhou Sheng looked surprised and asked, "Is this a new song?"


    "I haven''t heard it before, it must be a new song." Wu Hai listened to the melody still ringing in his ears after the song and said, "It''s very special, it feels nice to listen to, but it doesn''t seem like a nursery rhyme, more like a love song."


    Ji Nian nodded and said, "It''s a new song, I just haven''t sung it out before. Today you guys said it was a suitable song, so I suddenly remembered it."


    Shen Shuyao listened spellbound to one side, feeling very strange. This song didn''t have anything particrly remarkable about the simple lyrics.


    However, the melody was deste yet carried a hint of warmth.


    The director to the side felt that the viewership of this episode would definitely explode. Not to mention Ji Nian already had existing poprity, but this new song being debuted on a variety show was undoubtedly a huge publicity move.


    "Why did you say it was a nursery rhyme?" Zhou Sheng asked. He couldn''t help but reassess this woman again, feeling like there was always a mysterious veil over her.


    Ji Nian thought about it and answered, "The flying insects is to recall the lost childhood, although it expresses the longing for love, but I feel it is more of a nostalgia for family affection - ''flying insects'', ''wanting you to apany'', perhaps it is the voice of a child missing someone."


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment, agreeing it made a lot of sense. He said, "This song has a lot of meaning."


    Shen Yang''s eyes wereplicated as he asked, "Did youpose it?" He felt this song would definitely be a hit, but whoposed it?


    Everyone else froze when they heard this question. Although they were also curious, they didn''t dare to ask. They didn''t expect that Shen Yang, who was usually shy, would directly ask this sensitive topic so bluntly.


    Ji Nian didn''t feel anything was wrong. She blinked yfully and answered, "It''s a mystery, the song he gave me."


    Liang Jie saw that the woman in front of her didn''t seem to mind. The atmosphere was not as strange as before either.


    Sheughed and asked, "Who is this mystery? People online are trying to guess but no one has figured it out hahaha."


    Shen Shuyao smiled to the side. She often browsed Weibo so she wasn''t too curious who this mystery person was. Those negative rumors in the news also weren''t too credible in her opinion.


    She felt Ji Nian was a special person. She looked distant yet once you interacted with her, you realize she was quite innocent and enthusiastic, making people subconsciously want to get closer to her.


    "Right, can you give us a hint?" Wu Hai jokingly asked to the side.


    Ji Nian blinked mischievously and said with a smile, "He''s a friend but I can''t say, he doesn''t want others to know his identity at the moment."


    "Are all talented people like this?" Liang Jie tried to liven up the atmosphere.


    Ji Nian nodded, "Yes, hahaha."


    The director nodded satisfied to the side. The show now had plenty of highlights, a new song and spection about the mysteriousposer''s identity.


    Although they still didn''t know in the end who this mystery person was, at least it was a topic that could be openly discussed on the show.


    Zhou Sheng had an admiring look on his face as he said, "I''ve heard the songs you performed, ''(Confession)'' and ''(Arrogance)'', those were rted to love but the style of this song ''(Flying Insects)'' is a bit different. Thisposer is very talented."


    Ji Nian nodded in agreement. Of course the styles were different since they had differentposers and lyricists.


    Shen Yang shyly smiled and said, "It would be great to get the chance to meet this mystery someday. For musicalposing, there is definitely a lot that could be learned."


    When he said this, Zhou Sheng and Liang Jie were shocked for a moment. Was he suggesting Ji Nian introduce Mystery to him?


    Saying such sensitive words in front of the camera was inappropriate. Was this unintentional or deliberate?


    Ji Nian didn''t sense the change in atmosphere as she was still thinking about how to make an excuse to reply.


    Seeing Ji Nian''s silence, the others thought she was unhappy. Liang Jie as the hostughed out loud to diffuse the awkwardness, "Little Ji Nian, yourposer is so awesome that his fees are probably expensive right? If there''s any songs for sale in the future, please introduce me. Although I''m the host, maybe I could take on another job, right?"


    As a variety show veteran, Zhou Shengughed along, "As the number one host of the Fruit Channel, you still need a second job?"


    "That''s right, you should introduce him to me." Wu Hai grinned and said, "When I first debuted, I was headed towards bing a singer. I don''t know why I ended up acting but deep down, I still have the dream of being a singer."


    "Songs can also be sold?" Ji Nian''s eyes were wide. She suddenly realized thismercial opportunity and mentally smacked herself for not thinking about it earlier. Songs could be sold for money! Though she didn''t know if it was profitable or not.


    Shen Shuyao nodded to the side answering, "They should be seble."


    "Of course they can. They would be snatched up for sure." Liang Jie nodded firmly.


    Ji Nian had an epiphany and eximed, "I didn''t know there was this business model!"


    "So does this Mystery give you songs for free?" Wu Hai asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian nked for a moment before nodding, "Actually, we''re very good friends so there''s no concept of fees between us. Let me ask himter if he''s willing to sell the songs."


    "Wow, your friend..." Liang Jie gave a big thumbs up and admired, "Get me a dozen friends like that."


    Zhou Sheng was astonished. He could tell Ji Nian wasn''t lying. This Mystery gave her songs for free. He didn''t know why but his heart felt a little bitter.


    He hadn''t made any new songs in a long time. He had long given up hope and lost inspiration topose anything new. Thepany had also basically given up on his singer identity.


    Although he was an old veteran in showbiz who looked morous on the surface, only he himself knew the bitterness underneath.


    "I''ll ask him about itter. Who knows, in the future we might have to rely on you guys for business." Ji Nian joked.


    Zhou Sheng stared nkly as if suddenly realizing something. If this Mystery could make him a song, could it help him make aeback?


    At least it might motivate his old bandmates so that they didn''t have to keep hustling small performance gigs. Nearing forty years old, they were still chasing their dreams with the pressure of family to boot.


    "I''ll definitely be the first customer then." Zhou Sheng said with a smile, but his eyes showed genuine determination that others couldn''t detect.

 Chapter 20: Let’s be Together.

    <h4>Chapter 20</h4>


    The next day, Ji Nian woke up early and found that everything around her was still quiet. She guessed that the others were still asleep while the cameras had just started shooting.


    She walked out to the yard a little awkwardly, remembering that her dirty clothes from yesterday still hadn''t been washed. So she took a bucket and started washing her clothes and pants by the faucet.


    Fortunately, the water had soaked overnight, so most of the mud had dissolved. After rinsing them several times, they were good as new.


    Having gotten used to the cameras all day yesterday, she was slowly bing ustomed to them today as well. Anyway, she just needed to wash her clothes. If she didn''t wash them, she would have nothing to wear since she only brought two sets with her.


    As she thought this, Ji Nian skillfully washed her clothes beside the faucet while the camera cleverly found an angle to film her.


    On screen, the bare-faced woman had casually tied her hair in a bun, with several strands falling messily around her face, giving off a special feeling.


    An aloof, beautiful woman was actually squatting on the ground hand-washing clothes, and the bucket and basin she was using somehow seemed out of ce for her.


    On this end, the director watched the woman on screen in astonishment and said to the assistant director beside him, "This Ji Nian you found is impressive. Look, her variety show presence is also pretty good."


    The assistant director nodded. He hadn''t actually thought about how good she would be for the show. The only goal at that time was that this woman was popr and had hype.


    After Ji Nian finished washing her own clothes, she noticed a pair of dirty shoes not far away. They were the same ones the female lead Shen Shuyao had worn yesterday.


    She walked over, picked up the shoes, and started rinsing them under the faucet. She thought to herself that she had to treat the female lead well for the plot to treat her character well.


    She had just started washing off half the mud when she heard a surprised voice call out.


    "Xiao Nian, howe you''re helping me wash my shoes?" Shen Shuyao said, astonished.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, a little embarrassed. She smiled and said, "I just finished washing my clothes and saw your shoes nearby. I thought I might as well give them a scrub while I was at it. It''s no trouble."


    "How could I... This is..." Shen Shuyao stammered shyly with an awkward expression.


    Ji Nian knew the female lead was shy and said with augh, "What''s the matter? It''s just some mud. I thought I''d save you the trouble of dirtying your hands."


    Although Shen Shuyao hated the mud on her shoes and had been toozy to clean it up yesterday, she was nning to wash them today. But she definitely hadn''t expected to see a scene like this.


    Her heart felt somewhat apologetic. She was puzzled by Ji Nian''s many kind gestures, but she was still very grateful for them.


    "Thank you..." Shen Shuyao said somewhat nkly, embarrassed.


    "Girls should be taken care of. It just so happens that I like taking care of people," said Ji Nian, smiling brightly. Her eyes shone exceptionally brightly under the morning sun.


    Shen Shuyao stared dumbly for a moment, her cheeks reddening. She couldn''t help feeling a little moved. She had debuted just over a year ago and had already experienced her share of indifference and warmth in the industry.


    She wasn''t very popr and currently had just a supporting role. She was often bullied in the crew. Coming onto this variety show was to try to gain some public exposure.


    But she hadn''t expected the currently extremely popr Ji Nian to treat her so well.


    "Done washing." Ji Nian ced the water shoes in the sunlight to dry then looked at the still dazed woman with a smile. "Why so quiet?"


    Shen Shuyao shyly said, embarrassed, "I don''t know how else to thank you."


    Ji Nian raised an eyebrow and gave a frivolous whistle. Somewhat devilishly, she said, "Then repay me with your body."


    Shen Shuyao was stunned for a moment, her cheeks flushing red. She stammered, "I wouldn''t be opposed to that..."


    Seeing the female lead''s silly, pure reaction, Ji Nianughed out loud. She took her hand and said, "Let''s hurry and go see if the others are awake yet."


    As Ji Nian led her along, Shen Shuyao watched the woman''s elegant face and smiling eyes. She felt a warmth well up inside.


    Ji Nian entered the house and found everyone still listless. Zhou Sheng had alreadyid out breakfast.


    Wu Hai was sprawled out on the sofa looking exhausted while Shen Yang was quietly setting out bowls and chopsticks off to the side. Even Liang Jie kept yawning.


    Seeing Ji Nian and Shen Shuyaoe in, Zhou Sheng greeted them with a smile, "Hurry up ande eat breakfast. We still have to do taskster."


    Ji Nian nodded and pulled Shen Shuyao over to the dining table. With a smile she asked, "Wow, are we having noodles for breakfast today? Smells great!" She gave Zhou Sheng a thumbs up.


    Shen Shuyao blinked and said, "There''s tomatoes and minced meat inside."


    "The fried eggs are done very nicely too," said Ji Nian as she pointed at the te.


    Zhou Sheng looked smug and said, "Of course! My fried eggs today are cooked especially well."


    Wu Hai walked over, still looking exhausted but grinning as he asked, "Gege, time to eat?"


    Zhou Sheng had a helpless expression and said, "Time to eat. Everyone hurry over."


    Liang Jie yawned and walked over. "So sleepy," she mumbled.


    "Hurry and sit. Time to eat breakfast," said Zhou Sheng as he served out noodles, smiling.


    After about half an hour, everyone had mostly finished eating. Ji Nian thoughtfully cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks and took them into the kitchen. When she came out after washing them, she saw that everyone else had already put on their gear, ready to head out for the day''s tasks.


    "Gege, what''s our task for today?" asked Shen Shuyao. She had on a small backpack and looked very cute.


    "Please, anything but fishing," sighed Liang Jie.


    Wu Hai also shook his head rapidly. "I really don''t want to fish anymore either."


    Zhou Sheng nodded. To be honest, he didn''t like it much either. "Don''t worry. Today our task is to sell vegetables at the market."


    "Where are the vegetables from?" Shen Shuyao wondered.


    "From the vige. The production team already prepared them. We have to sell all the vegetables today to get the corresponding payment. If we don''t, there''s a punishment waiting," said Zhou Sheng. He felt the production team was very unreasonable.


    Ji Nian didn''t care at all. She was here recording the show to make money after all. Fifty thousand yuan for barely doing any work in just a few days was a steal for her.


    "Let''s head out then," said Wu Hai, instantly regaining his energy. As long as it wasn''t fishing, anything was fine.


    On the way to the vige entrance, they saw three carts piled full with vegetables, at least seven or eight huge boxes of produce. Everyone was shocked speechless. Could they really sell it all?


    "Isn''t this too much?" said Shen Yang, stunned.


    "Oh my god, we haven''t even started yet and I already feel like we''ve lost," eximed Liang Jie in astonishment.


    Hearing this, Ji Nian couldn''t help butugh out loud. She said, "Liang Jie, I think we need more confidence."


    "Sigh, might as well resign myself to my fate," said Liang Jie gloomily as she looked at the three carts before her.


    Wu Hai studied the carts and asked the camera, "Are we supposed to bring these over?"


    Zhou Sheng gave a light cough and nodded. "Yes, we''ll pull them over."

 Chapter 21: Old Driver

    <h4>Chapter 21</h4>


    Wu Hai became impatient and shouted, "But...I can''t drive a tricycle..."


    Wu Hai was enthusiastic and said, "This thing is simple, isn''t it like a small electric moped? Just keep twisting the handlebar."


    Zhou Sheng nodded and said, "Yes, I still have one at home, it''s convenient to go out."


    Shen Shuyao, with an innocent face, said, "Sheng Ge, aren''t electric vehicles not allowed in the urban areas of our city?"


    Liang Jie thought about it and also nodded, "That''s right, Sheng Ge."


    Zhou Sheng felt a bit embarrassed and exined, "It''s at my hometown. Although my dad is old now, he would still ride an electric bike to buy groceries. I often drive an electric bike when I go back for the Chinese New Year."


    "I know how to drive too. My mom used to ride an electric bike to send me to school when I was young. I secretly rode it behind my mom''s back in high school, and she still doesn''t know." Wu Hai whispered.


    Ji Nian felt this man was really quite cute and batted her eyes at him, "Wu Hai, I think your mom will know once the show airs."


    Shen Shuyao burst outughing, watching the man''s stunned expression.


    It was only then that Wu Hai realized it and said with a bitter face, "Oh no, my mom will definitely scold me."


    "Hahaha..." Zhou Sheng couldn''t help butugh, then asked, "But there are three tricycles here, and only we two can drive, what about the other one?"


    "Sheng Ge, let me, I can do it. I''ll take Shuyao," Ji Nian readily said.


    "You can?" Shen Shuyao was surprised and didn''t believe it.


    Liang Jie was also astonished, "Nian, don''t be impulsive. You can ride the tricycle?"


    Ji Nian nodded confidently, "Don''t worry, I''m an old driver."


    Wu Hai still didn''t quite believe it and asked, "How did you learn to ride an electric bike?"


    Ji Nian was a little stunned. She seemed to have forgotten that her current identity is Ji Nian, the cannon fodder in this novel...


    "Uh... I started working after graduating from high school at the age of 17. I learned it while working for two years..." Ji Nian thought about the original owner''s experiences that were asionally mentioned in the book before she came over and made up an excuse to answer.


    "I see..." Liang Jie felt a bit awkward and suddenly wondered if Wu Hai''s question had hurt this person''s self-esteem.


    Wu Hai then realized that this Ji Nian was often criticized online and frequently a hot topic. Would his question touch on the girl''s pain?


    "You''re actually amazing to start working at such a young age. You must have suffered a lot," Zhou Sheng said with admiration in his eyes.


    When Ji Nian heard this, a wave of inexplicable emotion surged in her heart. She felt like herself, yet also not.


    She didn''t know why, but Zhou Sheng''s words made her suddenly feel like crying for some reason.


    "It''s okay," Ji Nian said with a smile, suddenly bing a bit absent-minded. She thought about herself.


    In that world, her parents had remarried, and she lived with her grandparents for a while, with no one to take care of her.


    She had to work hard to save up for tuition and living expenses bit by bit so as not to burden her grandparents too much.


    She was ordinary-looking and didn''t go out to y or love dressing up. It had always been just her alone, from school to working life. Her only interest and hobby was probably reading novels.


    She never thought that one day, she would transmigrate into a novel and have a beautiful face, long legs, and an almost perfect body.


    "Enough talk, let''s get going," Wu Hai broke the awkwardness.


    Zhou Sheng also felt that this topic was inappropriate and quickly said, "Yeah, we have to hurry. Nian, are you sure you can ride the electric bike without any problem?"


    Ji Nian came back to her senses, nodded, made an OK gesture, and said, "Don''t worry, I''m very stable."


    After that, she nimbly sat down and turned to wave at the female lead, Shen Shuyao, indicating for her to get on.


    Zhou Sheng saw her rather dashing demeanor and looked at her with a hint of admiration in his eyes.


    Shen Shuyao didn''t know why, but she just sat down next to the woman, feeling inexplicably a special sense of trust towards her.


    Ji Nian saw the female lead get on, and her eyes curved into a smile, "Don''t worry, I''ll drive very stably."


    Shen Shuyao looked into the smiling face and said with a blushing face, "Okay."


    Although this was a tricycle, there was actually a small camera at the front that recorded their every move.


    Ji Nian inserted the key, twisted the handlebar, and the bike slowly started. Since it was a small country road, she wouldn''t drive too fast. She slowly enjoyed the scenery while humming a tune.


    Shen Shuyao felt it was quite novel and leisurely enjoyed the breeze on the side.


    "See? I drive so steadily, don''t I?" Ji Nian said out of boredom, trying to chat with the female lead.


    Shen Shuyao smiled and nodded, "You''re so amazing."


    Ji Nian raised her chin proudly, "I can do a lot more, so don''t be too in awe of me."


    Shen Shuyao burst outughing, feeling that her personality really didn''t match her cold and elegant face at all.


    Meanwhile, the director, seeing the footage of a person with a beautiful face and an inexplicable noble aura so naturally driving a broken tricycle...


    Not to mention her movements were so skillful, but that posture of an old man with a straw hat on her head...


    The camera panned and zoomed in a bit, seeing Ji Nian''s smiling eyes and Shen Shuyao''s shy expression. The director nodded. These two had something going on.


    He would add some heart bubbles in post-production. Who said only men and women could form couples? Looking at it this way, Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao were a perfect couple.


    Moreover, ever since Ji Nian appeared on the show, she had been taking care of Shen Shuyao in various ways, such as voluntarily fishing in the pond and washing her shoes¡ªfull of boyfriend energy.


    The director nodded, having already thought of how to edit itter.


    When they reached the market, Ji Nian refused Shen Shuyao''s help and easily carried the vegetable crate down by herself, joking that the female lead shouldn''t do any manualbor and that she must take on everything.


    Shen Shuyao felt a bit embarrassed beside her and said with innocent big eyes, "Nian, I can actually..."


    "No..." Ji Nian interrupted the female lead and said seriously, "Look at you, so small. How heavy is this crate? And I''m strong. This crate is woven from bamboo; what if you get hurt by the splinters? Listen, just stand there and wait for me."


    Shen Shuyao stared with her big eyes, her fair skin almost seeming to glow in the sunlight, and with her innocent face, many passersby kept turning their heads.


    "But...you''re also a girl, how can I let you do everything..." Shen Shuyao said anxiously.


    Ji Nian gave her a reassuring look and joked, "I''ll be responsible for making money to support the family, and you''ll be responsible for being beautifully flowery."

 Chapter 22: Selling Vegetables

    <h4>Chapter 22</h4>


    The cameraman''s heart started thumping as he desperately looked for angles to film them. I''m responsible for earning money and supporting the family, while you''re responsible for being as beautiful as a flower - I truly love this line.


    For this task, they were divided into three groups and had to cooperate and work together. The three cars went to different parts of the market to sell vegetables. Whichever group sold out first would go help the other groups.


    Of course, no one really had any confidence that they would be able to sell out. Zhou Sheng and his group had already mentally prepared themselves for whatever punishing forfeit the production team mighte up with.


    Ji Nian had just finishedying out the vegetables on this side, and took out two small rickety stools from the car for Shen Shuyao to sit on as well.


    The surrounding vegetable sellers were mostly aunties and uncles. Seeing these two young girls setting up a stall, with several people holding cameras, they couldn''t help but turn their heads in curiosity.


    Even passers-by gathered around wanting to see what the hustle and bustle was about. They didn''t know what was going on, but gathered around to watch anyway.


    Shen Shuyao felt rather awkward. Although she wasn''t very popr, as a female actress she still felt self-conscious being watched by so many people like this. She worried whatizens might say about her.


    Seeing so many people gathered around watching, Ji Nian thought to herself that this would attract business. She took off her straw hat and put it on the female lead''s head, saying, "The sun is harsh, wear this."


    Shen Shuyao was surprised. Therge straw hat covered half her face, perfectly hiding her awkwardness.


    "Thank you..." she said softly.


    Ji Nian smiled back at the female lead, then turned to the crowd and asked with a smile, "Hello everyone, we''re recording a lifestyle show. Would you like to buy some freshly picked vegetables? They were just harvested this morning."


    "Are you celebrities?" a curious primary school student asked.


    Ji Nian looked at the child, thought for a moment, then nodded, "I guess if being on a show makes you a celebrity, then yes we are."


    Hearing this, the crowd broke into excited chatter. Seeing the beautiful woman''s radiant smile, they couldn''t help but sigh at her beauty.


    "What a pretty youngdy." An auntie smiled, "How much are you selling the vegetables for?"


    Seeing a potential customer, Ji Nian''s eyes lit up as she asked, "Auntie, would you like to buy some?"


    "Your vegetables look quite fresh," the auntie nodded, then added, "But let me be clear first, if they''re expensive then I won''t buy them."


    Ji Nian quickly waved her hands, "Not expensive, not expensive. Only 2 dors per jin (0.5 kg). They were just picked today."


    Hearing 2 dors per jin, which was the standard rate, several people in the crowd perked up, intrigued toe buy some.


    "Alright then," the auntie readily chose some greens with her hands, then gestured for them to start weighing.


    Shen Shuyao nkly took the vegetables the auntie handed over and ced them on the electronic scale, but she didn''t know how to use it.


    Seeing this, the auntie sighed again at how refined and sweet the young woman looked despite the straw hat covering part of her face.


    "Dear, this is an electronic scale. You enter the price per kilogram over there and it''ll calcte for you. Here, let me show you," said the auntie, as she guessed the girl didn''t know how to use it. She pointed to the scale buttons and exined.


    Shen Shuyao shyly nodded and followed the auntie''s instructions. To her surprise, it worked and the scale calcted the amount. She slowly bagged up the vegetables.


    Handing it over, she said softly, "Thank you auntie, one and a half jin, three dors total."


    The auntie readily handed over the money, "Alright, thanks."


    As Shen Shuyao received her first sale of the day, her eyes shone brightly. She turned to look at the woman beside her.


    Ji Nian smiled and gave her a thumbs up, thinking to herself that the female lead looked stunning even under the straw hat.


    Seeing this, Shen Shuyao blushed slightly. Just moments ago she had felt rather uneasy, but now she suddenly felt totally at ease. The previous awkwardness had vanished.


    Seeing someone make a purchase, the spectators were also spurred to action. Mainly out of curiosity as it was a novelty to have a TV show filming in their small town.


    "I''ll take two jin," said a young man, eyes fixed intently on Ji Nian. It was the first time he had seen such a beautiful woman, and his eyes were full of amazement.


    Ji Nian saw they had a second customer and smiled, "Sure!"


    Shen Shuyao clumsily weighed the vegetables and packed them neatly. Handing them over, the young man froze as he caught a glimpse of her face under the hat.


    "Thank you, four dors total," Shen Shuyao said politely with a smile.


    It took a while for the man to regain himself before hurriedly responding, "Oh, uh, okay thanks!" And he fumbled to take out his wallet.


    With these two taking the lead, many curious onlookers came over to join in the fun. They had three baskets of vegetables in the car. The first basket was already almost sold out. Shen Shuyao smiled as she busily weighed vegetables and politely collected money from customers.


    Seeing they were just ordinary vegetable sellers, some of the less curious onlookers lost interest and half of them dispersed. But many of the elders remained watching from a slight distance.


    The scene then switched to Zhou Sheng''s side. Zhou Sheng was with Shen Yang. The two men stuck out among the lively streets.


    Passers-by nced curiously at the two cameras following them around, but soon lost interest. However, a few eagle-eyed high school girls spotted Zhou Sheng and Shen Yang and shrieked in delight.


    "Oh my god, are you Zhou Sheng?" one girl asked excitedly.


    "Wow, Shen Yang!" another eximed in surprise.


    Zhou Sheng and Shen Yang smiled and nodded in acknowledgement seeing they had been recognized.


    "We''re recording a lifestyle show and doing a task. Would you girls like to buy some vegetables?" Zhou Sheng asked with a smile.


    "You''re filming a show in our small town?" the schoolgirl said in delight.


    "Can we take a photo together?"


    Shen Yang was briefly taken aback before shyly answering, "Sure."


    Thrilled, the schoolgirls eagerly took out their phones and rushed over for a selfie.


    Overhearing them, the onlooking crowd found out these were celebrities. They finally recalled Shen Yang, the wildly popr former rock singer, was here selling vegetables.


    As for Liang Jie, there was no need to borate. She was surrounded by crowds of people while Wu Hai looked on enviously - none of these onlookers even recognized him!


    As the most popr host on Fruit TV, Liang Jie could be considered the biggest star among the Love Life cast. As soon as she arrived, many recognized her and flocked around causing a slightmotion as people scrambled to take photos with her.


    As a celebrity, being able to cause such a sensation in this small town made Liang Jie feel rather proud.


    "Hello everyone, I''m Liang Jie. We''re recording a Love Life variety show. If you''d like to buy vegetables you cane over here! For friends not making purchases, please don''t block the way. This is a public area so crowding could inconvenience others. Thanks everyone for the support!" As an experienced host, Liang Jie greeted the people squeezing towards her politely and graciously.


    Seeing the growing crowd, the filming crew also came forward to help maintain order.

 Chapter 23: Charismatical

    <h4>Chapter 23</h4>


    Today, when everyone set out, they still felt that the vegetables wouldn''t sell out. But in the blink of an eye, Liang Jie had already sold out here.


    Zhou Sheng still had some left over there, so Wu Hai ran over to Zhou Sheng''s ce and brought all of their vegetables over. Relying on Liang Jie''s poprity, they sold out again in one go.


    When the few people were about to call it a day, they suddenly remembered and Wu Hai asked: "We almost forgot, what about Ji Xiaonian and the others?"


    Liang Jie also suddenly realized, saying: "I don''t know if they''ve sold out yet either."


    Zhou Sheng pointed in a direction, saying: "Those two should be over there. Let''s take the tricycles over to take a look."


    Wu Hai nodded. Then the few people nimbly got on the tricycles and slowly set off amidst the onlooking crowd.


    Over here, Ji Xiaonian and Shen Shuyao were still chatting andughing. There was still a little over half of their vegetables left, but they weren''t in a hurry, leisurely chatting with the vegetable-selling auntie next to them.


    "Are you celebrities? I watch TV shows every day, howe I''ve never seen you before?" The curious auntie asked.


    Ji Xiaonian smiled and answered: "Auntie, I''m not famous. The one next to me, Shuyao, has yed supporting roles in two shows, but now most people only pay attention to the main leads, so not many people recognize us."


    Listening at the side, Shen Shuyao couldn''t help but feel upset in her heart. Indeed, if you were only an unimportant supporting character, then no one would recognize you.


    "But our Shuyao is so outstanding. In the future, you will definitely see her on TV, and might even be a fan of her shows," Ji Xiaonian casually cracked the melon seeds that the auntie had brought over, speaking with certainty.


    "Oh, okay, okay, then I''ll be waiting to watch you on TV." The auntie was chatting happily, naturally grabbing Ji Xiaonian''s hand.


    When she heard those words, Shen Shuyao''s heart shook. She looked over withplicated emotions - shock, anticipation, and being moved. She hadn''t expected to hear such words from Ji Xiaonian''s mouth.


    And the camera guy recording this captured the scene of the womanughing and chatting with the auntie, while next to them, Shen Shuyao''s eyes were filled with gentleness and being moved as she kept staring at Ji Xiaonian''s profile.


    Under the sunshine, it was as if both women were bathed in a halo of golden light, looking extremely dazzling. This scene formed a contrast.


    One was happilyughing, the other silently gazing, just like a pair of lovers in the throes of passion.


    Ji Xiaonian turned her head around. Seeing Shen Shuyao staring at her, she returned a bright smile and asked caringly: "Hot?"


    Shen Shuyao was a little nk for a moment, dumbly shaking her head before shyly answering: "It''s okay, not very hot."


    Although that''s how the female lead answered, Ji Xiaonian still saw the beads of sweat on her forehead. Thoughtfully, she took the auntie''s fan next to her and started fanning while chatting with the auntie.


    Feeling the breeze, Shen Shuyao turned her head and smiled back, almost stunning Ji Xiaonian.


    Tsk tsk, as expected of the female lead, she really was lethal. This obedient smile almost made her lose control.


    "Xiaonian!" Wu Hai''s loud voice rang out as he drove over on a tricycle with Liang Jie.


    Zhou Sheng also parked his tricycle and got off, walking over with the others. Some onlookers had followed the tricycles over, and the area was now filled with people.


    Ji Xiaonian looked up and was surprised. "Brother Sheng, Wu Hai, why did you alle over and bring so many people..."


    Seeing so many people taking photos around her, Shen Shuyao felt a little embarrassed and lowered her straw hat. Right now, even she felt that her look was very ugly.


    Although the town was small, it had arge poption. The vegetable market was also a ce with a high concentration of people. Hearing that celebrities hade to film a show, many onlookers came to join in the excitement.


    Liang Jie walked over to the vegetable stall andughed. "Not bad, good business today. There''s still more than half a tray left to sell out."


    Seeing the crowd of onlookers growingrger andrger, Ji Xiaonian was stunned and blurted out: "Howe as soon as you guys came, you brought so many people over..."


    Wu Haiughed and said: "It''s because big celebrity Liang Jie attracted them over. I''m so sour that apparently no one recognizes me?"


    Zhou Sheng walked over smiling. "The fruit stall''s number one sister''s ability to attract a crowd."


    Liang Jie quickly waved her hands. "Brother Sheng, stop teasing me. Back in the day, you were one of the top in the rock music scene."


    Zhou Sheng shook his head. He let out an heartyugh, but his eyes still held a trace of sadness as he said: "Let bygones be bygones, hahaha."


    "Sister Jie, are you guys filming a show together?" A young girl asked excitedly.


    "Yes, do you need to buy vegetables?" Liang Jie replied with a smile.


    "I must support Sister Jie. Can I get an autograph from youter?" The girl was ted.


    "Sure." Liang Jie politely answered.


    "Hello, can I get three jin?" The excited girl said.


    Hearing that, Shen Shuyao was a little stunned for a moment before hurriedly cing the vegetables carefully on the scale.


    With more and more peopleing over, several plucked up the courage toe buy vegetables. Ji Xiaonian was worried that the female lead wouldn''t be able to handle it alone, so she also joined in on the weighing.


    In just a short while, the vegetable baskets were emptied. Shen Shuyao was still a little muddled.


    Ji Xiaonian gave Liang Jie a thumbs up, nodding and saying: "Your ability to attract a crowd is amazing."


    Liang Jie was embarrassed by the praise. To tell the truth, as the fruit stall host, her poprity was naturally very high.


    She hade to participate in the Loving Life variety show mainly because she owed the director a favor. She had been coaxed into agreeing this time, thinking that her schedule wasn''t too packed anyway.


    "Alright, mission aplished, let''s go back and rest!" Wu Hai happily said. Although Liang Jie''s poprity had caused a small sensation in this town, striking a tiny blow to his ego.


    Zhou Sheng also smiled sincerely from his heart. Shen Yang silently tidied up the baskets and loaded them onto the tricycle.


    Ji Xiaonian turned to look at the auntie she had been chatting with just now. "Auntie, we''re finished for the day. Bye!"


    "Oh, okay youngdy." The auntie said. Then suddenly she got up and ran over,ughing: "Let''s take a photo together. I''ll bring it back to show my daughter. From now on, I''m your fan!"


    Ji Xiaonian was surprised. She hadn''t expected that her first fan would turn out to be a vegetable-selling auntie she had casually chatted with.


    "Sure, Auntie." Ji Xiaonian readily agreed, pulling Shen Shuyao over to take a photo together.


    Although Shen Shuyao felt a little ufortable, she still put on a smile and took a few pictures.


    Seeing the auntie put away her phone, Ji Xiaonian joked: "Auntie, you''d better save those well. If I get famous one day, the photos might be worth some money."


    "Hahaha, what an interesting youngdy you are." The auntieughed and answered: "Okay, when you get famous, I''ll sell the photos."


    "Hahahahaha." Ji Xiaonianughed out loud happily. She didn''t know if she would be famous, but the female lead definitely would.


    Hearing herugh, Shen Shuyao next to her also chuckled. But in her heart, she suddenly felt a little confused. Would she be famous?

 Chapter 24: The Grand Feast

    <h4>Chapter 24</h4>


    Afterpleting the task, everyone felt rxed. Along the way, Shen Shuyao kept ncing at the driver beside her from time to time.


    Ji Nian sensed a gaze, turned her head over, and smiled as she asked, "What is it? Do you have something to say to me?"


    Shen Shuyao''s face reddened as she lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed as she quietly asked, "Why did you tell that aunt that I would be famous in the future?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback, her mind racing. Could it be because the female lead hasn''t risen to fame yet, so shecks confidence?


    "In the future, perhaps you''ll encounter a role that will make the audience love you through that character? I''ve seen your show. Although it''s just a supporting role, your acting skills aren''t bad." Ji Nian answered sincerely. To be honest, the female lead did graduate from media studies, so her acting skills are still decent.


    "You''ve watched it?" Shen Shuyao asked with delight, her eyes gleaming as if she couldn''t believe that someone would actually pay attention to her.


    Ji Nian was momentarily stunned, swallowing hard. She hadn''t watched it, but she knew about it.


    The female lead had yed a supporting female role, who was a princess with a delicate and lovable personality, despite having feelings for the male lead.


    Unlike other storylines, she wasn''t a stereotypical vicious supporting female character. Later on, she ended up being romantically involved with a cold-blooded general.


    This unique supporting character set, once the TV series aired, immediately made her famous, as people began to pay attention to her sweet appearance.


    "Yeah." Ji Nian smiled with narrowed eyes, lying without blushing or a guilty conscience, "Didn''t you y a princess too?"


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback, then her face disyed a surprised smile, her eyes twinkling excitedly as she said, "Yes, the crew released costume fitting photos at that time, but the TV series hasn''t been scheduled for release yet. How did you know all this?"


    Not scheduled for release yet? Ji Nian caught the keyword. She remembered from the novel that the female lead rose to fame around this age too.


    If all goes well, news about this TV series preparing for a release date and broadcast wille out soon, and then the male lead... should also appear soon.


    "I often surf on Weibo, and I happened to see that a novel I had read before was being adapted. To be honest, after seeing the costume fitting photos, I felt like that person should be you." Ji Nian turned her head and winked at the female lead, admiring herself for being able toe up with these excuses one after another.


    Shen Shuyao''s heart was filled with surprise and gratitude. She felt warmth inside. Although she hadn''t been in the industry for long, the entertainment world was tough. When she heard someone acknowledge her like this, it was like having an infinite source of motivation.


    "Thank you," Shen Shuyao said sincerely and earnestly as she looked at the woman.


    Seeing that they reached the vige ahead, Ji Nian twisted the steering wheel, elerating as she joked, "Okay, if you be famous one day, don''t forget me."


    Shen Shuyao quickly shook her head, "I won''t, we''re good friends."


    Ji Nian was stunned, turning her head over. So these past two days weren''t wasted, she had already entered the inner circle and be the female lead''s good friend? She felt satisfied in her heart.


    Shen Shuyao, the female lead, had a strong halo. Especially after meeting the male lead, she would have smooth sailing all the way. Although a few vicious supporting characters would appearter on, they would all be dealt with soon after.


    Ji Nian narrowed her eyes, as if imagining her carefree life after repaying her debts. She must definitely cling to the female lead''s thigh and bask in her halo.


    When they returned to the house, everyone was starving. Liang Jie leaned against the sofa, looking lifeless.


    Not to mention Wu Hai, who was stuffing himself with some fruit to fill his stomach, while Shen Yang and Zhou Sheng were organizing the items they had brought back.


    At that time, the production team came over, notifying them of some good news and handing out the mission card for the next episode.


    "Today, afterpleting the task, the production team has prepared a surprise for everyone," a staff member smiled as he entered.


    Upon hearing this, everyone was surprised and couldn''t help but feel excited. Not only did they receive corresponding rewards forpleting the task, but there were surprises too?


    The group followed the staff member to a room. As they pushed the door open, Wu Hai eximed with delight, "Oh my god, so much delicious food!"


    Even Liang Jie couldn''t help but swallow her saliva. After a morning of hard work, she didn''t have a single thought about dieting when seeing this luxurious feast. All she wanted was to eat more.


    Zhou Shengughed heartily, "The production team has finally be humane and given us a luxurious lunch."


    Shen Shuyao also smiled, and Ji Nian nodded, "Indeed, we are hungry."


    "What are you all waiting for? Come on, everyone take a seat and eat!" Wu Hai impatiently sat down, his chopsticks already in hand, ready to go.


    Shen Yang saw this and smiled shyly, "After a busy morning, we can finally rest for a bit."


    "Yeah." Zhou Sheng sat down and also urged everyone to take a seat.


    Ji Nian pulled the female lead to sit beside her and thoughtfully helped her arrange the bowl and chopsticks.


    Shen Shuyao smiled and thanked her, obediently sitting beside her. After everyone started eating, she began to pick up some dishes.


    Wu Hai looked satisfied, and even Liang Jie didn''t care about her figure anymore, grabbing several pieces of meat to satisfy her cravings.


    Ji Nian was halfway through when she noticed a te of shrimp in front of her. Suddenly, she remembered that the female lead seemed to quite like this too, but why did it feel like she hadn''t eaten any?


    "Do you like eating shrimp?" Ji Nian asked casually, as if making small talk.


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback, somewhat longing as she nced over, she did like it, but due to the camera, she felt embarrassed to peel the shrimp herself.


    So she shook her head and softly said, "It''s alright..."


    Ji Nian seemed to understand what the female lead was thinking. She quickly picked up five or six shrimp and ced them in a bowl beside her.


    After wiping her hands with a wet wipe, she began to peel them.


    Shen Shuyao watched as the woman earnestly peeled the shrimp without regard for appearances. In her heart, she envied her boldness. Then she silently turned her head and ate the dishes in her bowl.


    However, halfway through, a peeled shrimp suddenly appeared in her bowl. Shen Shuyao was stunned and looked over.


    Ji Nian smiled, "I love eating shrimp. My hands are clean, if you don''t mind, I peeled some for us to eat together."


    Shen Shuyao felt pampered, her face reddening as she shyly replied, "Okay... Thank you."


    Ji Nian smiled and nodded, her hands starting to bustle, peeling shrimp was quite simple. One after another, in no time, she had peeled half a bowl.


    Although she had peeled a lot, the production team had prepared plenty, so there was enough for everyone else to eat.


    The small bowl was now filled. Ji Nian wiped her hands with a wet wipe, then pushed it in front of the female lead, yfully winking at her, "Not enough, I''ll continue."


    Shen Shuyao was stunned, looking at the bowl of peeled shrimp. A surge of warmth rose in her heart. The woman''s smiling eyes seemed to have a radiant light that kept drawing her in.


    Although they had just met, she didn''t know why, but she wanted to get closer to her.

 Chapter 25: Add wechat

    <h4>Chapter 25</h4>


    A cameraman beside them captured this moment. He had long been a fan of this pair. The filming over the past few days had made him feel somewhat excited for some reason.


    Seeing her peel a full bowl of shrimp for Shen Shuyao, the director nodded in satisfaction. Adding some special effects in post-production would definitely make this scene extra sweet.


    On Liang Jie''s side, seeing Ji Nian peel shrimp for Shen Shuyao made her jealous. "Xiao Nian, you''re making me so sad."


    Ji Nian, who was still carefully peeling shrimp, looked up with innocent wide eyes. Strong survival instincts made her point to the bowl she was peeling.


    "I was just about to peel some for you." Ji Nian then smiled.


    Liang Jie turned her head arrogantly to the side. "I don''t believe you."


    Wu Hai, who had eaten his fill, saw this scene andughingly said to the people beside him, "Sister Liang, let younger brother me be of service. I''ll peel however much you want."


    Liang Jieughed. "Okay, peel this whole te."


    Wu Hai was taken aback. He blinked and nodded. "Sister Liang, let''s pretend I didn''t just say that."


    "Hahahaha." Zhou Shengughed out loud.


    Liang Jie put on an offended look. "Just now someone said they''d peel shrimp for me."


    Shen Shuyaoughed behind her hand. To be honest, the atmosphere on this variety show was quite good. Getting to know everyone over this period, she found they all had great personalities and there hadn''t been any conflicts.


    Having peeled a bowlful, Ji Nian hurriedly passed it to Liang Jie with a smile. "Sister Liang, please ept with a smile."


    Liang Jie was surprised. She didn''t expect the bowl of peeled shrimp was really for her. Delighted, she said, "Thank you, Little Nian~"


    Wu Hai felt sour on the side. "Nian''er, peel a bowl for brother too."


    Ji Nian shot him an unimpressed look,pletely done with him. "Don''t try to take advantage. Go where it''s cool."


    "Hahahaha." Liang Jieughed loudly. She said to Wu Hai, "Peel it yourself."


    At this point,ughter rang out around the dining table. Everyone was infected with good cheer.


    After lunch, Ji Nian received notice from the director to go over.


    Ji Nian was confused since filming was going well. She didn''t know why she was being summoned but still followed the staff over.


    The director was discussing something with the assistant director. Seeing the woman arrive, he stopped and smiled a greeting: "Xiao Nian."


    Ji Nian was caught off guard. She responded obediently, "Director."


    The director nodded. "Xiao Nian, as you know, we signed you earlier because another actress had scheduling conflicts, so you came to fill in for one season.


    Ji Nian nodded. "Yes."


    "Now that we''ve finished filming this season, the other guest is also ready toe. We''ll start filming the next season. You did quite well. I look forward to working with you again in the future." Appreciation shone in the director''s eyes.


    Ji Nian finally understood. So they had finished filming. She really earned this 50,000 yuan easily.


    "Of course. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Director. Please contact me anytime if you have a show needing me in the future."


    "Good. You can go chat with the other guests and pack up. I''ll have someone drive you to the station." The director knew she hade alone and felt sympathy for the girl.


    Ji Nian had just felt happy about getting to go back. But on second thought, no, wouldn''t that mean separating from the female lead? What should she do? How could she cozy up then?


    Worried, Ji Nian left the director and returned to the residence. Everyone had just eaten and was in the living room watching TV and chatting.


    Seeing here in, Liang Jie called out, "Little Nian,e, I saved you a seat and some fruit."


    Ji Nian looked over and returned a smile before going to sit next to Liang Jie.


    "Where did you go?" Shen Shuyao asked softly beside her.


    Ji Nian sighed inwardly. "I''m getting ready to leave."


    Liang Jie was shocked. "Where to?"


    "I''m just a guest performer. I''m done after one season. Now that this season is finished filming, I''m going to pack up and go." Ji Nian was reluctant, mainly because the female lead was here. Who knew when they''d cross paths again in the future?


    Liang Jie suddenly understood. The original actress set toe had scheduling conflicts and dropped outst minute. Ji Nian was found as a recement.


    Wu Hai was also reluctant to part. After interacting over this period, he felt Ji Nian was quite nice. He didn''t expect her to leave so soon.


    Ji Nian feared nothing except the female lead forgetting her. So she grabbed Shen Shuyao''s hand pitifully. "Shuyao, don''t forget me."


    Shen Shuyao was stunned, filled with indescribable emotions, mostly reluctance. "Okay, I''ll remember you."


    Ji Nian nodded, still trying to stir up feelings. How could she leave a deeper impression on the female lead?


    Unable to bear their mushy scene on the side, Liang Jie spoiled the mood. "You two are perfect for each other. It''s not like you''ll never see each other again. Can''t you just talk on WeChat?"


    Ji Nian was jolted awake. She really was silly. In this age of advanced technology, wasn''t everything solved with WeChat? She had felt so sad earlier over nothing.


    "Shuyao, quick, let''s exchange WeChats." Ji Nian hurriedly took out her phone.


    Liang Jie also pulled out her phone and showed her QR code arrogantly. "Ahem, I''ve given pretty obvious hints."


    Ji Nian nodded with a smile and scanned her code, giving an OK gesture. "Great, we can chat on WeChat if anythinges up."


    On Shen Shuyao''s side, she added Ji Nian''s WeChat and set up her contact info. Shyly, she said, "Done."


    Ji Nian advised earnestly, "Shuyao, we must keep in frequent touch."


    "I''ll make a group chat so we can all talk there." Liang Jie immediately created a WeChat group.


    After adding the female lead''s WeChat, Ji Nian felt much more secure. She would definitely log in every day to maintain her presence. The female lead had too many people around her. Ji Nian had to seize every opportunity.


    They chatted for a bit in the group before Ji Nian worried about getting back toote. She went upstairs first to pack her belongings into her luggage.


    Once everything was ready, she brought her suitcase downstairs. The director had a car waiting outside already.


    Everyone saw her off at the door. Liang Jie even gave her a hug. "Ji Nian, hopefully we can coborate again in the future."


    "Okay."


    Shen Shuyao was also reluctant to part. Shyly she said, "Safe travels."


    Ji Nian took the initiative to hug the female lead. "I''ll pester you daily on WeChat. Don''t get annoyed then."


    Shen Shuyao returned the hug. With a smile she said, "I''ll wait for it."


    "Okay."


    Ji Nian put her luggage in the trunk and got in the car. She lowered the window, waved her hand, and called out, "I''m off, goodbye!"


    "Safe travels!" Zhou Sheng shouted vigorously.

 Chapter 26: Do not Deceive the Poor

    <h4>Chapter 26</h4>


    Just as Ji Nian had just added a note for the female lead and was about to open her friend''s circle to take a look, WeChat popped up with a few messages.


    He Yi: Sister, they said the show is done recording.


    Ji Nian: Yes, I''m on the high-speed train now.


    He Yi: How do you feel? Is it alright? Did anything go wrong?


    Ji Nian: ...


    He Yi: The producer and the team from Penguin told me they''ve already transferred the money to you. Did you receive it? This is the first huge sum you''ve earned since your debut!


    Ji Nian was stunned when she saw the message. She quickly opened the banking app on WeChat, entered her password, and checked the bnce in her ount.


    "Oh my god," she couldn''t help but exim. Then she realized that everyone around her was staring, making Ji Nian feel a bit embarrassed. Luckily, she was wearing a mask.


    There were many zeros. She widened her eyes and started counting. One million from Douyin, two million from Penguin, adding up to a total of three million. Ji Nian couldn''t help but feel a surge of aplishment and excitement. She finally had money.


    At that moment, her phone made a "ding" sound, and a message popped up, instantly extinguishing her inner excitement.


    He Yi: I think you should hold off on repaying the money and rent a house in the city. Honestly, I''m worried about your tiny old shack.


    Ji Nian: I almost forgot, I still have to repay the loan!!


    He Yi: ?


    Ji Nian: Goodbye!


    He Yi: Goodbye!


    Even though she had made money, the thought of immediately transferring it to someone else didn''t sit well with Ji Nian. While feeling dissatisfied, she reluctantly opened Alipay and found Cheng Liran''s ount.


    After some consideration, with three million in hand, she returned 2.99 million to him, leaving herself with ten thousand. Five thousand of it was for her own use, and she sent the remaining five thousand to He Yi.


    After all, He Yi had helped her a lot, and she felt she should give him somepensation.


    Meanwhile, Cheng Liran, who received the transfer, was taken aback. He opened the message and saw an ount with a cartoon avatar sending a transfer.


    "I still owe you 2.77 million."


    Cheng Liran froze. Although he hadn''t seen this woman dominating the hot search recently, her songs were incredibly popr. "Arrogant" and "Guest" had consistently been in the top five on Douyin and Penguin Music.


    Ba Ge noticed the man spacing out and approached, looking surprised. "Ji Xiaonian?"


    Cheng Liran responded with an "Hmm" and couldn''t help but feel puzzled. This woman didn''t seem like her old self after the breakup.


    "Ji Xiaonian acted pretty quickly. It hasn''t been long, and she has already returned so much money to you. We only wanted to scare her before, and we didn''t expect her to actually repay the loan. Now it seems she''s quite different, actually being honest and returning the money," Ba Ge chuckled and said to the pensive Cheng Liran.


    "It doesn''t feel like her," Cheng Liran furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat perplexed.


    On the other hand, He Yi received the transfer from Ji Nian and looked surprised. He quickly replied to her message.


    He Yi: Sister, why did you transfer money to me?


    Ji Nian: You were running around with me for the contract before. This is my way of thanking you.


    He Yi: Why be so formal? I don''t want it.


    In Memory: No, I''m making money now. What''s wrong with giving you a little? Are we still not sisters?


    He Yi: Are you stupid? You still have debts. Otherwise, I would dly ept it.


    Ji Nian: Even if I were to repay the money, this five thousand yuan wouldn''t make much of a difference. Why hesitate? Just take it.


    He Yi held her phone, feeling somewhat touched. Since it hade to this point, there was no need to hesitate. She directly clicked the reply button.


    He Yi: Thank you, big sis, for the reward.


    Ji Nian: Alright then, I''m getting off the car now. Goodbye.


    He Yi: Goodbye.


    ---


    Two hours on the bus, two hours on the high-speed train, and then from the train station to her home, almost three hours on the subway and bus.


    When Ji Nian returned to her rented room carrying her luggage, it was already 9 p.m.


    Her stomach had been growling for quite some time. She couldn''t help butin in her mind that the city of Beijing was really too big. It took so long just to get home.


    She turned on the lights and saw the shabby rental room. It felt a bit unfamiliar for a moment. She took out the things from her suitcase, arranged them neatly, and walked into the small kitchen to boil water for instant noodles.


    Although she had made some money and had a few thousand yuan in her hands, as a person burdened with enormous debts, she didn''t deserve to eat out. She had to save every penny.


    After taking a sip of water, Ji Nian boredly opened Douyin and watched a few short videos.


    She suddenly noticed that many of the short videos'' music was from her songs. There were guest performances and some popr bloggers even did covers that went viral.


    "Wow." Ji Nian finished listening to the male blogger singing the guest''s song and felt like she could sense a story behind it. So she left ament saying it was good, along with two thumbs-up emojis.


    After scrolling through Douyin, she went to surf Weibo, looking at the hot topics and jokes.


    By this time, the instant noodles had finished soaking. She took the bowl and ced it on the table, sat down, and ate while scrolling through her phone. She looked quite rxed.


    She opened her private messages and saw a group of Cheng Liran''s fans cursing at her. She simply marked all the messages as read.


    She thought about changing her Weibo username. While pondering, she ate her instant noodles.


    Suddenly, a few words shed through her mind. She nodded and thought it would be a perfect fit. So she changed her Weibo username to "Ji Nian, who wants to get rich."


    After the change, she nodded in satisfaction. Then she continued scrolling through Weibo and came across a peculiar question from the same blogger.


    "If your life were made into a TV series, what would the title be?"


    The blogger had just posted it, and Ji Nian happened to see it. She found it amusing, so she left ament.


    "Summing up my life in three dramas: ''Don''t Bully the Poor Youth,'' ''Don''t Bully the Poor Middle-aged,'' and ''Don''t Bully the Poor Elderly.''"


    Aftermenting, Ji Nian burst intoughter. It really fit the current situation. Not only was she broke, but she was also heavily in debt.


    When the blogger received the message, they werepletely stunned. Why was it Ji Xiaonian again? But to be honest, herment was... silly.


    At this moment,izens also saw thisment. Because she had changed her name, they weren''t sure if it was Ji Xiaonian. They clicked into her Weibo and checked, confirming that it was indeed Ji Xiaonian herself. Then they startedmenting one after another.


    "Want to get rich quick, Ji Nian?"


    "You''re trying to make meugh, so you can inherit my Huabei debt?"


    "Hahahaha, that''s really me, ''Don''t Underestimate a Poor Youth.''"


    "It feels like Ji Xiaonian''sment has already deciphered my whole life."


    "My Life: ''How Iron Is Practiced into Waste.''"


    "''Three Lives, Three Worlds, Still in Debt.''"


    "''The Days I Pretend to Exist in the Human World.''"


    "''Rebirth: From a Salty Fish to a Two-faced Salty Fish.''"


    "Hahahaha, I can''t stopughing."


    Within just two hours, the blogger''s question skyrocketed to the top of the hot search, and Ji Nian''sment, along with the newly changed Weibo name, also made it to the Weibo hot list.


    At this moment, He Yi noticed a familiar name on the hot search and clicked on it with a hint of resignation, then immediately opened WeChat.


    He Yi: Sister, why are you using your main ount toment on others again?


    Ji Nian: You''re four years older than me, thank you.


    He Yi: At least you''re a public figure.


    Ji Nian: Do I count as a public figure?


    He Yi: Every time you post on Weibo, it bes a hot search.


    Ji Nian was taken aback. She made it to the hot search again? But she didn''t do anything this time.


    She had logged out of Weibo for two hours and was lying in bed, searching for the female lead''s dramas, trying to catch up. She was afraid that when the female lead asked, she wouldn''t be able to answer.

 Chapter 27: Can We Not Go

    <h4>Chapter 27</h4>


    Ji Nian was puzzled as she opened Weibo and saw that what the blogger had just said had be a hot search term, along with the screenshots of her Weibo name andments ranking second on the hot search list.


    "Areizens really so bored these days? Even this can make it to the hot search list." Ji Nian muttered to herself.


    Looking at thements below, except for Cheng Li Ran''s fans who were all criticizing, the rest were fine.


    "I''ve been listening to this guest''s songs on repeat recently, never getting tired of them."


    "I started paying attention to this little girl because of the guest."


    "Going crazy from being poor?"


    "Why are you on the hot search again? Always trying to get attention."


    "Disgusting."


    "You there, what did she even do wrong? Why are you saying that about her?"


    Ji Nian stopped paying attention to thesements and opened WeChat to reply to He Yi''s message.


    Ji Nian: Is it bad to be on the hot search?


    He Yi was startled upon receiving the message. She thought about it and concluded that being on the hot search must be good - any poprity, whether good or bad, meant you were on the path to stardom!


    He Yi: I thought about it and realized you''ve been on the hot search so many times recently that Heaven must have opened a backdoor for you. You''re on the path to fame! Sis!


    Ji Nian: I''ll borrow your auspicious words and be famous quickly, so I can earn money to pay off debts.


    He Yi: I support you in spirit!


    Ji Nian: Okay, I''m going to watch TV shows now.


    He Yi: What show? You''re watching TV shows now? Weren''t you not into them before?


    Ji Nian: I have to eat from an actor''s bowl, so of course I have to learn.


    He Yi: Is there any hope left for your acting skills?


    Ji Nian: ?


    He Yi: Alright, I look forward to the day your acting improves.


    Ji Nian: Bye.


    After saying that, she switched screens back to the TV drama. She had just gotten to the scene where the servant girl yed by the female lead was dragged out and beaten with a nk. The scene, the acting, it was so good that Ji Nian couldn''t help sighing that it looked quite realistic.


    The male blogger who had covered her song was also surprised to see Ji Nian''sment and it caught fire too, with everyone seeing the original singere toment and gave it a ton of likes.


    "Oh my god, the original singer came toment!"


    "To be honest, the male version is different from the female version, each has its own style."


    "Despite all the negative press, it can''t be denied that Ji Nian is a good singer."


    The blogger felt honored to receive acknowledgment from the original singer. He was the only cover out of so many that got ament from her, so he was admittedly excited. He replied with a thankful emoji and followed her back.


    Having binge watched the TV drama starring the female lead all night, Ji Nian fell into a deep sleep, exhausted after traveling by car all day.


    Over at Shen Shuyao''s side, she had finished recording the variety show, since she was just a guest and not a regr cast member. Her agent had only gotten her on for two episodes.


    Next, thepany had arranged for her to sign on for a new drama. She was going to have dinner with the director tonight.


    "What are you looking at on your phone?" Agent Ling Jie saw the woman staring at her phone and asked curiously.


    Shen Shuyao was looking at Ji Nian''s Moments newsfeed. They had agreed to keep in touch over WeChat, but she hadn''t sent any messages these past few days, busy with who knows what.


    "Nothing, just looking at Moments." Shen Shuyao sounded a little down.


    "Is this Ji Nian?" Ling Jie was a bit surprised to see the arrogant, noble-looking photo on the phone.


    "Yes, we recorded a variety show togetherst time."


    Shen Shuyao opened up their chat window, wanting to say hi, but felt a little embarrassed since Ji Nian hadn''t messaged her first. She felt awkward and didn''t know what to say.


    "Keep your distance from this Ji Nian. She has too much negative press. Once you get associated with those online rumors, whether real or fake, it could drag you down since you''re just starting out." Ling Jie frowned, clearly not supportive of her hanging out with Ji Nian.


    "Nian is really nice." Shen Shuyao was unhappy, not wanting to hear the agent badmouth her.


    "Shuyao, I''ve painstakingly brought you to where you are today after your debut. Don''t me me for the warning - any mistake on your part wille at a great cost."


    Ling Jie had managed many artists before, and Shen Shuyao was finally gaining traction. Her hopes were high, since artists earning money meant the agent would earn a nice ie too.


    Shen Shuyao didn''t like this agent, but had no choice since thepany had assigned her, and Ling Jie had helped her for almost a year now. Her assistance could not be denied.


    But she was always condescending and often ordered Shen Shuyao around, disregarding her wishes when scheduling things, which often made her very ufortable.


    "Tonight''s dinner is with Director Lin, who''s a huge director. You got the third female lead role, so you''ll likely need to rely on him in the future. Make a good impression tonight." Ling Jie said in a t tone, briefing her on tonight''s schedule.


    "Ling Jie..." Shen Shuyao spoke hesitantly, "Can I not go..."


    Ling Jie turned to look at her in surprise, before putting on an stern face and answering, "Hmm?"


    Shen Shuyao lowered her head, angry inside but speaking softly, "That Director Lin...everyone knows what kind of person he is. I''m afraid he''ll..."


    Ling Jie scoffed and looked at her with slight contempt. "What woman in this circle is innocent? You have no fame to begin with. If you don''t show your face in front of the director at dinners, how will he remember you?"


    "But..." Shen Shuyao looked up at the woman, shocked inside. She knew Ling Jie was capable, and had hinted before about going to dinners, but didn''t expect her to state it so tantly this time.


    "Just go over first, several actresses will be there, what are you afraid of?" Ling Jie had already made the decision.


    Shen Shuyao felt indignant inside, but what did she mean by that? Implying that with so many actresses, Director Lin might not even look her way?


    Seeing the silent response, Ling Jie didn''t say anything more. She had been in this circle for a long time, some people were modest at first when they debuted, but once ambitious, they couldn''t wait for opportunities like this toe by frequently. She would understand Ling Jie''s good intentionster.


    "Xiao Duo, take Shuyao over tonight. Contact me if anythinges up." Ling Jie instructed the assistant who had been standing silently nearby.


    Xiao Duo had been listening in the whole time. She felt it was inappropriate but still quietly acknowledged, "Okay."


    Shen Shuyao was upset and didn''t speak, lowering her head as she got in the car. She wanted fame, wanted everyone to know her, but not by using her looks to curry favor with directors.


    Agent Ling Jie hurriedly left after taking a phone call, but not before reiterating that they must not bete for the dinner tonight.


    Xiao Duo saw the sullen woman sitting silently in the car. Having been her assistant for over half a year, how could she not know she was upset? So she moved closer.


    "Sis Shuyao, you''re unhappy right?" Xiao Duo was only 21 this year, having graduated early from college and bing an assistant by chance, this being her first job.


    "She''s always like this, never consulting me, never respecting my opinions." Shen Shuyao''s eyes were red, feeling wronged with tears welling up.


    Xiao Duo was also helpless. As an assistant, she was like a nanny, handling all the trifles and preparations. She had no say, only able to follow arrangements.

 Chapter 28: The Ordinary Road

    <h4>Chapter 28</h4>


    "Are we still going over tonight?" Xiao Duo asked.


    Shen Shuyao was a little distracted. She didn''t want to go, but she was also afraid of Elder Sister Ling''s anger.


    "I think we should go over and take a look tonight first," Xiao Duo thought for a while and frowned, "If we really feel something is wrong, we can make excuses and leave. What do you think?"


    Shen Shuyao was stunned. She could only do this, so she nodded and sighed, "I''ll listen to you."


    On Ji Nian''s side, she had been struggling with how to make money these past few days. She wondered if she should sing another song and release it? But with her fame, she didn''t know how much money she could make by singing this time.


    Her brain capacity was also limited. What if she runs out of songs to sing one day and still hasn''t paid off her debts? So these days she started worrying.


    "Oh, it''s not easy to make money. I still owe Cheng Liran 2.77 million and the original owner''spany 4 million," Ji Nian sighed.


    These days she had been holed up at home, feeling a little anxious and confused. To be honest, she hadn''t been in this novel world for a long time.


    The acting profession was too different from her previous one, and she could barely touch it. And she didn''t have apany or anyone to sign a contract with her, so she had almost no resourcesing her way.


    Everything was aimless and unnned. She felt that if she wanted to make money as an inte celebrity, making videos should still be the main focus.


    Thinking of this, Ji Nian opened Douyin to see how other influencers shot videos, but suddenly saw that the TV series Shen Shuyao starred in had released a trailer.


    The title read that it was an TV drama adapted from the hottest novel, and it had been scheduled to premiere tonight at 8 pm.


    Ji Nian gave a start. How could she have forgotten about the female lead these days and didn''t even contact her, just thinking about other things?


    After browsing through the trailer, she found that the princess Shen Shuyao yed really caught people''s eyes at first nce - tender, naughty yet weak, and her interactions with the general strangely carried a sweet vor.


    Thements below were very friendly. As expected of the female lead, her halo was still there, and most of thements were positive.


    "This actress looks familiar."


    "I''ve read the original novel. This princess matches the image very well. Her acting doesn''t seem bad from the trailer."


    "A new actress? So pretty."


    "The trailer makes me really look forward to it."


    "I hope this neer won''t disappoint the original work."


    "Waiting for the premiere tonight."


    Ji Nian directly liked all the positivements one by one, andmented at the bottom, "It''s totally worth getting into, definitely a must-watch!"


    Aftermenting, Ji Nian suddenly remembered that they had talked about selling songs when recording the variety show. Speaking of which, she hurriedly got out of bed and picked up her guitar, intending to record a video to release.


    Back when she was studying, she had many songs in her MP3 yer. A melody instantly appeared in her mind and her eyes lit up, feeling this was it.


    She opened the video recording. With a bright smile on Ji Nian''s face, she said to the camera, "Life is not easy, we must cherish every moment. As you all know I''m in debt, so today I''m going to sing a song. I want to sell this song. Contact me if interested."


    After that, she yfully blinked at the screen, then adjusted her sitting position and started strumming a melody on the guitar.


    When the song was over, Ji Nian sat properly in front of the screen, put down her guitar, and said softly and obediently, "This song sounds really nice. It''s called (The Road of Ordinary), and it would sound even better in a male voice. Theposer is still a mystery, which I won''t borate on. Contact me if interested!"


    With a "beep", Ji Nian saved the video and yed it back. The background was still simple, but even with no makeup on, her looks were still impressive.


    After editing it, she posted the video on Weibo and Douyin. With everything done, Ji Nian was still nervous, as she didn''t have a number in mind of how much this song could sell for.


    And at this moment, after just an hour since releasing the video, major tforms directly exploded, and the hot search started on Ji Nian''s name again, apanied by the mysteriousposer ranking second in the hot search.


    Ji Nian heard her phone beeping non-stop with private messages, and saw the number of views continuing to soar. She found it a bit unbelievable.


    Thements below were filled with the shock and doubts ofizens.


    "If the previous songs (Guest) and (Arrogance) sounded good, then (The Road of Ordinary) can simply be hailed a masterpiece."


    "Ordinary is the only answer."


    "This song ys."


    "Damn, I came as a hater but after listening to this song, I''m looking at her differently!"


    "How much is this song selling for?"


    "Awesome, sounds so good!"


    "Have only heard the female version so far. Does the male version sound even better? Super excited."


    "This song is so shocking. It makes me kind of fired up inexplicably listening to it."


    "Oh my god, isn''t anyone curious who this mystery person is?"


    "Thisposer is truly amazing. Why did hepose a song for Ji Nian? Is there any inside story?"


    On Cheng Liran''s side, his agent Eighth Older Brother brushed across the video, and got all pumped up. He wanted to buy this song!


    "If this song is really for sale, let''s buy it!" Eighth Older Brother said excitedly.


    When Cheng Liran heard the woman''s ethereal voice in the video, although she sang this song beautifully, he felt that if sung by a male voice, the style would be even better brought out.


    "Aren''t you very familiar with her? In any case, she still owes us money. You buy the song and offset it as part payment, and at the same time ask around about who this mystery person is," Eighth Older Brother thought in his mind.


    Cheng Liran frowned. He hadn''t been in contact with this woman for a long time. Undeniably, this song really sounded very nice and made him feel like singing it.


    "Let me think about it," Cheng Liran said, frowning. He felt he shouldn''t have any more involvement with this woman, but couldn''t help feeling attracted to thisposition.


    "Stop pondering. I''ll go contact her," Eighth Older Brother said and rushed out impatiently.


    On He Yi''s side, when she came across the video she was dumbfounded. This song was too amazing. She opened WeChat and tapped into the chat.


    He Yi: Sister, you''re awesome to be able toe up with this. Announcing this song for sale straight out, you''re so daring!


    Ji Nian: I had no choice, I''m too poor.


    He Yi: Who exactly is this mystery person? The song is making such a stir online, you''ve upied the top three hot searches.


    Ji Nian: Top three in the hot search?


    He Yi: Number one is your "The Road of Ordinary" video, second is "(Mystery)", and third is (Ji Nian Who Wants to Strike it Rich) your newly changed ID name.


    Ji Nian: ...


    He Yi: You really are blessed, howe you seem like you''re running a hacking program now?


    Ji Nian: If I was hacking, would I be still be in debt?


    He Yi: Sorry for bothering...


    Ji Nian: Talk to youter.

 Chapter 29: Blast Out the King

    <h4>Chapter 29</h4>


    Upon receiving He Yi''s message indicating her return, Ji Nian''s phone rang immediately.


    She was stunned for a moment, seeing an unfamiliar number. Could it be someone calling to buy her song? Feeling somewhat nervous, she slid to answer, "Hello?"


    "This is Eighth Older Brother," said Eighth Older Brother on the other end, still struggling with how to ask her for the song.


    "Who are you?" Ji Nian asked nkly upon hearing just a name, not understanding.


    Eighth Older Brother was taken aback. What was she doing? She actually asked who he was? He replied, "Ji Xiaonian, you don''t recognize me anymore?"


    Still stunned, Ji Nian felt somewhat awkward. Could this person be someone the original owner knew? But she didn''t have any impression of him...


    Thinking the woman was throwing a temper tantrum, Eighth Older Brother said, "I know, with your temperament, you must be angry now. But you should also consider us¡ªtwo of Cheng Liran¡¯s most valuable endorsements fell through because of your outburst."


    Cheng Liran? Upon hearing the key name, an acute pain struck Ji Nian''s chest. Tears instantly fell as her heart was suddenly filled with anguish.


    "I understand suing you and making you pay such arge sum is causing you some difficulties," Eighth Older Brother conceded, his tone patient.


    Ji Nian didn''t speak. She could barely breathe from the intense pain. She knew this was the original owner''s emotions resurfacing. Though long absent, hearing that name had stirred everything up again.


    Hearing silence on the phone, Eighth Older Brother looked at his phone in confusion. She hadn''t hung up. Why was there no sound?


    "Hello? Ji Xiaonian, can you hear me?"


    Ji Nian took several deep breaths, trying hard to regain control of her emotions. She didn''t know why Cheng Liran¡¯s people were calling her, but she suppressed her thoughts and squeezed out one word with great difficulty¡ª "Yes."


    Hearing the sob in her voice, Eighth Older Brother froze. He hadn''t misheard. She must have cried; that would exin the continued silence on her end.


    "You cried?" Eighth Older Brother asked.


    To be honest, he was a famous broker in the industry. He had been genuinely shocked when Cheng Liran suddenly revealed having an underground rtionship with a contractual girlfriend.


    But he didn''t think much of it. Clearly, his artist didn''t like this woman. They could have parted amicably.


    But instead she threw a fit, the whole matter exposed and Cheng Liran¡¯s rtionship immediately made public.


    Strangely though, despite being sued, having her contracts cancelled, and owing astronomical damages, this woman made no moves at all.


    Even as she remained a hot search topic, she never oncemented on the rtionship, quietly paying off debts instead.


    As his agent during the exposed rtionship period, he had worried whether she would provide reporters proof of the contractual affair. Yet she never did.


    "Why did you call me?" Ji Nian''s tone was still choked up but detached. She didn''t want to cry; her body was just wracked with pain, heart clenched tight.


    The original owner had slit her wrists andmitted suicide because of Cheng Liran. She was dead because of him. If not for her sudden transmigration into this world, perhaps Ji Xiaonian would no longer exist.


    Eighth Older Brother was startled by the detachment and aloofness in the woman''s tone. Raising his eyebrows, he said, "I saw your song ¡®Ordinary Road¡¯ online. Give us the rights and we''ll call everything in the past even. What do you think?"


    Hearing this, Ji Nian was still owed 2.77 million by Cheng Liran. In her personal opinion, that seemed like good money for one song. But something about it irritated her.


    "I''ll repay the money, but not through that method," Ji Nian answered coldly.


    Shocked, Eighth Older Brother couldn''t believe she had rejected him. The song was truly excellent and he felt they must acquire it. "Ji Xiaonian, 2.77 million for one song and all grievances wiped away, isn''t that a good deal?"


    "Even if I can''t sell this song elsewhere, you still can''t have it," Ji Nian gritted out before hanging up.


    Her heart continued aching but upon rejecting him, she oddly felt much more rxed, lightly pounding her chest and breathing deeply to settle her emotions.


    Just then, her phone rang again. Seeing another unfamiliar number, she picked up angrily, "Haven''t you pestered me enough? I said I will repay the money, but you can''t have the rights."


    "Ms. Ji, this is Peng He, Yu Luobai''s agent."


    The moment Peng He answered the call, he heard the woman''s annoyed voice and instantly grasped the gist of things, having researched the news around celebrity Cheng Liran.


    Ji Nian froze. Assuming it was Cheng Liran''s people again, she had been rude. Somewhat awkwardly she asked, "Excuse me, may I ask why you are calling?"


    "Ms. Ji, I saw your song ¡®Ordinary Road¡¯ published online. Ourpany would like to discuss purchasing the rights with you. May I ask what terms you propose?" Peng He inquired.


    Who was Yu Luobai? Ji Nian racked her brains until her eyes suddenly went wide. Wasn''t he...the one mentioned in a news article she saw on Weibo yesterday? A huge deal!


    "This isn''t a scam call, is it?" Ji Nian still couldn''t believe it. Yu Luobai wasn''t heavily featured in the novel but his character settings were at the level of a heavenly king.


    A child star debut, zero scandals, explosive acting skills. Only 28 but a box office record holder. His status in the entertainment industry was practically godlike. The female protagonist had even co-starred with him in a movieter on.


    Hearing the woman''s words, Peng Heughed and said, "Rest assured Ms. Ji, this isn''t a scam. ¡®Ordinary Road¡¯ is an excellent song. And as you said in the video, it would sound even better sung by a man. So we have sincere intentions to discuss a coboration with you."


    Ji Nian was stunned speechless. This song was exceptional! Even the heavenly king himself had stepped up. She had to make a killing! The king had endless money so she should raise the price with no worries, right...?


    "Um..." Ji Nian struggled to name a number. Eighth Older Brother had said 2.77 million to buy the song earlier. So how much should she quote?


    Should she daringly open with 3.5 million? Or would that be too steep? Back when her monthly sry was only 4,000 yuan, millions was unimaginable.


    Just as Ji Nian agonized over how much to ask for, the other party spoke up.


    "Ms. Ji, ourpany would like to offer 5 million to purchase the rights to ¡®Ordinary Road¡¯ and provide you appropriate additional benefits¡ªnamely, permission to cover the song and upload it to music tforms."


    "What?!" Ji Nian eximed in shock, unable to restrain her surprise. 5 million? Had she heard that right?!


    Thinking the woman was unhappy with the price, Peng He frowned. To be honest, even 5 million was rather high on their end.


    Thepany had considered the mysteryposer behind Ji Xiaonian and was simply trying to build goodwill by quoting generously. If she still wasn''t satisfied at this price, it was somewhat greedy.


    "Ms. Ji, does ourpany''s offer have any issues? We can negotiate," Peng He asked.


    "No, no issues at all!" Ji Nian swiftly replied. 5 million was an astronomical windfall. Selling this one song could nearly clear half her debts!


    Just now, she had agonized over whether to ask for 3.5 million, struggling to name a price she worried was too steep.


    She never expected them to open with 5 million...


    Apologies, her aspirations had been too small...

 Chapter 30: In the Wrong Room

    <h4>Chapter 30</h4>


    ¡°Miss Ji Nian, are you willing to sell the copyright to us?¡± Peng He was a little surprised. This woman actually had no other conditions? Under normal circumstances, others would start the price as high as possible, eager to get more money.


    Ji Nian was shocked. 50 million? Is he kidding? She must be willing! But in order to demonstrate her restraint, she still calmly replied, "Okay, would it be convenient to chat face-to-face?"


    When Peng He heard this, he was a little excited and extremely delighted inside. He felt this was the best cooperation he had ever negotiated at work.


    "Great, great! I''m very happy that Miss Ji Nian is willing to cooperate with us. I''ll arrange the location for our face-to-face meeting. Are you avable tomorrow?¡± Peng He asked with a smile.


    "I''m avable tomorrow. Um... I live quite far away, you''d better send me the address in advance so that I can n my time," Ji Nian thought for a moment. She lived in the suburbs, three hours away from the city center.


    "No problem, Miss Ji Nian, don''t worry," Peng He said.


    "Okay, see you tomorrow then," Ji Nian replied.


    After hanging up the phone, she started floating. She didn''t expect that she could sell Ordinary Road at such a sky-high price instantly, 50 million, she didn¡¯t even dare to think about it. It seemed that the day she paid off her debts was not far away.


    "Happy," Ji Nianughed out loud while holding her phone, enjoying the pages on Douyin.


    Thements she previously left under the trailer were also voted to the top, and many people followed to leave messages below.


    "Speechless, she''s relying on this poprity too?"


    "Does Ji Nian know the actors in it?"


    "Could Ji Nian also be a fan of this book?"


    "I noticed she liked all thements praising the neer actress who yed the princess!"


    "No surprise they probably know each other."


    Ji Nian saw a bunch ofments below but didn¡¯t bother to respond. Instead, she turned off Douyin¡¯s private message function, and then went to turn off the private message function on Weibo as well. Such things were annoying.


    Looking outside, it was already dark. Her stomach was also growling with hunger. She sighed and decided to solve her food problem with instant noodles first.


    Just as the water started boiling, she tore open the package, but then heard a message pop up on WeChat. It was a friend request.


    Ji Nian wondered and first put the noodles in the bowl to soak, covering it to let it soak on its own.


    She opened WeChat. It was a profile picture of andscape, with a note below, ¡°I¡¯m Peng He.¡±


    After epting his friend request, she curiously clicked open his Moments. But surprisingly, they were all photos of scenery, and Yu Luobai.


    "Tsk tsk tsk, as a top celebrity, his looks are indeed superb," Ji Nian muttered. With one hand holding the bowl of noodles to the table, shemented the stunning beauty in the photos on her phone.


    In the photo, the man was wearing a ck suit, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, his eyes a bit cold. His features were very three-dimensional, giving off a very steady feeling.


    Peng He: Miss Ji Nian, I just forgot to ask for your WeChat. I tried your phone number and it worked. You don''t mind, do you?


    Before Ji Nian could finish looking through his Moments, a message popped up. She opened it.


    Ji Nian: I don¡¯t.


    Peng He: The venue is Bulgari Hotel in the city center. We can talk while eating there. Let¡¯s meet at 12 noon tomorrow, does this time work?


    Ji Nian: Yes, no problem.


    Peng He: Ok, see you tomorrow!


    Ji Nian replied with an emoji, then exited WeChat. It was 8:30 pm. She opened the TV series that made Shen Shuyao famous overnight, which was starting to update online. She clicked to watch the first episode.


    At 8:30 pm, Shen Shuyao got out of the car at the hotel. Not long after arriving in the private room, Director Lin was already red-faced from drinking.


    A few actresses were giggling nonstop. Shen Shuyao looked coldly at the scene before her eyes. The seductive appearance of those fellow actresses made her lower her eyes, sneering inside.


    Director Lin had long fancied this innocent actress. He finally managed to invite her to this dinner party. His eyes showed something ambiguous as heughed, ¡°Shuyao, it¡¯s not easy getting you toe once. You have to drink a forfeit of three sses this time.¡±


    Shen Shuyao was singled out. Looking at the man whose eyes were full of lust, she smiled awkwardly, ¡°I¡¯m not very good at drinking.¡±


    ¡°Are you not giving me face?¡± Director Lin moved closer with a hint of threat in his eyes, oglingsciviously at her fair neck, unable to help swallowing.


    "It''s just three forfeit drinks, Shuyao just debuted for a year, you should practice your alcohol tolerance." A face with obvious cosmetic surgeryughed beside.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s right.¡± The people around echoed.


    Director Lin handed her the wine ss, smiling as he gestured for her to drink it, and tried to put his arm around her shoulders.


    Shen Shuyao avoided the director and picked up the wine ss with difficulty to drink it. She was choked by the taste and identally coughed badly several times.


    ¡°Hahahaha, I like straightforward people like you.¡± Director Linughed loudly, his face already a bit drunk.


    After an hour, although Shen Shuyao was vignt in her heart, she was still drunk sloppily by him.


    Feeling unwell, she rubbed her temples. Her eyes were misty as she said, "Director Lin, I need to go to the restroom."


    Seeing that she was already drunk, Director Lin looked at her with a smile. There was something insidious in his eyes as he asked, ¡°You''re drunk. Let me help you over there!¡±


    Shen Shuyao gave a start, and quickly declined, ¡°I couldn¡¯t trouble Director Lin. I¡¯ll go by myself and be right back.¡±


    Director Lin looked ambiguous. Stroking the woman''s arm, he said meaningfully, "Then I''ll wait for you."


    Shen Shuyao was so scared that her heart thumped rapidly. She squeezed out an ugly smile and answered, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Staggering all the way out of the private room, Shen Shuyao held on to the wall. Her head was dizzy. At the moment, she only wanted to get away.


    Clutching the wall all the way, she walked tipsily in her high heels. She leaned against the elevator wall after getting in. Her eyes couldn¡¯t see clearly.


    Just then, she heard the elevator ding. Still dizzy, she stumbled out, also not knowing where she was. Seeing a room with the door ajar, she thought she was home. She went right in and closed the door.


    Shen Shuyao saw the dark room. She walked further inside and forcefully kicked off her high heels before copsing onto the bed.


    At this moment, her whole body only felt dizzy. In a daze, she suddenly felt a weight on her body.


    She felt heavy and couldn¡¯t breathe. Pushing hard, it only led to more intense actions.


    "Who are you?" Shen Shuyao''s tone was frightened. The alcohol instantly sobered her up a bit. She realized she had walked into the wrong room.


    Then she only heard the man breathing heavily. With a harsh tug from his big hand, her skirt instantly slid off.


    "Ah!" Shen Shuyao shrieked, desperately trying to escape, but unable to break free from the man''s arms no matter what.


    Feeling the woman''s struggle in his arms, it was as if the man was enraged. His actions became rough as he fiercely attacked the woman.


    Shen Shuyao couldn''t resist. In the dark, she only heard the man''s panting as she cried out until everything went ck and she fainted.

 Chapter 31: Nymphomaniac

    <h4>Chapter 31</h4>


    The next day when Ji Nian woke up, she took a look at the time. It was 8 o¡¯clock in the morning. She hurried to wash up since it was hot outside.


    She directly put on a long T-shirt, paired with ultrashort denim shorts that were very popr recently, revealing her two fair and long legs. The bottom half disappeared outfit was in fashion.


    After washing her face, she didn¡¯t put on any makeup either, mainly because there was none at home to buy. She was very poor. She tied her hair in a ponytail, changed into a pair of white sneakers and went out.


    To keep a low profile, she still habitually put on a face mask. After all, her name was still trending on the hot search.


    Ji Nian took the bus then transferred to the subway. She didn¡¯t even have time to eat breakfast and felt a little regretful. She should have bought two buns to fill her stomach. Now she was really a little hungry.


    "Hey, have you seen the new TV series that came out yesterday? I read the novel when I was in middle school. I thought it would be changed drastically again but it turned out pretty good to watch." A young woman said to her friend next to her.


    "Nowadays many novels are adapted into TV series. I don''t watch them at all. The adaptations are utterly disappointing," another girl replied.


    "No, no, you should go take a look. The new actress is amazing, I tell you, especially the second female lead, Shen Shuyao, the casting fits perfectly with the original novel.¡± The woman said excitedly.


    "Really? Then I''ll watch it tonight."


    Ji Nian overheard them to the side and couldn''t help smiling. Shen Shuyao was about to be popr. After she finished discussing the copyrights today, she would befriend this big shot and keep in touch more since they haven''t contacted each other for many days.


    Hearing the subway stop broadcast, Ji Nian checked the map on her phone and hurried off the subway hastily, fortunately she paid attention, otherwise she would have missed her stop.


    At this moment, her phone WeChat notification prompted a message. She opened it to take a look. It was from Peng He:


    Peng He: Ms. Ji, where are you now?


    Ji Nian: Almost there, just got off the subway.


    Seeing this message, Peng He froze for a moment. Did he see wrongly? Subway? The girl who was trending for buying a house actually dared to squeeze onto the subway?


    "What are you dazing out for?" A doubtful voice came over. A man was dressed leisurely in sportswear, wearing a duck bill cap with his slender legs casually crossed and resting.


    Peng He looked up to see the man in front of him who was surrounded by an aura of nobility despite his casual wear. His temperament was still gentle and elegant.


    "I''m just a little surprised that Ms. Ji Nian took the subway over." Peng Heughed embarrassedly.


    "Oh?" Yu Luobai leanedzily on the sofa in the private room. He had a somewhat nonchnt attitude as he fiddled with the teacup in his hand and said, "Owing so much money, it¡¯s normal for her to squeeze onto the subway.¡±


    Only then did Peng He remember that the girl owed 100 million yuan in damages. Of course for them this was just a small amount. But for an 18-tier star, 100 million yuan was also unattainable.


    He nodded in agreement and said, "It makes sense. I heard she only has a high school diploma and used to work odd jobs outside before. Her family background is probably not well off either and now she also owes such a hugepensation fee."


    Yu Luobai''s mouth curled up slightly and he said, "I''ve listened to her three songs, ¡®Arrogant¡¯, ¡®Guest¡¯, and ¡®Ordinary Road¡¯. The musical styles are different but they were allposed by the same mysteriousposer for her. It¡¯s interesting.¡±


    "This mysterious person is indeed mysterious," Peng He sighed. People in the industry had also secretly tried to investigate this person but there were no clues at all.


    On Ji Nian¡¯s side, after getting off the subway, she walked a while before arriving at the hotel. She had just reached the front desk of the hotel.


    After reporting Peng He¡¯s name, she was led by the service staff to the private room door. She hesitated for a moment, thinking that they shouldn¡¯t be scammers right.


    After all, she just checked that Bvlgari Hotel¡¯s prices were among the top in Beijing. Just a te of snacks could be sold at almost a thousand yuan price.


    Not to mention booking a private room at Bvlgari, that would be sky high prices. No scammer would be so silly...spending so much just to scam her. After thinking for a long time, she still decided to knock on the door.


    Knock knock.


    Hearing the knock on the door inside the room, Peng He turned his head, thinking it was the service staff, and answered aloud, ¡°Pleasee in.¡±


    Ji Nian opened the door and went in, shocked by the decoration of the private room for a moment. As expected of a famous hotel, thisyout and decoration could be seen as a ce for rich people to spend money.


    Seeing it wasn¡¯t a service staff member, Peng He stood up. What he saw before him was a girl with a somewhat nk face.


    She was wearing a TISSOT T-shirt, white sneakers that looked like Converse, and carrying a newly released Hermes handbag. All branded stuff.


    And her simple, solid colored outfit made her temperament look especially clean. Her bare face was still delicate and beautifully different.


    Ji Nian was stunned as she looked at the two men in front of her and smiled awkwardly, ¡°Hello...I¡¯m Ji Nian, oh no, I¡¯m Ji Nian.¡±


    Peng He hurriedly walked over and said, "Hello, hello. I was just about to reply to your message and didn''t expect you to arrive so quickly."


    Ji Nian nodded and stuffed the face mask into the small handbag she brought with her, answering, ¡°It was okay. I left home early in the morning and arrived just before 12.¡±


    Peng He was startled for a moment, somewhat embarrassed, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, is this ce too far from your home?¡±


    Ji Nianughed and replied, "It''s not that it''s far from here, but that it''s far from the city center."


    "Then you had a hard timeing all this way. Please take a seat first. I''ve ordered the dishes, they¡¯ll be delivered soon." Peng He quickly weed her to sit down.


    Although Ji Nian felt a little ufortable, she still sat down. She found that a man who had been silent all this while was sitting opposite her. Feeling curious, she looked over.


    But she was shocked by the man''s handsome face. At this moment, her eyes were filled with sparkles as she screamed wildly in her heart that this was the first time in her life seeing such a handsome guy up close!


    Seeing the woman staring nkly at him, Yu Luobai chuckled softly and said, "Hello, I¡¯m Yu Luobai."


    Ji Nian came back to her senses, feeling a little embarrassed. She was excited inside, thinking - the handsome guy''s voice sounds nice too!


    "It was Luobai this time who saw your video and asked me to contact you regarding the copyright of ¡®Ordinary Road¡¯," Peng He exined with a smile to the side.


    "I see..." Ji Nian still felt a little nk, mainly because the excessively handsome face opposite her left her somewhat bewildered.


    Seeing the girl''s silly appearance, Peng He gently coughed and asked, "Ms. Ji, you specifically requested a face-to-face meeting on the phone. May I ask if there are any other issues that need to be discussed?"


    Ji Nian turned her head to look at Peng He. She secretly heaved a sigh of relief inside. This was what ordinary people looked like. Yu Luobai¡¯s face attracted too much attention, making her unable to help admiring him blindly.


    "Uh...it¡¯s nothing much really. Don¡¯t contracts need to be signed face-to-face?" Ji Nian answered awkwardly.


    Hearing the woman''s words, Yu Luobaiughed out loud. He took off his duck bill cap and his slightly messy hair, coupled with his leisure sportswear, gave him a roguishly handsome look.


    On the contrary, with the hat off, his whole face was revealed clearly. His eyes smiled at her amusedly.


    "Meeting Ms. Ji for the first time, I didn''t expect she would be such an interesting person." Yu Luobai said with a smile.


    Ji Nian was startled. Was this handsome guy praising her? What should she do? She felt so excited that her whole body felt a little shy.

 Chapter 32: Contract

    <h4>Chapter 32</h4>


    "Miss Ji Nian, if I understand you correctly, the purpose of your visit today is to sign the contract?" Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, somewhat surprised at the woman in front of him, who did not seem to have any other conditions.


    Ji Nian was stunned and asked, "Didn''t you guys say you wanted to buy the copyright of this song? Don''t you want it anymore?" Were the 5 million going to fly away? Her heart was thumping.


    "Buy! We must buy!" Peng He said hastily, then smiled and said, "I just didn''t expect Miss Ji Nian to be such a refreshing person."


    Ji Nian blinked and said somewhat awkwardly, "Uh... I am quite refreshing." How could she not be refreshed for 5 million? Could it be that the money would get away?


    Yu Luobai''s mouth turned up as he looked at the woman with a hint of appraisal in his eyes. She was wearing all brand name outfits, all were new releases from just a few months ago, but she was living in such a bad ce, which really made him curious.


    "Knock knock", the door of the private room was knocked.


    "Sir, the dishes are ready." Said the waiter''s voice outside the door.


    When Peng He heard it, he answered towards the door, "Okay,e in."


    Hearing the reply, the person outside pushed open the door. Just then, several waiters walked in carrying trays and nimbly ced them on the dining table. After they were done, they respectfully bowed and orderly walked out.


    Ji Nian was shocked by this service. As expected, this was a ce for rich people. Just look at how different these waiters were.


    Looking at the beautifully ted dishes on the table, as well as some snacks, the portions looked quite small. The tes were so big but the food was just that little, although, to be honest, they looked exquisite.


    The main course should be steak. Ji Nian looked at the steak in front of her, which was not too bad, at least it was not bloody. She couldn''t help swallowing, as she hadn''t eaten all morning and her stomach had long been shriveled up.


    Seeing the woman staring at the steak, Peng He smiled and said, "Miss Ji Nian can try it. The ingredients of this hotel are quite fresh. We''ve eaten here before and the taste was not bad."


    Ji Nian nodded and obediently replied, "Okay, thank you for treating me."


    Peng He smiled and gestured, taking the white cloth on the table and folding it into a triangle toy on hisp. Yu Luobai also started picking up his cutlery.


    Ji Nian clumsily cut a small piece with her knife and fork and put it in her mouth. She was instantly amazed by the taste.


    She was quite unsophisticated, never having been to a high-end restaurant before. When she previously ate Western food, it was when she went out with colleagues. Sometimes when she fancied it, she would go and eat some, but those were all small restaurants with set meals costing a little over 100 yuan. The taste was just so-so.


    And since Ji Nian had crossed into this book, to be honest, it had been quite miserable, at least regarding food. Instant noodles were the staple, and to save money to pay back debts, she didn''t usually dare to spend much.


    Thinking about it, she had been here for almost a month now. The only time she had enjoyed herself was thanks to the song "Ordinary Road", which allowed her toe to this high-end restaurant to see the world.


    "Sigh." Ji Nian let out a deep sigh, suddenly feeling that life was extremely difficult.


    Peng He, who was cutting his steak, paused for a moment and turned to ask, "What''s wrong? Don''t you like the taste?"


    Yu Luobai also looked up and said, "You can call the waiter back in to order something else."


    Ji Nian came back to her senses and quickly shook her head. "No need, no need, the taste is fine."


    "Then why did Miss Ji Nian sigh?" Peng He asked with a smile.


    "Uh..." Of course Ji Nian couldn''t say that she wasmenting the misery in her heart and identally let out a sigh, so she asked somewhat awkwardly, "I wanted to ask when will we...the contract..."


    "Does Miss Ji Nian have urgent matters to attend to back home?" Yu Luobai asked.


    Ji Nian was stunned and answered, "No, not at all."


    "We can get to the contract after we finish eating." Peng He said with augh.


    After all, they were still strangers in front of her, so Ji Nian was still a little restrained. She nodded to indicate her agreement and followed them to the sofa not far away to sit down.


    Taking the contract handed over by Peng He, it was densely packed with words, and to be honest, some were already beyond her knowledge.


    Ji Nian looked up, somewhat embarrassed to ask, "Can I take a picture and send it to my agent to take a look?"


    "Your agent didn''te with you today?" Yu Luobai picked up the teacup on the table and asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian was stunned. She lowered her head and answered in a low voice, "I''m out of contract now. She''s still in thepany managing other artists. We were on good terms so we keep in touch often."


    Peng He looked at her with a hint of pity in his eyes. Although this was their first meeting, he was quite good at judging people. This little girl Ji Nian was still a pretty simple person.


    "No problem, go ahead." Peng He said with augh.


    Ji Nian''s eyes lit up with joy when she heard this. She said "Thank you" and immediately took pictures, opening WeChat and sending them to He Yi.


    He Yi was on her lunch break right now and happened to receive the pictures. It took her ten minutes before she sent a line of words back.


    He Yi: I''ve seen the content, it looks fine, no problems. Did someone buy your song "Ordinary Road"?


    Ji Nian: Yes, 5 million!


    He Yi: Wow, which sucker?!


    Ji Nian: Huh? Isn''t this song worth it?


    He Yi: Uh... it''s worth it! Definitely worth it!


    Ji Nian: After I pay back the debt, I''ll treat you to a nice meal as soon as possible! We''ll eat well!


    He Yi: Sounds good! But first, tell me who bought it from you? Don''t get cheated.


    Ji Nian: I''ll just sign the contract first since there are no issues. I''ll tell you about itter.


    He Yi: ...


    Ji Nian closed WeChat at this end. Smiling, she picked up the contract. Her heart was starting to get excited. The 5 million was about to be in hand, and she couldn''t help but smile.


    Seeing the woman''s money worshipping appearance, Yu Luobai didn''t know why, but suddenly felt that she was very interesting. He asked, "May I ask who this mystery person is to Miss Ji Nian?"


    Ji Nian had just signed her name when she heard this question. She was a little confused for quite a while before answering, "A good friend..."


    "Miss Ji Nian''s friend is very good atposing. I took a look, it''s all professional level. Did he do both the lyrics andposition?" Yu Luobai said in surprise.


    "Yes." Ji Nian replied.


    "Wow, that''s amazing." Peng He eximed. Seeing that the woman didn''t want to talk more about this topic, he smiled and said, "Then if there is a chance, I hope that Miss Ji Nian can help connect us. If there are any other good songs, contact us as soon as possible. There will definitely be no issues with the price."


    Ji Nian was surprised inside. Long term cooperation was possible too. After all, as a heavenly king, Yu Luobai didn''t care about money either, he was very generous, being able to give 5 million for just "Ordinary Road".


    If she gave him a few more songs afterwards, forget about paying off her debts, she could directly be a member of the petty bourgeoisie. Thinking about it, she suddenly became excited inside.

 Chapter 33: Boiled Noodles

    <h4>Chapter 33</h4>


    Ji Nian had just signed the contract and said goodbye to the two men. The five million yuan payment would not arrive for another couple of days, but she figured that as a big star in the novel, he probably wouldn''t welsh on the deal.


    After leaving the hotel entrance, Ji Nian still had over a kilometer to walk before reaching the subway station. Looking at the map on her phone, just as she was about to cross the street, WeChat suddenly popped up with a message.


    Shen Shuyao: I feel so sad.


    Ji Nian was startled. The female lead took the initiative to contact her. She stopped in her tracks under the green light, staring nkly at the screen.


    Ji Nian: What''s wrong? Did something happen?


    After five minutes, there was still no reply from the woman. Ji Nian felt puzzled.


    Shen Shuyao: Yeah.


    Ji Nian was surprised. The female lead was in trouble, she had to go find her! This book''s luck was all on her. There was a chance to gain some presence.


    Ji Nian: Where are you?


    Shen Shuyao: I''m at home.


    Ji Nian: Send me your address.


    The sun was quite harsh. Ji Nian went to the traffic police booth to take shelter from the sun, patiently waiting for the message toe through on WeChat.


    After nearly ten minutes, she finally heard the notification tone. Ji Nian eagerly tapped to open it, seeing only an address. She copied it into Baidu Maps to check the route.


    "Five thousand kilometers." Ji Nian murmured softly to herself: "Not bad, pretty close."


    A car horn sounded, giving Ji Nian a fright. She looked up to see a ck Bentley.


    Peng He rolled down the window, smiling at the woman on the side of the road, "Miss Ji, where are you headed?"


    Ji Nian was surprised. "Oh, it''s you guys."


    "That''s right. Where are you going? Let me see if it''s on the way." Peng He asked.


    Ji Nian smiled. "Thanks, but no need to trouble you."


    "We may coborate long term in the future. Come on up first, we''ll give you a ride." For some reason, Yu Luobai suddenly wanted to invite her into the car.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, blinking her eyes. It was a bit hard to refuse, so she slowly got into the car and sat next to the man.


    "Thank you."


    "You''re wee. Tell Peng He where you want to go, he''s driving." Yu Luobai smiled.


    Ji Nian obediently nodded. "I''m going to Anju Garden. I checked the map, it''s pretty close from here."


    "What a coincidence?" Peng He looked surprised. "My home is also nearby. Are you going to a friend''s ce?"


    Ji Nian smiled. "Yes, we got to know each other on a show, our rtionship is decent."


    "Alright then, I''ll drop you off when we get there." Peng He replied as he drove.


    Yu Luobai picked up a book in the car and started reading. He could almost smell the lingering fragrance ofundry detergent on the woman''s clothes. It made him feel veryfortable.


    He had encountered many women in the entertainment industry, but they always seemed to smell of perfume. To be honest, he didn''t like those scents.


    "Miss Ji, are you pursuing acting or singing?" Yu Luobai turned his head to look at her. The window was open just a crack, the wind blowing away the stray strands of hair on her forehead. Through a ray of sunlight, he found her particrly charming for some reason.


    Ji Nian was already very shy. With the superstar initiating conversation, she felt even more awkward. "Um... actually I don''t really know."


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud. His gorgeous, wless face, tall nose bridge, and lips of perfect thickness spread into a dazzling smile.


    Ji Nian was mesmerized. Who could withstand this? She awkwardly turned her head away. This man was dangerous to look at for too long. She was afraid she might be enamored by his looks inadvertently.


    "Miss Ji, what you said is really amusing. You don''t even know what you want to do?" Peng He alsoughed out loud.


    Ji Nian truly didn''t know. She was just an ordinary nobody in the past, teaching music at a school. Now that she crossed over, her main concern was still resolving the original owner''s debt issues.


    "Well, there''s nothing I particrly want to do." Ji Nian sighed.


    Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, unable to fullyprehend what the woman was thinking.


    "Have we arrived?" Ji Nian looked out the window.


    "Just got here. I''ll drop you off at the estate entrance." Peng He said, then stopped the car.


    Seeing the estate looked quite upscale, Ji Nian got out of the car with a smile. "Thank you."


    "You''re wee." Peng He replied with a smile.


    "Alright, I''m off. Drive safely." Ji Nian said.


    Peng He nodded. He turned the steering wheel and the car slowly started moving.


    Ji Nian turned and walked towards the estate. She registered her name and ID at the security booth before entering.


    Checking Shen Shuyao''s address on WeChat, the door number was provided. This was a ratherrge estate. She followed the signs as she walked.


    Going up the building and out of the elevator, Ji Nian found the unit number. She opened WeChat and sent two words in the chat - open door.


    After waiting a few minutes, she heard the door open just a crack. Ji Nian pushed it open and went inside, the person before her looking startled.


    "Goodness, what happened to you?" Ji Nian asked in shock.


    The woman''s face was streaked with tear stains. She wore a nightgown, hair in disarray, eyes swollen and red, neck marked with fiery red bites.


    Seeing the visitor, Shen Shuyao rushed over to hug her without knowing why, crying grievously.


    Ji Nian was surprised, then patted her back gently. She softly closed the door, saying, "There there, what''s wrong? We''ll solve any issues together. Don''t cry first."


    Shen Shuyao just kept sobbing with bloodshot eyes, not saying a word. Ji Nian supported her to the sofa, calming her to sit down. "Can you tell me what happened? Is it okay to share with me?"


    Shen Shuyao shook her head, biting hard on her lip as tears kept streaming.


    Ji Nian took some tissues from the coffee table to help wipe her tears. She said gently, "It''s fine if you don''t want to say. It''s almost 2pm, have you eaten?"


    Shen Shuyao silently wept, shaking her head without speaking. She sat hugging her knees on the sofa.


    "That won''t do. No matter how upset, you have to eat." Ji Nian frowned. "You didn''t go the whole day without food right?"


    Shen Shuyao looked at her tearfully and nodded, voice hoarse as she replied. "I can''t eat."


    "That won''t do." Ji Nian spoke very sternly. "Stay here, let me see what''s in the kitchen to make for you."


    Without waiting for a response, Ji Nian immediately headed to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, there were some sds, fresh milk, as well as eggs and noodles.


    She swiftly took out the eggs and noodles, starting to cook. Boiling noodles was simple - add water and oil, wait for it to boil, crack an egg in, then add the noodles. Season with some salt and soy sauce.


    In just over ten minutes, Ji Nian brought out a steaming hot bowl of noodles.


    She ced it on the coffee table before the dazed woman. "Be good and eat something first."


    Shen Shuyao stared nkly at the noodles on the table, tears welling up again. She slowly shuffled over, picking up the chopsticks on the table to eat mouthful by mouthful.


    Seeing this, Ji Nian silently sat next to her without speaking, just apanying her.


    Watching the woman eat noodles between sobs, pear blossoms with rain - her innocent face so pitiful, Ji Nian felt great heartache just looking at her.


    "There aren''t many ingredients in the fridge. We''ll go find something delicious once you feel a bit better."

 Chapter 34: The First Night

    <h4>Chapter 34</h4>


    "My first night was taken away by a stranger," Shen Shuyao muttered as she finished eating, then raised her head and said softly.


    "What did you say?!" Ji Nian was shocked and immediately stood up. The female lead was slept with by someone else? That can''t be possible!


    Shen Shuyao lowered her head with tears dripping down her legs, and said hoarsely, "It was my fault, I shouldn''t have gone to the dinner party. If I hadn''t gotten drunk, I wouldn''t have walked into the wrong room..."


    Ji Nian grasped the keywords "walked into wrong room" and suddenly understood. The plot has arrived! The book wrote that the female lead was forced by her agent to go to a dinner party and got drunk by the lecherous director.


    By a stroke of bad luck, she walked into the wrong room and encountered the drugged tyrannical boss male lead, and that was how the two of them began their rtionship...


    "When did this happen?" Ji Nian was excited that the plot has arrived, but still asked with a concerned look on her face.


    Shen Shuyao looked up, despair in her eyes as she looked at the woman and said painfully, "Last night."


    "Should we report this to the police?" Ji Nian asked. Her heart was thumping, afraid that the female lead would really go report this.


    "Absolutely not!" Shen Shuyao said agitatedly, fear in her eyes. "Besides...I''m an actress, I can''t let scandals get out..." After finishing, Shen Shuyao broke down crying.


    Ji Nianforted her, gently patting her back, trying to get her to calm down.


    Shen Shuyao leaned her chin on the woman''s shoulder, her whole body leaning against her embrace. Extremely aggrieved, she said, "I know we''re all adults, but I...I just feel awful."


    "It''s okay. Since we can''t solve this by going to the police, we''ll just treat it as a one night stand. What did the man say?" Ji Nian consoled.


    Shen Shuyao was stunned for a moment. She suddenly recalled the cold and aloof face of the man when she woke up that morning, his deep and profound eyes filled with shock. She recognized that man, he was a famous figure.


    "He told me to take a check," she murmured softly, confusion in her eyes.


    Ji Nian was shocked. She silently admired to herself, howe no man has given her a check? She suddenly felt very envious.


    "Did you take it?" Ji Nian asked.


    Shen Shuyao shook her head angrily, "I don''t want it! What does he take me for?!"


    Ji Nian shouted internally, don''t give it to her! If she remembered correctly, the novel wrote that the male lead had given 3 million!


    "You did the right thing!" Ji Nian righteously said, "How could we submit to money! You were right to reject it!"


    Shen Shuyao was confused by her words. Wiping the tears from her face with a tissue, she nodded silently.


    "Are you feeling a bit better now?" Ji Nian asked.


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes were still red. With an aggrieved look, like a frightened little white rabbit, she said softly, "Thank you."


    Ji Nian saw Shen Shuyao''s messy hair. She reached out to tuck the strands behind Shen Shuyao''s ears, and said, "Why be so polite between us? Don''t be upset anymore."


    Looking at the woman''s gentle demeanor, Shen Shuyao felt a warmth wash over her. She didn''t know why, but she trusted the woman deeply from the bottom of her heart. She could tell her something so private without any hesitation.


    Just then, a ringtone broke the tranquility of the room. Shen Shuyao looked over - it was her agent Elder Sister Ling calling. She didn''t want to answer, but had no choice.


    "Hello, Elder Sister Ling."


    "Are you home? Director Lin called mest night. Why did you leave by yourself without letting me know?" Elder Sister Ling''s tone carried usation.


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes suddenly turned cold. She said, "Do you know what Director Lin wanted to do to me?"


    The other end of the phone paused in shock, before answering, "Director Lin promised to give you good resources. Isn''t that good? The TV drama you were in yesterday received great reviews and is bing popr online now."


    "Elder Sister Ling, you''ve gone too far! If you keep this up, I''ll have to lodge aint against thepany!" Shen Shuyao was very angry.


    "Shen Shuyao!" Elder Sister Ling''s tone turned cold over the phone. She yelled, "I hope you can understand your ce! Competition is intense in this industry. If you don''t aggressively climb upwards, opportunities will go to others instead!"


    "I don''t want opportunities like this!" Shen Shuyao hung up the phone and tossed it aside. Her eyes were filled with anger.


    Ji Nian knew the plot. The female lead''s first agent wasn''t a good person. Overtly and covertly, she wanted the female lead to trade her body for better resources.


    "What kind of agent is this, engaging in such dirty deeds." Ji Nian couldn''t help but criticize.


    Shen Shuyao looked very aggrieved, her eyes red. Angrily she said, "Thepany won''t care too much about this either, they tacitly allow these things to happen in private."


    "It''s okay, no one can force you if you don''t want to. Don''t get angry over these irrelevant people." Ji Nian consoled her.


    At this time, Shen Shuyao was really tough, even daring to argue with her agent. If she hadn''t been forced to attend that dinner party, nothing would have happenedst night. The more she thought about it, the more stifled she felt.


    "You must be tired too. Do you want to go rest first?" Seeing Shen Shuyao''s somewhat weary expression, Ji Nian asked.


    Shen Shuyao looked over with a pair of tearful eyes, red from crying, filled with innocence and grievance. She asked, "Are you leaving?"


    Ji Nian was startled. She asked, "Do you want to be alone then?"


    Shen Shuyao shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes again. She answered, "I''m scared alone."


    "I''m not leaving, I''ll apany you today." Seeing her helpless state, Ji Nian coaxed, "Go sleep for a bit first, I''ll be with you."


    Shen Shuyao nodded. She held on to Ji Nian''s hand tightly, slowly walking to the bedroom. Opening the door, she lowered her head and said, "Stay with me."


    Ji Nian was stunned for a moment but nodded. The female lead neededpany! In the future there would be wealth and prestige, she had to cling on to Shen Shuyao''s coattails.


    "Alright, I''ll apany you."


    At this time, the hot search topics on the inte were still ongoing. But at the same time, a new topic was also added.


    One was the continued poprity of the "Ordinary Road" video. The other was the actress who yed a supporting female role in the adapted drama of a wildly popr novel, she had be famous overnight.


    At this moment, the name Shen Shuyao was trending beyond just the circle of fans, because of her sweet image and positive role in the TV drama. She received countless praise overnight, attracting many original novel fans to watch.

 Chapter 35: Cooking 02

    <h4>Chapter 35</h4>


    In the Yun Tian Building in Kyoto at this moment, a man stood expressionless, holding a tablet and reading the message handed to him by his assistant.


    "General Ye, the woman fromst night is an actress named Shen Shuyao," said the cautious assistant, Liu Yi, standing by his side.


    Ye Jingzhan raised his gaze, his eyes cold as he looked over. He had an indifferent expression, emanating an icy aura, as he calmly asked, "Have they found the person who drugged me?"


    Liu Yi wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling embarrassed. It wasn''t pleasant to have the boss angry at him. He replied, "Not yet."


    Ye Jingzhan lightly tapped his fingers on the desk and said coldly, "Continue the investigation."


    Liu Yi nodded and replied, "Okay."


    "This actress..." Ye Jingzhan''s eyes darkened as he stared at the photo on the tablet. She was brimming with a smile, her face innocent and unaware of the ways of the world.


    "The person who drugged you must be aware of your aversion to women. But it''s strange, this actress..." Liu Yi''s face wore a serious expression.


    Ye Jingzhan furrowed his brows. He disliked women, to the point where even their touch made him ufortable. If he had too strong of a repulsion towards this woman, it could even trigger a shock, a psychological condition.


    But it was strange. He had spent a night with this woman, yet his body had reacted normally, without any abnormalities.


    "We have an entertainmentpany under our umbre. Go and negotiate with them to sign her," Ye Jingzhan said with a hint of interest, raising an eyebrow.


    Liu Yi''s eyes widened in surprise. After a moment of hesitation, he replied, "Alright."


    "How did she end up in my room yesterday?" Ye Jingzhan asked.


    "I found out that Shen Shuyao''s agent sent her to attend a dinner party. She was probably drugged and ended up in the wrong room identally," Liu Yi confirmed, well aware of the workings of the entertainment industry. When they mentioned a dinner party, everyone understood the underlying meaning.


    "What about the surveince footage?"


    "We checked the surveince footage, and it indeed happened as described. This woman shouldn''t have been sent by the person who drugged you," Liu Yi solemnly answered.


    "Good. Go and make the arrangements," Ye Jingzhan handed the tablet to him, his expression unchanged.


    ---


    Meanwhile, at Ji Nian''s ce, she was busy in the kitchen. It was already 4:30 in the afternoon, and Shen Shuyao was still fast asleep.


    But she had already woken up and gone out to buy groceries, preparing to make a heartfelt dinner for the female lead.


    The vegetables in this urban area were quite expensive, twice the pricepared to her suburban neighborhood. However, for the sake of the female lead, she gritted her teeth and bought them anyway.


    She nned to make chicken soup, stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, and nched shrimp. It would be more than enough for the two of them.


    The weather was quite hot, but fortunately, the female lead''s apartment was a small single-bedroom unit, well-furnished and not too small. There was air conditioning in the room, so even in the kitchen, she didn''t feel the heat.


    While cutting tomatoes, Ji Nian marveled at the stark contrast between this apartment and her own rundown shack.


    "Xiao Nian, what are you doing?" Shen Shuyao stood at the kitchen doorway, her eyes still sleepy, and asked in a dazed manner.


    Ji Nian looked up, her eyes filled with surprise, and said, "You''re awake? I bought groceries and I''m cooking dinner. I thought it would be more hygienic to eat at home than going out."


    Shen Shuyao approached Ji Nian, catching a whiff of a fragrance that moved her. With gratitude in her eyes, she said, "Xiao Nian, thank you."


    Ji Nian smiled and replied, "Silly, we''re good friends. No need to be polite. I made some chicken soup and nned to prepare your favorite steamed shrimp and tomato scrambled eggs."


    Shen Shuyao obediently nodded and said, "I''ll eat whatever you cook."


    yfully winking, Ji Nian said, "Don''t worry, my cooking skills are decent."


    Shen Shuyao returned a smile and asked, "Do you need any help?"


    "No, you can wait for me outside. It''ll be ready soon," Ji Nian answered.


    Shen Shuyao shook her head and said, "Then I''ll watch you from inside."


    "Alright, just sit and y with your phone while you wait," Ji Nian nodded and said with a smile.


    Listening attentively, Shen Shuyao silently fetched a chair from outside and watched the busy figure of the woman.


    With her phone in hand, she boredly opened Weibo and miraculously discovered that she was trending?


    "Oh? I''m trending?" Shen Shuyao froze, surprised.


    Ji Nian turned her head and asked with a smile, "What''s wrong? What does the trending say?"


    Shen Shuyao clicked on it and found a video of the character she yed, a princess who was depicted as delicate and prone to crying in the drama. Underneath werements fromizens.


    "This crybaby is so adorable, like she stepped out of a novel."


    "Hrious! The crybaby and the cold-faced general, their chemistry is so strong."


    "The character is fragile and cries a lot, but her smile is so lively."


    Shen Shuyao scrolled through the positivements and felt inexplicably excited. She curled her lips, happily saying to the woman who was still cooking, "Finally, someone has noticed the character I yed! Xiao Nian, I feel so happy."


    Ji Nian smiled in response and said, "I told you that you would make it. Remember what we saidst time? There''s always a character that the audience will fall in love with."


    Shen Shuyao''s inner gloom dissipated to some extent. Although she had inexplicably given herself to a man on that first night, she thought it was fine. As an adult, she couldn''t undo what had happened and could only look forward.


    Now that she saw progress in her career and that the audience liked the character she yed, it was a good thing. She believed that things would only get better in the future.


    With these thoughts in mind, Shen Shuyao''s mood instantly brightened. She happily watched the trending video and secretly used a secondary ount to like thements praising her.


    She noticed the second trending topic, a song called "Ordinary Road." She clicked on it to listen.


    Yet her attention was captivated by the background in the video. It was a particrly shabby room. Shen Shuyao looked up and saw the woman''s delicate face, which exuded an extraordinary air even without makeup.


    Wearing an apron, the woman was earnestly cooking. Shen Shuyao felt a pang in her heart and asked, "Why do you live in such a ce?"


    Ji Nian had just finished cooking the tomato scrambled eggs and turned her head in confusion, asking, "Huh? What ce?"


    Shen Shuyao stared into her eyes and asked, "Where do you live?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback when she heard a song ying from her phone. It was "The Ordinary Road." She realized that the female lead hade across her video.


    "Well, I''m in debt, so I have to prioritize saving," Ji Nian replied with a smile.


    Shen Shuyao lowered her head and ended the video call. She asked, "How much do you still owe?"


    Ji Nian thought for a moment. The original owner of herpany terminated the contract, leaving her with a debt of 4 million yuan. Plus, Cheng Liran''s 2.77 million yuan, the total amounted to 6.77 million yuan. After deducting the 5 million yuan from Luo Bai, there wouldn''t be much left.


    "I still owe 1.77 million yuan," Ji Nian answered.


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback. She suddenly remembered that the woman had owed 10 million yuan not long ago, and now she had paid back so much already. She asked, "You still owe 1.77 million yuan. I have some with me. Do you want..."


    "No!" Ji Nian quickly interrupted before she could finish her sentence. "You don''t need to worry about that. I can handle it myself."


    Shen Shuyao hesitated for a moment. A look of embarrassment appeared on her face as she whispered, "Actually, I''ve just debuted, so I don''t have much money either, but I do have a little..."


    "Thank you for your kind offer," Ji Nian felt a bit touched. They had only known each other for a short time, and yet the female lead was willing to lend her money.


    Shen Shuyao raised her head and said, "Actually, you''re already amazing. You''ve paid back so much already."


    Ji Nian smiled and said, "It''s just luck. Let''s not talk about it anymore. Let''s have our meal. Come on, bring out the dishes. I''ll serve the rice."

 Chapter 36: Switch Companies

    <h4>Chapter 36</h4>


    After they finished eating, it was already 7 pm. Shen Shuyao insisted that Ji Nian stay for a few more days, afraid to be alone.


    "But, what about my clothes..." Ji Nian hesitated, wishing she had brought luggage if she had known she''d be staying at the female lead''s home.


    "Although you''re half a head taller than me, our clothing sizes should be the same. You can wear my stuff." Shen Shuyao said with a smile, her eyes full of expectation.


    Ji Nian was surprised and looked around the one bedroom apartment thinking there was only one bed. A little embarrassed she said, "Uh...okay. If you don''t mind me sleeping with you I can keep youpany for a few more days."


    Shen Shuyao was overjoyed. She quickly replied, "I don''t mind at all. I have a lot of new clothes I haven''t worn yet. I''ll get them for you."


    Seeing the female lead so excited, Ji Nian was still confused. Why did she seem so happy?


    Meanwhile, Shen Shuyao was rummaging through her closet to find clothes. She came out holding several outfits and put them on the sofa, then started going through them with the woman.


    "Nian, look. This pajama set was gifted by an obscure brand, but the material is prettyfortable. Why don''t you wear this tonight?" said Shen Shuyao.


    Ji Nian was surprised to see the clothes in her hand. Feeling a little awkward she said, "Thank you, but I can wear anything. You don''t have to find new clothes for me."


    "I have brand partners that send me clothes every month. I can''t wear them all." Shen Shuyaoughed.


    "I''m so jealous." Ji Nian''s eyes showed admiration. She didn''t know brands did that. If she had a deal like that she could save so much money on clothes.


    "It''s a very obscure brand, not well known at all. Their target consumer is mainly students, so the prices are around 300 RMB or less." said Shen Shuyao. Her eyes dulled a little as she spoke. She wished she could represent a major brand, but her current fame wasn''t enough.


    Ji Nian noticed the sudden sadness in the female lead''s eyes. She tried tofort her, "Actually students are the main consumer group. Besides, ordinary people like me don''t pay attention to brands. As long as it''sfortable, that''s good enough."


    Shen Shuyao chuckled and said, "Nian, you''re not being honest."


    She had already noticed the woman was dressed head-to-toe in designer brands, all thetest seasons, clearly not inexpensive.


    Sheughed, "Just look at your outfit. The Little Xiang t-shirt is 6,000 RMB. The super short denim shorts are from a foreign brand, also 2,000. The white sneakers are from Little G, almost 15,000. And you''re carrying a new Hermes mini bag, over 40,000. Everything you have on is designer."


    When Ji Nian heard this, she froze. What?! Was her outfit really that expensive? When she first arrived and was moving, she had sold a lot of the original owner''s stuff. She just gathered what looked inexpensive to wear.


    She never imagined the mini bag alone was over 40,000 RMB. The shorts were 2,000? The in white t-shirt with some brand she didn''t recognize was 6,000?!


    "Um...well...actually..." Ji Nian was speechless inside. She had no idea everything she had on was designer brands she had randomly pulled from her suitcase that morning.


    Shen Shuyao smiled with determination in her eyes, "I know you''re just trying tofort me, but I believe one day I''ll have the chance to model for top brands too."


    Ji Nian nodded, "You definitely will!"


    "So will you, Nian." Shen Shuyao smiled brightly.


    The next morning when Ji Nian woke up, she made breakfast for the female lead.


    They had stayed upte the previous night chatting and watching Shen Shuyao''s show together. Seeing all the positivementary made the female lead incredibly happy.


    "Wow Nian, you''re too good to me!" said Shen Shuyao, happily eating her sd.


    Ji Nian didn''t know how to make sd, but there was pre-packaged sd in the fridge that just needed to be opened. She also prepared milk, boiled eggs, and whole wheat bread, knowing someone like Shen Shuyao who relied on her looks would be very conscious of calories.


    "Eat up. This stuff won''t make you fat." said Ji Nian.


    Shen Shuyao nodded with a smile, "I usually live alone. Having you here is great. You should just move in and live with me."


    Ji Nian was surprised but very happy to hear that. Wouldn''t staying by Shen Shuyao''s side at all times basically give her the female lead''s halo?


    "Sure, I''ll freeload off you from now on. You make the money, I''ll cook at home for you to eat." Ji Nian batted her eyes yfully.


    Shen Shuyao smiled back while eating her sd. Just then her phone on the table rang. It was an unknown number. She gave Ji Nian a confused look before answering.


    Seeing the female lead''s expression go from serious to bewildered, Ji Nian wondered who was on the phone.


    After Shen Shuyao ended the call, she still looked surprised as she said, "It was someone high up at mypany."


    "What did they want?" asked Ji Nian.


    Still looking stunned, Shen Shuyao finally replied, "It was a high-level executive calling to tell me I''m being transferred to anotherpany. He said toe sign paperwork and finalize a contract as soon as possible."


    Ji Nian, who had been drinking milk, nearly spat it out. Transferredpanies? That was a key plot point.


    This was the beginning of the novel''s storyline. Because of childhood trauma, the male lead has a psychological condition that prevents intimacy with women.


    He was tricked and drugged into spending a night with a stranger, surprised he was able to be with her normally. So he starts investigating who this mystery woman is. Upon discovering she is a budding actress, he decides to sign her to hispany so he can observe her and understand why she doesn''t trigger his condition.


    "Whichpany are they transferring you to?" asked Ji Nian.


    Shen Shuyao shook her head in confusion. How could she suddenly be changingpanies overnight? "I don''t know. He didn''t say over the phone, just toe in to talk."


    Ji Nian nodded, "Then hurry up and finish eating so we can head over."


    Shen Shuyao looked anxious and fearful as she asked, "What if it''s because I turned down Director Lin''s advances? Maybe thepany wants to cancel my contract and cklist me?"


    Ji Nian nearly choked on her bread. She washed it down with milk before carefully saying, "That won''t happen! Maybe it''s good lucking your way. Let''s not assume the worst until we get there and see what''s going on."


    Shen Shuyao was filled with trepidation but nodded, "Come with me, okay?"


    Ji Nian hesitated, "I''m not sure I should be there..."


    "But I just had that fight with Sister Ling yesterday. And now I get this sudden call from upper management...I''m really scared..." Shen Shuyao looked panicked as her eyes reddened.

 Chapter 37: A Man Appears

    <h4>Chapter 37</h4>


    Leaving from Anju Courtyard where Shen Shuyao lived, it didn''t take long to get to herpany, just a twenty-minute cab ride. As soon as she got to thepany, she hurried into the office.


    Ji Nian was waiting outside, about ten minutester, Shen Shuyao came out with the senior management, who looked puzzled at the masked woman waiting outside.


    "Xiaonian... let''s go..." Shen Shuyao said, confused.


    "Where to?" Ji Nian asked.


    Shen Shuyao held her hand and whispered, "They said to take me to the newpany..."


    Ji Nian gently patted her hand and reassured, "Okay, let''s go then."


    After going downstairs, thepany management had also arranged for someone to escort them. As the two were about to get into the car, he smiled and said, "Shuyao, you have great luck, I see good things for you."


    Sitting in the car, Shen Shuyao saw his smiling face through the window. She blinked awkwardly and smiled, "Thank you for the kind words."


    As they drove, Ji Nian could tell the female lead was a little nervous. She held her hand and said, "Don''t be nervous, let''s go take a look first."


    "Thepany said we''re going to Huayu Media Company," Shen Shuyao still looked confused, "But...why would they want me?"


    Ji Nian''s big eyes showed puzzlement as she asked, "What''s wrong with Huayu? Why wouldn''t they want you?"


    Shen Shuyao still looked confused and said, "It''s the most famouspany in Jingdu. They have top celebrities signed. It''s rare for them to want someone new like me..."


    "That''s what makes you special," Ji Nian smiled.


    Although still doubtful internally, Shen Shuyao also had some expectation as she said, "I hope you''re right, maybe my luck has turned."


    Ji Nian nodded firmly, "It must have."


    The trip was quite far, taking over 30 minutes to arrive. After getting out of the car, Shen Shuyao stood at thepany entrance, still a bit nkly.


    Liu Yi had been waiting downstairs for a while. They had juste over from the Yuntian Daxia headquarters. The CEO had already gone up, leaving him to wait for people downstairs.


    Seeing a man walk over, Ji Nian guessed he was probably the person sent to receive them.


    As expected, it was the male lead''s assistant! She immediately put on a smile, wanting to make a good impression, before awkwardly realizing she still had a mask on...


    Looking nkly at the approaching man, Shen Shuyao saw him dressed sharply in a ck suit, giving off a serious aura that made her not dare to speak.


    "Miss Shen?" Liu Yi smiled, his gaze showing appraisal. This woman could get the attention of his CEO?


    Shen Shuyao nodded shyly, "Hello."


    "I''m Liu Yi. The CEO has been waiting for a long time. Pleasee upstairs with me," Liu Yi nodded.


    CEO? Waiting to sign a contract with her personally? Shen Shuyao''s heart thumped, finding it unbelievable.


    Seeing the female lead still in a daze, Ji Nian pulled her along to follow Liu Yi into thepany.


    As expected of Jingdu''s most famouspany, the setup was magnificent yet not overly ornate. Even the downstairs lobby looked exceptional.


    They took the elevator up. Two artists were also waiting inside, casting nces at Shen Shuyao.


    Still wearing her mask, Ji Nian had no intention of taking it off. Her awkward identity as the former girlfriend was still a hot topic.


    The elevator stopped on the 22nd floor. Following Liu Yi out, they entered the reception area where two middle-aged men stood waiting at the door. Ji Nian could tell they were also management.


    Seeing Liu Yi arrive, the two men quickly stood up and greeted respectfully, "Assistant Liu."


    Liu Yi nodded, "The CEO is already inside. Please go in first."


    Having heard rumors, the two managers knew this woman specially named by the behind-the-scenes boss toe sign a contract was no small matter. She clearly had skills.


    Shen Shuyao''s gaze showed unease. Still holding Ji Nian''s hand tightly, unwilling to let go. She was actually quite afraid to face this alone.


    The suddenpany transfer without consulting her was bewildering. Like this had all happened inexplicably.


    Knowing she shouldn''t intrude on formal asions, Ji Nian whispered, "I''ll wait for you outside."


    But Shen Shuyao shook her head and asked Liu Yi, "Can my friend apany me inside?"


    Liu Yi was put in an awkward spot. The CEO disliked women. Bringing another one in might displease him, even if not interacting directly.


    "Miss Shen, signing the contract won''t take long. It would be better for your friend to wait outside," Liu Yi smiled, already conveying refusal.


    Ji Nian nodded, "I''ll sit outside waiting for you."


    Shen Shuyao lowered her head, looking wronged but not speaking. She was actually quite fearful of facing this alone.


    Seeing the woman''s reluctance to enter alone, Liu Yi said, "Let me go in and ask."


    Shen Shuyao raised her head, eyes filled with expectation, "Thank you, Assistant Liu."


    Liu Yi signaled for the two managers to follow him inside. Now the reception area was left with just the two of them.


    Puzzled, Ji Nian asked, "What''s wrong? Why are you afraid to go in alone?"


    Shen Shuyao shook her head, "It''s too strange...and the CEOing personally? It just feels..."


    Ji Nian understood the female lead''s meaning. Anyone would be dumbfounded by a suddenpany change.


    She actually wanted to go in too. It was the male lead after all. The chosen one. She also wanted a look at what he was like.


    After waiting a few minutes, Liu Yi opened the door, surprise in his eyes, "Miss Shen, pleasee in with your friend."


    Ji Nian was startled. Just like that, he agreed? With the male lead''s dislike of women, wouldn''t it be dangerous for her to enter?


    Delighted, Shen Shuyao pulled the woman in with her. In contrast, Ji Nian was actually a bit stunned now.


    Inside was a veryrge office, simply decorated in a European style, with mostly gray tones giving an aloof and stern impression.


    But as Shen Shuyao drew near and saw the man seated at the desk, shepletely froze, eyes wide open in shock.


    Seeing the female lead''s stunned expression, Ji Nian also looked over. She couldn''t help sighing internally, the male lead of this book had finally appeared!


    What entered her eyes was a pair of indifferent eyes without a ripple, as if sculpted. His well-fitted dark blue suit gave him an air of mystery.


    His piercing gaze swept over. An overwhelming aura, like a lofty king, surrounded by icy keep-out signs.


    So this was the male lead. Appearance, physique, status, power - he had it all. She couldn''t help feeling suddenly envious of the female lead. Ji Nian identally sank into his good looks.


    "How can it be you?" Shen Shuyao cried out. This...this was the one she had a one-night stand with...


    Seeing the man seated before her, she froze. A very capable man, often named in Jingdu''s financial newspapers, but she never imagined...he was also involved in the entertainment industry, and had even signed her...


    "Miss Shen, nice to see you again," Ye Jingzhan ignored the masked woman beside her, the corners of his mouth tilted up slightly, his voice tinged with coldness.

 Chapter 38: Keep

    <h4>Chapter 38</h4>


    Shen Shuyao was a little scared. She didn''t understand what the man wanted to do, just because of that one night, he signed her?


    Suddenly a thought shed through her mind, could it be that he wanted to keep her as a mistress?


    Ji Nian looked at the female lead suddenly hiding behind her, feeling a little embarrassed, and turned to ask quietly: "Shuyao, what''s wrong?"


    Shen Shuyao shook her head. Her eyes were like a frightened rabbit, and she said, "I want to go back."


    How could she go back now? Ji Nian was shocked. If she went back, how would the plot go on? She hurriedly pulled the woman out from behind her and said in a low voice, "It''s okay, I''m with you."


    Shen Shuyao was really scared now. This man made her feel very dangerous. Why did he want to sign her?


    At this point, the two managers were also looking confused. Liu Yi was also surprised. This top rich man, women would normally rush at him in droves. This was the first time he had seen one wanting to avoid him.


    Ye Jingzhan raised his eyebrows, became interested, waved his hand to signal Liu Yi to let the two managers leave.


    Now in the office, there was only Ji Nian and the male lead looking at each other, while Shen Shuyao kept her head low, anxiously holding her hand.


    "Ahem..." Ji Nian awkwardly cleared her throat and said hoarsely, "Uh, Mr. Ye, please understand... our Shuyao is a little shy... uh, well... she has social anxiety disorder..."


    Ji Nian was also extremely nervous, even stuttering as she spoke. As expected of the male lead, his aura was too powerful.


    It was only then that Ye Jingzhan noticed this woman. He saw that she was wearing a mask and in T-shirt and jeans.


    He frowned, his eyes became even colder. He didn''t like having strange women so close in his field of vision.


    "Miss, I need to be alone with Miss Shen..."


    "Of course! I''ll go out right away!" Before the male lead could even finish speaking, Ji Nian immediately gave the female lead a look wishing her good luck, and rushed out the door without stopping. Her speed, her reaction.


    Even Ye Jingzhan was taken aback for a moment. Usually those women would desperately find excuses to get close to him, right? But now, they were avoiding him like he was a monster?


    Shen Shuyao watched as the woman left her behind without any hesitation. She was stunned, shrinking her shoulders, and looked up at the man, summoning her courage to ask, "What do you want to do?"


    Ye Jingzhan stood up and walked over to the woman. Seeing her keep backing away, he frowned, and directly reached out to grab her hand. He was very surprised that he had no abnormal reactions at all.


    Shen Shuyao was frightened and couldn''t speak. She looked at the man with watery eyes and said in a crying voice, "Mr. Ye, I...I..."


    "Why are you crying?" Ye Jingzhan was puzzled. How did she start crying just like that?


    Shen Shuyao looked up at the man. He was very tall, she only reached his shoulders. She carefully struggled free from the man''s hand and said, "Mr. Ye...you...you scared me..."


    Ye Jingzhan sneered. This was interesting, the first time a woman had resisted him so much. He maliciously pulled her over to him, pinched her cheeks, and carefully examined her appearance.


    It had to be said, her face was exquisite, innocent yet alluring. Her big eyes were full of spirit, with a typical goose egg face. Her small, straight nose was the finishing touch. Her pure white dress gave her an ethereal fairy-like feeling.


    Shen Shuyao was forced to stare at the man, but she was attracted by his deep eyes.


    After examining the woman, Ye Jingzhan found that she was staring nkly at him. He raised his eyebrows and said, "Miss Shen."


    Shen Shuyao came back to her senses, feeling a little embarrassed. Suddenly she recalled waking up that morning, seeing the man bare-chested. Her face instantly turned red.


    "Why did you sign me over..." Shen Shuyao didn''t dare look at the man, her eyes looking elsewhere as she asked.


    "That was Miss Shen''s first time. I have to take responsibility, don''t I?" Ye Jingzhan''s eyes unusually carried a hint of teasing.


    Hearing this, Shen Shuyao''s face turned even redder. She stammered, "Mr. Ye, we...we''re all adults... I won''t take advantage of you..."


    Ye Jingzhan raised his eyebrows. He found her very special. She didn''t make him feel disgusted or trigger any abnormal reactions. He might as well keep her by his side and explore further.


    "I''ve already told the manager here. Your previouspany wasn''t that good either. Stay here and you''ll get good resources." Ye Jingzhan strode over and sat down on the sofa.


    Shen Shuyao was stunned. What did he mean? So this man was insulting her? Using that one night aspensation for her?


    "What do you mean, Mr. Ye?" Shen Shuyao asked.


    Ye Jingzhan looked back at the woman who had suddenly calmed down. "I thought Miss Shen would understand."


    "You want to keep me as a mistress?" Shen Shuyaoughed. Suddenly a surge of anger rose in her heart.


    Ye Jingzhan raised his eyebrows. Mistress? Not a bad term. But at first, he just wanted to keep this woman under his nose.


    With her saying it like this, he thought about it. Keeping a mistress was indeed a good method. It was his first time being intimate with a woman, and the feeling wasn''t bad. He could try more.


    "Mr. Ye is joking." Shen Shuyao''s expression turned cold. "I won''t sell my body."


    Ye Jingzhan nodded. "If Miss Shen wants to think it through, unwanted artists from Huayu won''t be wanted at otherpanies either..."


    "What do you mean, Mr. Ye?" Shen Shuyao was threatened, shock in her eyes.


    "Stay by my side." Ye Jingzhan said coldly. The chill in his eyes made people shudder.


    After hearing this, Shen Shuyao''s whole body trembled with anger. She had never seen such a shameless person before. Now she wasn''t afraid at all, ring at the man.


    At this time outside, Ji Nian was still trying hard to get close with Liu Yi, thinking that getting close to the people around the male lead was a good idea.


    But this Assistant Liu really lived up to being by the male lead''s side. He was very vignt and barely spoke to her. It was all Ji Nian asionally murmuring to herself, making the situation quite awkward.


    She boredly took out her phone and browsed Weibo. She discovered the female lead had really blown up. Her video edits were all over the inte, just like how the novel described, she became famous overnight.


    Liu Yi here was also curiously looking at her. This woman wearing a mask, he didn''t know who she was.


    But she seemed to be trying very hard to get close to him? He sneered to himself. Indeed women were all the same, they would try to tter when seeing a rich person.


    As an assistant, he was also often approached by people with ulterior motives, trying to find opportunities to meet higher-ups. Having been by the president''s side for years, he had seen this kind of thing a lot. His eyes inevitably held some contempt.

 Chapter 39: The Fan of Hulobert

    <h4>Chapter 39</h4>


    While outside, Liu Yi''s phone rang. It was the president''s number. He immediately stood up, realizing this was the signal for them to enter the office, so he beckoned the two managers to go in with him.


    Ji Nian was confused but also followed them in. However, she saw the female lead with an aggrieved expression sitting on the sofa, looking very dissatisfied.


    When Shen Shuyao saw the womaning in, she looked at her resentfully, as ifining why she had left her alone here earlier.


    Ji Nian awkwardly touched her nose, then quietly moved closer and asked, "How did it go? Did everything go smoothly?"


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes were still aggrieved. She shook her head without saying a word, lowering her head and fiddling with her fingers.


    Seeing her appearance, Ji Nian guessed something unpleasant must have happened earlier. What was this book called again? "The CEO''s Pampered Sweetheart". As expected, the overbearing CEO must have coerced her to submit.


    Liu Yi saw the signed contract on the table and said, "We''ll still have to trouble you two to arrange a broker for Miss Shenter."


    The two managers immediately responded politely, "Mr. Ye, don''t worry, we''ll make proper arrangements."


    Ye Jingzhan nodded absently, looking at the woman''s aggrieved appearance. His heart felt a little blocked. What kind of expression was that? Was she unwilling to ept the good resources he had given her?


    Liu Yi turned to the man and asked, "Mr. Ye, what about her living arrangements?"


    Ye Jingzhan looked at the woman, then at Liu Yi, and asked, "What kind of ces do entertainers usually live in?"


    One of the managers quickly answered upon hearing this, "Mr. Ye, thepany arranges amodation for our artists, all inmunities with good security."


    Ye Jingzhan nodded. He said to Liu Yi, "Isn''t there a vi in Pin Residence? It''s vacant anyway, let Miss Shen move in." After all, as his woman now, he shouldn''t be too harsh on her materially.


    Upon hearing this, the two managers'' eyes widened in disbelief. Pin Residence was the most famous vi area in the capital, and most importantly, it was expensive, costing billions per property.


    Liu Yi was surprised that she would be given this house to live in, but since it was the boss''s order, he would carry it out ordingly, saying, "Then I''ll get someone to clean it up today."


    Shen Shuyao raised her head in refusal. "I already have a ce to live."


    Ye Jingzhan raised his eyebrows and smiled. "That run-down ce of yours?" he said.


    Shen Shuyao was furious inside. This shameless man had not only coerced her earlier but also threatened to use her father''spany against her.


    Ji Nian felt insulted. What? The ce Shen Shuyao was living in was run-down? Wouldn''t that make her ce not even qualify as run-down? Excuse me, I''ll just remove myself from the situation.


    "Liu Yi, go take care of it. The moving and everything should be done today," Ye Jingzhan said coldly.


    Shen Shuyao still looked annoyed, unable to vent her anger and having to hold it in. She felt more stifled the more she thought about it.


    After finishing the arrangements, the two managers left first to attend to other matters. Ye Jingzhan got up to leave as well, and Liu Yi signaled Shen Shuyao to follow them. Ji Nian silently yed the background role as usual.


    Just as everyone was waiting for the elevator, two people came from the other side, also there to take the elevator.


    "Yo, Mr. Ye, what brings you here today?" came a teasing voice.


    Hearing this, Ji Nian wondered who it was that dared to talk to the male lead like that. She turned to look and was instantly stunned. "Yu Luobai?" she eximed in surprise.


    Yu Luobai was taken aback for a moment. Seeing the woman with a mask on, he then recognized her and smiled back in surprise. "Miss Ji? What are you doing here?"


    Peng He was also surprised. Seeing Shen Shuyao next to him and the man waiting for the elevator, he respectfully greeted, "Mr. Ye."


    Ye Jingzhan nced at the smiling man in front of him, toozy to respond to him, and coldly returned the greeting, "I''m here for something today."


    Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, seeing Shen Shuyao standing next to him and Ji Nian as well. He was quite surprised. How did these two women know him? And wasn''t he always keeping his distance from women?


    "I heard my mother went looking for you again?" Yu Luobai asked with a smile.


    Ye Jingzhan felt a headacheing just from thinking about it. He rubbed his temples and said, "Yes."


    Yu Luobai''s eyes were full of schadenfreude. "Help me fend her off a bit more, I really don''t want to go back," he said.


    Ye Jingzhan threw him an icy look. Seeing the elevator doors open, he strode right in.


    On the contrary, Ji Nian''s eyes wandered around. It seemed Yu Luobai was on very good terms with the male lead...


    Strange, why wasn''t this written in the book? If she had known earlier, she wouldn''t have charged money for (The Ordinary Road). She should have just given it to him as a gift to make a good impression!


    "How do you happen to know Mr. Ye?" Yu Luobai saw that the man didn''t want to talk to him, so he started chatting with Ji Nian instead.


    Ji Nian still had her mask on, revealing only her bright, lively eyes. She turned her head and couldn''t help but admire Yu Luobai''s good looks.


    She was just here as a background extra today. She replied, "I came here just to add some seasoning."


    Hearing this, even Ye Jingzhan was taken aback for a moment. Add some seasoning?


    Ji Nian panicked a little, embarrassed that she had blurted out her true thoughts...


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud. "Miss Ji really has a sense of humor."


    "Ahaha, just kidding..." Ji Nian said awkwardly, trying to gloss it over. "Um... I came with my friend."


    As an entertainer, how could Shen Shuyao not recognize this iconic figure¡ªYu Luobai, the youngest Best Actor winner ever. She was actually one of his little fans! At this moment, she became extremely nervous.


    Hearing Ji Nian''s words, Yu Luobai turned to look at the woman beside her and smiled. "Miss Shen, I know you. You''ve been all over the inte recently."


    Shen Shuyao couldn''t get any words out. She was too excited to react properly, mechanically nodding her head and saying, "Mr. Yu, hello."


    Just then, the elevator dinged to indicate it had arrived at the first floor. Yu Luobai hurried off as he had urgent matters to attend to.


    Ji Nian pulled the female lead, who was still spacing out, out of the elevator. Seeing that she hadn''t yet recovered, Ji Nian felt puzzled. What kind of blow had the male lead dealt her to leave her in this stunned state until now?


    She then saw Shen Shuyao instantly be agitated. Gripping Ji Nian''s arm excitedly, she eximed, "Xiao Nian, that was Yu Luobai! Yu Luobai earlier! He talked to me!"


    Ji Nian was confused. She nodded and said, "Yes, it was Yu Luobai."


    "Oh my god, it was my first time seeing him in person. Just now, just now I couldn''t get any words out!" Shen Shuyao said, filled with regret. She should have talked more to her idol earlier.


    Ji Nian was shocked. Could this female lead be...a fan of Yu Luobai?


    "Huh? You''re a fan of Yu Luobai?" Ji Nian asked.


    Shen Shuyao excitedly nodded. "Yes, I''ve been his fan for years! I''m an old fan. Just now I should''ve asked for his autograph. Xiao Nian, how do you know Yu Luobai?"


    "I..." Ji Nian hadn''t even replied when she saw the male lead''s figure stiffen.


    Ye Jingzhan halted his steps and arched an eyebrow. He hadn''t expected this woman who had appeared so timid earlier to now be so excited, and all because of Yu Luobai?


    "Miss Shen," Ye Jingzhan called out as he turned around.


    Hearing the man''s voice, Shen Shuyao''s face instantly crumpled. Head lowered, she pursed her lips to one side.


    Ji Nian felt awkward. She pulled the sulking Shen Shuyao along to silently follow behind the male lead.

 Chapter 40: Pinlanju

    <h4>Chapter 40</h4>


    Ji Nian didn''t know what to do but followed along as a background extra to finish the scene.


    Liu Yi saw that Ji Nian had also gotten into the boss''s car and was going to stop her, but seeing the man''s expression remain unchanged, he forcibly held back what he was going to say.


    At this moment, the atmosphere in the car was a bit awkward. Ye Jingzhan sat in the left window seat, Shen Shuyao sat in the middle, and Ji Nian sat in the right window seat.


    "Where are we going?" Shen Shuyao asked.


    "Sending you to Pin Residence," Ye Jingzhan coldly replied.


    Shen Shuyao was shocked and somewhat annoyed, "Mr. Ye, even if I''m moving, you should let me go back and pack my things."


    "Miss Shen, don''t worry. I''ve already called someone to go pack your luggage, so we can go straight there," Liu Yi replied.


    Shen Shuyao was so angry her chest heaved up and down as she took deep breaths to suppress the rage welling up inside. "What''s the difference between you guys and robbers?"


    Ji Nian was shocked. The female lead was confronting the male lead head on! She hurriedly pulled Shen Shuyao and tried to soothe her, "Shuyao, let''s calm down... Mr. Ye was just trying to save us the hassle of moving..."


    Seeing her take the man''s side, Shen Shuyao huffed angrily, "You don''t understand! He..." Before she could finish, she whipped her head around to re fiercely at the man, too furious to speak.


    Ye Jingzhan was nonchntly looking over some documents, not paying any mind to the woman throwing a tantrum next to him.


    In fact, when he had woken up that day and found he could touch women normally again, he hadter tried touching other women but it didn''t work at all.


    The psychologist had also suggested this was a good start, and since he didn''t reject Shen Shuyao, he could get closer to her and figure out why he didn''t reject her.


    Pin Residence wasn''t far, located in the city center of Jingdu, and though the location was bustling it still gave off a quiet vibe. The whole vi area felt as if it was outside the city.


    After passing through tight security, Ji Nian couldn''t help but sigh in admiration. The world of the wealthy was so different from the high-rises and skyscrapers on the outside. This area was like entering a different world.


    After getting out of the car, Ji Nian''s eyes roamed around, filled with shock at the house.


    Following them inside, she marveled to herself. The ck marble flooring looked like mirrors.


    The magnificent crystal chandelier, the pure ck imported wood table, branded cushions...the decor of the entire house was indescribable.


    "Wow," Ji Nian murmured softly. This couldn''t evenpare to the small vi she had woken up in. It waspletely outssed.


    Shen Shuyao was also shocked. Even though her own family circumstances were decent for an average person,pared to wealthy people like this, the gap was enormous.


    Even so, she still felt displeased with the man''s proposal of a contract to be his mistress. Although she had slept with him once, she still strongly rejected this kind of overbearing behavior.


    "From now on, Miss Shen will live here. Your things should all be packed already. The master bedroom on the second floor is your room," Liu Yi said.


    Shen Shuyao was puzzled. "I''m living in such a big ce by myself?"


    Ye Jingzhan raised his brows. "This is close to mypany, so I''lle by asionally."


    She wouldn''t have thought anything of it if he hadn''t said that, but now Shen Shuyao''s eyes became guarded. What did he mean,e by asionally? That meant...


    Ji Nian was just an observer eating melon seeds on the side, still watching with great interest. The novels always wrote that after the female lead moved into the male lead''s vi, the two would quarrel unhappily at first.


    But after living together for a while, the female lead would also gradually be attracted by the male lead, and the two would start a romantic rtionship. Of course, adult rtionships always involved some spice.


    "Xiao Nian sleeps with me every night, so she has to live here with me," Shen Shuyao said firmly.


    The named Ji Nian was stunned. Huh? She had to live with the female lead in this vi too? That seemed a bit too exciting...


    It was only now that Ye Jingzhan realized there was still an ignored woman present, the one wearing a mask. How strange, usually when other women approached him, even without physical contact, he would feel extremely repulsed internally.


    Yet this mask-wearing woman had followed them the entire time, and he had treated her like air, as if she didn''t exist at all, without any feeling, and had let her tag along for so long.


    Seeing his boss sizing up Ji Nian, Liu Yi''s heart skipped a beat, very worried there might be a pathological reaction or some aversion. Although there was no contact, she was still in his line of sight at too close a range.


    Sensing the male lead''s gaze, Ji Nian didn''t know why but felt a chill down her back from the icy aura he emitted. Sheughed awkwardly, "Mr. Ye misunderstood, I have a ce to live...I''ll go home today..."


    "No!" Shen Shuyao said agitatedly, her eyes pitiful as she pleaded, "Xiao Nian, didn''t you say you''d apany me for a while..."


    Seeing the female lead''s pitiful look, Ji Nian understood she was afraid and wanted someone to be with her, but the male lead''s cold, chilling gaze also frightened her...


    This really put her in a dilemma...she didn''t want to offend either side...Ji Nian felt conflicted.


    Ye Jingzhan didn''t know why, but he didn''t feel any disgust towards this mask-wearing woman before him.


    Maybe it was because she trulycked any presence, unlike other women who would desperately try to curry favor and intentionally get close, which made him even more averse to women.


    On the contrary, this woman had said very little from start to finish, barely making a peep, just silently following along the whole time.


    "There are many rooms in the vi. Since you want your friend to apany you, let her stay for a while," Ye Jingzhan said. Even he was shocked internally at his own words.


    Liu Yi stared wide-eyed in disbelief. What? Had his boss changed his personality? Or was he cured? How was this possible...


    Shen Shuyao was also surprised he had agreed so readily.


    Ji Nian blinked nkly. "Thank you, Mr. Ye."


    Ye Jingzhan didn''t say anything more. He turned and walked away with his long legs, leaving only a cold back view behind.


    Seeing that, Liu Yi gave them a few more instructions before hurrying to follow.


    Ji Nian understood that as the cold and ruthless tycoon, the male lead was quite busy as a CEO, so he couldn''t stay long and had left.


    Now the entire vi only had her and Shen Shuyao left. Liu Yi had arranged for people toe daily to clean and make meals.


    Ji Nian sat leisurely on the leather sofa. This was her first time in such a luxurious house, and she really wanted to take some selfies with her phone.


    Seeing the female lead looking preupied, she asked, "Shuyao, what''s wrong?"


    Shen Shuyao seemed to have trouble speaking. After hesitating a moment, she finally said, "Xiao Nian, will you look down on me?"


    "Hmm?" Ji Nian turned to look at her, puzzled.


    Shen Shuyao had a bitter expression. "He''s the man I had a one-night stand with."


    Ji Nian reacted very calmly, but thought, wait no, she should act very shocked. So the quick-witted her immediately put on a look of great astonishment.


    "Although he said it was changingpanies, it''s more like coercing me to be his mistress..." Shen Shuyao lowered her head, her tone helpless.


    "He must''ve threatened you, right?!" Ji Nian immediately acted outraged.


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes turned red as she nodded, "Yes!"

 Chapter 41: Aunt Yun

    <h4>Chapter 41</h4>


    After listening to the whole story told by the female protagonist, Ji Nian understood that the male protagonist had threatened her. Although Ji Nian knew about it, she still pretended to be indignant and said, "Simply shameless!"


    Shen Shuyao looked at her with tears in her eyes and said, "What do you think I should do, Little Nian?"


    Uh... This question... Really stumped Ji Nian for a moment, but she still frowned and asked, "From what you just said, isn''t President Ye very powerful?"


    Shen Shuyao nodded and said, "A famous prince in Beijing. The Ye Family has many industries and is involved in a wide range of fields. I heard they have connections in both legitimate and underground societies."


    "Then the fact that this prince likes you proves that our Shuyao is still very outstanding..." Ji Nian took the opportunity to tter her.


    Shen Shuyao was somewhat at a loss by the sudden praise and then shyly said, "He said today that he would take responsibility for my first time..."


    "That''s right then!" Ji Nian immediately interrupted the female protagonist''s words and fooled her, "You see, the fact that President Ye said something like this proves that he is still a very responsible person."


    "Is it so?" Shen Shuyao was totally confused. Somehow she still felt something was not right.


    "Although from what you said, his behavior was indeed a bit nasty, and he threatened you too." Ji Nian looked serious and preached knowledgeably, "But he also said he would give you good resources and arranged such a nice ce for you to live. This man is still decent."


    Shen Shuyao was puzzled and blinked nkly. Just now she was still in tears, but now her face was full of incredulity as she asked, "Little Nian, hearing you say that, isn''t he still pretty good?"


    "Yes!" Seeing the sess of her deceit, Ji Nian said excitedly, "After all, as a prince, he has been pampered since he was a child, so it''s understandable that he developed an overbearing personality."


    "Is that so?" Shen Shuyao suddenly felt that she made sense.


    "Really. You see, novels are written like this, novels reflect reality, so they must be right!" Ji Nian said with certainty.


    Shen Shuyao looked incredulous, then full of admiration said, "Wow, Little Nian you are so amazing. After you exined it to me like this, I feel I should have misunderstood him just now."


    Seeing the shiny gaze from the female protagonist, Ji Nian felt a little guilty and turned her head away, "It''s not aplete misunderstanding either, after all his attitude was problematic..."


    Shen Shuyao nodded and said, "You''re right. After all, someone who has been spoiled since childhood must have developed somewhat of an arrogant personality."


    Ji Nianmented to herself that she had used every trick in the book, and the male protagonist had better thank her properly!


    Going against her conscience to brainwash the female protagonist was only to ensure that this pair of lovebirds could date smoothly without various misunderstandings and dog blood drama that would impede her goal of cozying up to them.


    "For now, just treat it as him pursuing you." Ji Nian nodded and said.


    "Pursuing me?" Shen Shuyao widened her eyes, full of puzzlement, and thought of what happened that night again, her ears instantly turned red as she stammered, "But... but dating..."


    "You see, you''ve never dated before either, so now you happen to have a high quality man, why don''t you just try it out." Ji Nian smiled ambiguously.


    "But... I remember he seemed to say something about sugar dating..."


    "Oh, we don''t need to dwell on that issue. The most important thing right now is work. With the change ofpany and good new resources, we should just be good employees." Ji Nian interrupted the female protagonist and advised.


    Shen Shuyao frowned in thought for a moment, then nodded resolutely as if making up her mind, "Little Nian, you''re right!"


    Seeing that the female protagonist had been led astray in her thinking, Ji Nian secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It really wasn''t easy for her to make the male and female protagonists get along for the time being.


    The next morning, Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao got up early. After all, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment made them feel somewhat uneasy.


    After going downstairs, sure enough, as Liu Yi had said, Auntie Yun had already prepared breakfast neatly on the dining table.


    "Miss Shen is awake. Here is breakfast." Auntie Yun said with a smile.


    "Uh... How did you get in here? Do you have a key to this house?" Shen Shuyao had just woken up, her hair was messy, and she was still groggy in her pajamas.


    "Miss Shen can call me Auntie Yun. From now on, meals, cleaning and housework will be taken care of by me." Auntie Yun replied with a smile, sizing her up as she spoke.


    Auntie Yun? Unlocking a key character. Ji Nian was startled. She then remembered that this Auntie Yun was temporarily transferred from the old mansion by the male protagonist.


    And the male protagonist''s family didn''t know yet. When they found out, this female protagonist would be the family''s precious.


    The Ye family had been urging the 28-year-old male protagonist to interact with women, and they were overjoyed to finally find Shen Shuyao, someone from the entertainment industry that he was not repulsed by and did not cause pathological reactions.


    "I see, thank you Auntie Yun." Shen Shuyao nodded obediently to show her manners.


    Seeing the knowledgeable and well-mannered woman, Auntie Yun looked satisfied. She couldn''t wait to share the good news with the old madam and master.


    But the young master had instructed her to keep it confidential for now and not say anything yet. She was dying to spill the beans!


    Ji Nian, whose stomach was already growling with hunger, had now rushed to the dining table without any hesitation. Looking at the sd, whole wheat bread, millet porridge, milk, fried eggs and steak on the table, she eximed, "Wow, all fat-free foods, Auntie Yun really put thought into this."


    Auntie Yun looked over. Yesterday, when she heard from Assistant Liu that two women would be living in the vi, she was very surprised, andmented to herself that when the young master didn''t look for women, there really wasn''t a single one. But as soon as he started looking, he brought two!


    It wasn''t until Assistant Liu exined that this was Miss Shen''s friend, staying temporarily, that she finally understood clearly.


    She was still very shocked that for the sake of Miss Shen, the young master could tolerate even her friend. It was well known that due to his psychological condition, the young master kept his distance from all female rtives in the family.


    "Assistant Liu sent a message early this morning that someone from thepany wille to pick you up after Miss Shen finishes breakfast." Auntie Yun said with a smile.


    "Is it my agent?" Shen Shuyao also sat down at the dining table and picked up the hot milk to wet her throat first.


    "Yes, Assistant Liu said the schedule has been sent to your phone, you can take a look." Auntie Yun scooped her a bowl of porridge.


    After hearing this, Shen Shuyao opened her phone and saw the WeChat message sent by Liu Yi.


    She scrolled down while drinking milk. The specific content was that an agent had been arranged for her and woulde to pick her upter.

 Chapter 42: What Does an Agent Mean

    <h4>Chapter 42</h4>


    After finishing breakfast, Shen Shuyao tidied up a little, wearing a pale pink dress that clung slightly to her curvaceous figure.


    Her long, fair legs were matched with a pair of white shoes, and she had a white handbag slung over her shoulder. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, the ends curled into slight waves. Her whole being exuded youthfulness and gentleness.


    "Wow, that dress looks so good on you!" Ji Nian was almost mesmerized by the female lead, just look at her outfit, it really made her look like a goddess on campus, both innocent and alluring.


    Shen Shuyao was ttered by the praise, and bashfully said, "If you like it, I''ll get you the same set and we can wear couple outfits."


    Ji Nian was taken aback. To be honest, her clothes were more casual - T-shirts, jeans, loose shirts and skirts. Even her shoes were sneakers and canvas shoes.


    Come to think of it, the original owner''s clothes were also quite casual. Back when she first arrived, she had sold many of Ji Xiaonian''s things, only keeping some clothes. The nice ones were all hung on second-hand apps and sold.


    "What a waste of money, buying identical outfits. Haven''t you heard the saying, friends share each other''s clothes?" Ji Nian winked yfully and said, "If you don''t mind, we can swap clothes. As long as they''re washed clean, it''s fine."


    Shen Shuyao was stunned, suddenly remembering that two of her dormmates in college did that too, often borrowing each other''s clothes. Back then she didn''t think it was proper since clothes are intimate items.


    But for some reason, hearing this woman say it now, she unexpectedly felt it was eptable. She was a little incredulous, was this what good friends felt like?


    "Sure, feel free to pick out anything you like to wear," Shen Shuyao said with a smile, suddenly feeling that sharing clothes was something she didn''t mind at all.


    Ji Nian was surprised, thinking that the female lead was quite open-minded. She had only suggested it casually, not expecting Shen Shuyao to agree so readily. It looked like the female lead had truly epted her as a confidante.


    "Great!" Ji Nian was in quite a good mood, and responded with a beaming smile.


    "Oh, I have to go, it seems like the new agent thepany arranged has been waiting at the door for a while," Shen Shuyao said upon hearing her phone ring, and hurriedly added after checking her WeChat.


    "Let me walk you to the door," Ji Nian followed her out.


    It was a standalone vi. Outside was a courtyard, and not far away on thewn was a pavilion, probably used for afternoon tea. There were flowers in the garden beds too. From the front door to the main gate required walking down a path.


    "I''m off to work now. If you get bored by yourself, feel free to go out for a stroll," Shen Shuyao said, hooking her arm around Ji Nian''s.


    "Don''t worry about me, focus on your work and do what you need to do. I''ll be at home waiting for you," Ji Nian replied.


    "If there''s anything you want to eat, send me a text on WeChat. I''ll bring it back for you," Shen Shuyao said gently.


    "Okay," Ji Nian saw the female lead''s concerned look andughed. "I''m not a kid, I can go buy things myself if I want something."


    Shen Shuyao said, "I just don''t want you to feel too cooped up."


    Ji Nianughed and walked over to the wall to press a switch. The main gate slowly opened automatically. "I won''t be. If I''m bored I''ll just watch TV. Your TV dramas are popr now, and I find them quite good too."


    Shen Shuyao''s ears turned slightly red, somewhat embarrassed as she said, "They''re alright."


    Ji Nian pulled her along and walked out the main gate. Not far away was a ck car parked there, probably the person waiting for her. With a smile, she said, "Hurry and get in the car. Don''t bete if you have an appointmentter."


    Shen Shuyao obediently nodded. "Okay, I''ll get going then."


    Ji Nian nodded. Suddenly there was an exmation of surprise, and she turned to see someone getting out of the car.


    "Sis! What are you doing here!" He Yi''s face was full of shock.


    Ji Nian was stunned, her eyes instantly showing delight. "He Yi! It''s you!"


    "Ahhhh!" He Yi happily rushed over to hug the woman tightly. "We haven''t seen each other in so long! We''ve only kept in touch through WeChat."


    Ji Nianughed and patted He Yi on the shoulder. "What are you doing here?"


    "I switchedpanies. I didn''t expect to be assigned an artist on my first day and told to work hard." He Yi carelessly ignored the woman beside Ji Nian and happily continued, "We can catch upter. I still have to bring Shuyao to sign contracts. She''s quite popr now. I was handed a bunch of advertisements and scripts as soon as I arrived. We have to hurry to thepany now."


    Ji Nian suddenly realized what was going on. The female lead''s future agent was none other than He Yi! She really was silly.


    "Shuyao, turns out He Yi is your new agent." Ji Nian turned and spoke with a smile to the female lead.


    Seeing how excitedly the two had hugged just now, Shen Shuyao smiled. "What a coincidence. So you two are good friends."


    Only then did He Yi take a proper look at the woman in front of her. Earlier when she had arrived, thepany executives told her she would be dedicated to serving this artist from now on.


    They said she had an impressive background and was a promising artist with great potential. So beforeing, she had specifically read up on all the information about her debut.


    "Shuyao, I''m the agent thepany assigned to you. My name is He Yi. I look forward to working well together," He Yi formally introduced herself.


    "Nice to meet you," Shen Shuyao replied somewhat shyly.


    "He Yi is great. She was my agent before too. Rest assured, totally upright," Ji Nian said with augh.


    Shen Shuyao gave a faint smile and a nod. "If Xiaonian says so, then it must be good."


    "Sis, what are you doing here too?" He Yi turned to the woman and asked in puzzlement.


    "You''re four years younger than me, thank you very much," Ji Nian rolled her eyes, then exined, "I''m good friends with Shuyao and am staying with her for a while."


    He Yi nodded. She didn''t care about the four year age difference and hurriedly said, "We can catch upter. I still have to bring Shuyao to sign contracts. She''s quite popr now. I was handed a bunch of advertisements and scripts as soon as I arrived. We have to hurry to thepany now."


    "Hurry up then, you should set off," Ji Nian said.


    "I''ll get going first," Shen Shuyao waved and was promptly pulled into the car by the hurried He Yi.


    Ji Nian watched until the car was out of sight before turning back towards the vi feeling a little bored.


    The door was open. Walking into the living room, she saw Yun Auntie busy tidying up the table. She went over and asked, "Auntie Yun, need any help?"


    Yun Auntie looked up in surprise. It was odd for this woman to ask that. "Miss Ji doesn''t need to help. This is my job."


    Ji Nian felt a little awkward then. Yun Auntie was hired specifically to clean and cook. This was her work... How could Ji Nian offer to help?


    "I see. Okay," she smiled awkwardly and turned to wander through the spacious vi.


    Walking from the living room to the sun deck, she discovered that around the corner was another hall. In the center was a ck grand piano, with a magnificent crystal chandelier sparkling overhead.


    One entire wall was floor-to-ceiling ss, with white gossamer curtains swaying slightly from the gentle breezeing through the windows.


    Outside the ss wall was the garden andwn, directly facing the pavilion not far away - that must be the afternoon tea spot!


    "This decor is amazing!" Ji Nian eximed. She hadn''t noticed yesterday, and hadn''t walked around the courtyard either, only discovering now that there was a hidden paradise here.

 Chapter 43: Wedding in a Dream

    <h4>Chapter 43</h4>


    Ji Nian walked over to the piano and sat down on the piano bench. She tried ying a few notes on the piano. The keys felt pretty good when pressed, after all, grand pianos are expensive instruments.


    The piano in the vi owned by the male lead Ye Jingzhan must have been extremely expensive without a doubt. Judging from the feel, it was exceptional.


    Strange, who was this piano prepared for? Does the male lead also y music? It doesn''t seem to be mentioned in the novel, right? Or is it just a prop that rich people have to make things look nice?


    Ji Nian was toozy to ponder over such irrelevant matters. When she saw the piano, she felt a slight urge to y. A melody suddenly shed across her mind.


    So her hands started ying the melody, and the serene piano notes instantly broke the silence in the vi. At this moment, the entire hall was filled with the beautiful yet mncholy melody.


    Dream Wedding, this was a piece that Ji Nian had always loved very much. Back when she was not yet a music student, she fell in love instantly with this piece that her high school ssmate yed. That was why she chose to be a music student. Even though she had yed many great masterworks after that, but this piece still held special meaning in her heart.


    Yun Auntie, who was mopping the floor, unconsciously walked closer when she heard the music. She saw a woman elegantly ying the piano.


    Despite wearing pajamas and having loose hair, but that exquisite side profile and the cold aura exuded from her entire body, those slender and delicate fingers that yed out the gentle melody, one simply couldn''t help but indulge in this picture.


    When the piece ended, Ji Nian was still reminiscing the feel of the piano keys, she couldn''t help but sigh that this was truly the first time she had yed a piano that felt so good.


    Suddenly, her phone dinged, it was a text message. Ji Nian turned her head, somewhat puzzled as she picked up her phone to check. It turned out to be a message sent by one of the people-in-charge of the variety show Love Life.


    The gist was that the editing of Love Life variety show had beenpleted, it would be aired that night, asking her to follow their official ount on Weibo and help share it.


    At this moment, Yun Auntie who was at the corner finally snapped out of the music, then went back to her original spot to continue mopping the floor. She was quite shocked internally, she didn''t expect that Miss Shen''s friend seemed rather capable.


    Ji Nian had just logged in to Weibo and discovered that Love Life was already trending in the top 10 hot searches. After clicking in to take a look at the content andments, she was surprised to find that about half of them werementary about her.


    "Why is Ji Nian in there?"


    "I came because of the poprity of Book Yao''s darling, the princess supporting actress she yed was awesome, love her, must support her shows."


    "Trash Ji Nian does not deserve to be on the same show as Shen Shuyao, what was the director thinking?"


    "I''m a new fan of Shen Shuyao, didn''t watch Love Life variety show previously until I watched The Princess and got hooked. Still looking forward to it, but why is Ji Nian inside?"


    "I can''t even, why must she be everywhere, can she disappear already?"


    "Seeing so many people bashing Ji Nian, I don''t even have the nerve to say I''m her song fan anymore. To be honest and please don''t bash me, her singing is actually very nice."


    "The one above, I''m both Ji Nian''s looks fan and song fan! Hahaha this woman''s singing is indeed nice, (Ordinary Road) was awesome."


    "Speaking of which, has (Ordinary Road) been sold?"


    "Checking in, darling Shuyao''s variety show."


    Ji Nian saw in thements there were even some of her fans, she was shocked in her eyes. What? She actually had fans now? Must give her fans some likes!


    After reading, she liked the ounts of those two who imed to be her fans, and even replied them with a sentence - Don''t be shy okay, I rarely have fans, thanks for thepliments, I will keep working hard to produce new songs.


    She also replied the one that said it''s her looks fan with a shy emoji. Seeing thosements praising Shen Shuyao, she liked all of them too.


    On her end, she was done editing the Weibo post to promote Love Life''s content, specially tagging their official ount and Shen Shuyao''s Weibo ount handle.


    In less than 10 minutes, many private messages popped up on her Weibo. There were likes,ments, she curiously clicked in to see.


    "You think you also deserve to be on a show? If not for Cheng Li Ran, who would recognize you?"


    "If not for Cheng Li Ran, who would recognize you online?"


    "As expected, got famous from hype then really taking off now, even appearing in shows already."


    "Can''t stand it, disappear already."


    Upon seeing that entire string of ck fans''ments, Ji Nian blinked her eyes innocently. She was puzzled, why were that scumbag''s fans still bashing her?


    But as she scrolled further down, there were also many friendlyments that barely managed tofort her wounded heart.


    "The guest singer is so popr now that many bubble tea stores y this song. I listen to it on loop everyday and never get sick of it."


    "I like Noise, I like the guest singer, I also like Ordinary Road! This song was awesome, unfortunately there''s only video edits of it online. It''d be great if this was properly recorded into a song that I can listen to everyday, I''d definitely buy it."


    "Some inte celebrity has already covered Ordinary Road, sounds so nice. It''s a male vocal version. Wondering who bought the rights to this song, looking forward to it."


    "You guys didn''t notice? When Shen Shuyao''s new drama was aired, Ji Nian specially went to likements and asked everyone to watch it. These two must be good friends?"


    "The one above cracked the truth! During the filming of Love Life variety show, darling Shuyao''s drama was not even aired yet, she wasn''t popr at that time."


    Ji Nian saw this and sighed indeed the eyes ofizens were vicious, they even found out about this. In the past whenever she read news about celebrities suddenly being bombarded by a bunch of dirty scandals dug out byizens through their piercing scrutiny, forcing out all kinds of secrets. She felt like if she wanted to make it in the entertainment industry she''d really need to be careful, otherwise once she offends theizens one day it''ll be her turn to face waves of attacks that cause her to be unemployed.


    At this moment, the twoizens who received replies from the star herself were stupefied. They had always known Ji Nian often repliesizens''ments, but never expected that one day it would be them.


    On Ji Nian''s end, after exiting Weibo she wondered if she should record a video as someone currently trending? After all there were still quite a number of people following her Battle of Songs ount, although most were antis...but maintaining some presence wouldn''t hurt right?


    After thinking it through, she immediately clicked on her phone''s video recording function and found a nice corner to ce her phone. She then clicked the 5-second dy mode, hit record, and quickly ran to the piano to sit down properly.


    Dream Wedding resonated throughout the vi again as she yed more seriously this time, processing the emotions properly in all the strong and weak parts of the piece to bring them out.


    When she was done, she got up and ran over to click stop recording. Checking the video, she nodded satisfyingly and said: "Not bad, I''ll just post this then."


    Opening Battle of Songs app, she directly imported the video and trimmed away the segment of her walking over to stop recording. Then she typed an apanying caption.


    Life was never about choices, but passions. Here''s a piano piece - Dream Wedding dedicated to everyone.

 Chapter 44: Forgot Your Password

    <h4>Chapter 44</h4>


    After sending the message, she turned off her phone, thinking that the ce she was currently living in was a veryrge vi area. Ji Nian was bored and decided to go out for a walk.


    She ran to the master bedroom, only to realize that she hadn''t brought any clothes with her. She had previously stayed at Shen Shuyao''s house temporarily, and now she had moved to Ye Jingzhan''s vi. There were many new clothes that Liu Yi had temporarily added to the wardrobe.


    Luckily, Shen Shuyao had said earlier that she could wear her clothes casually, so Ji Nian chose a loose pink T-shirt and put on a denim skater skirt. She looked very youthful and vibrant.


    She tied her hair in a bun, looking really casual. Her bangs were still falling down and she put on a pair of pink slippers before going downstairs.


    When she got downstairs, she found that Yun Auntie seemed to have left already. The whole hall was also cleaned up very cleanly. She picked up her phone and walked slowly out of the front door.


    Thendscaping outside was very nice. All the way there were flower beds, and the road was also rtively wide. At a nce, rows of detached vis could also be seen. The exteriors were all different, but they all showed luxury and magnificence without exception.


    Walking further away, she also saw arge park here, and ake. Ji Nian walked around theke for a circle. Although the weather was hot, the breeze from theke surface was still rtively cool.


    "Rich people really live a good life," Ji Nian said, leaning against the railing. Even the ce where they live is in a luxury vi area, with parks and squares inside.


    Feeling that she had walked enough, she looked at her phone and found that unknowingly, it was already 11 o''clock. She slowly walked back the same way.


    Walking in such a high-end vi area, she felt a strong sense of substitution and had already felt that she was the little spoiled wife of the CEO.


    When she returned to the original vi entrance, Ji Nian suddenly reacted - damn, she had forgotten to bring the key! No, it seemed to be a password lock, but what was the password?


    Ji Nian stood nkly at the door, staring at the house that was right in front of her eyes. She took out her phone and called Shen Shuyao.


    The phone only rang for a long time without anyone answering. Her legs were tired from standing so she sat on a rockery stool not far away on thewn, resting her chin in her hand. She sent Shen Shuyao a WeChat message.


    Still, after waiting for more than ten minutes, the message seemed to disappear into sea. Yun Auntie said she woulde over every day for three meals, but Shen Shuyao probably wouldn''t be back at noon, and she didn''t know if Yun Auntie woulde or not.


    Ji Nian felt a little annoyed. She stood up again, thinking that she might as well go to the security office to find the property manager and ask if they could contact Liu Yi to send her the password.


    With this thought in mind, she hurriedly walked away. This area was veryrge and it would take a long time to walk to the vi area entrance. She was wearing slippers. From the initial hurry, she slowed down and walked slowly.


    She didn''t know how long she had walked before she finally arrived at the entrance gate of the vi area. Looking at the very high-end security office in front of her, she wanted to walk in, but saw a very familiar figure outside the gate.


    Wasn''t this Liu Yi, Ye Jingzhan''s assistant? This car also seemed to be the same model that the CEO drove them over inst time.


    Ji Nian was startled and cautiously walked closer, only to see Liu Yi also turn his head with a frown, looking very upset that she was approaching.


    "Liu... Assistant Liu..." Ji Nian said in a low voice.


    At this moment, Ye Jingzhan was chatting with someone. Suddenly hearing the soft and delicate voice, the two men turned their heads.


    Liu Yi''s eyes were cold. Which woman who didn''t know life and death wanted to get close to his CEO? And she even got close to him?


    Seeing the male lead Ye Jingzhan turn his head, and seeing Liu Yi''s cold expression, Ji Nian felt a little embarrassed. "Um... Assistant Liu, I went out this morning and found I didn''t have the password when I came back..."


    Seeing the woman trying to curry favor, Liu Yi asked coldly, "Miss, what are you talking about?"


    Ji Nian was startled. Why did she feel that Liu Yi didn''t recognize her? She asked in bewilderment, "Assistant Liu... I''m talking about the vi password... I contacted Shuyao but she must be very busy and didn''t reply to my message. Can you help me open the door..."


    Only then did Liu Yi stare with wide eyes and sized up the woman carefully. She was wearing a pink T-shirt and a denim skater skirt. Her loose bun matched her exquisite face, looking youthful and beautiful.


    "You are Miss Ji?" Liu Yi was stunned, then awkwardly said, "I''m sorry, I didn''t recognize you when west met because you were wearing a mask the whole time..."


    Ji Nian suddenly realized what was going on. Turned out he really didn''t recognize her! Seeing that the male lead kept looking over here, she felt that she should still greet him, so she smiled dryly and said, "Hello, CEO Ye."


    "Pfft..." The man beside himughed and said with a smile in the corner of his mouth, "It''s 11:40 am now."


    Only then did Ji Nian notice the man beside the CEO. When she looked up, she waspletely stunned by what she saw.


    The man had a smooth and fairplexion, with sharp and angr cold features. His dark and deep eyes, the smile at the corners of his mouth, his whole temperament was gentle and gave off a refined feeling.


    Ji Nian couldn''t help sighing inwardly, this man was truly superb. Compared to the overbearing CEO Ye Jingzhan, this man suited her aesthetic more, giving off a very gentle, cultivated and elegant feeling.


    Seeing the scene be quiet, Liu Yi walked over to break the awkwardness. "Miss Ji, let me add you on WeChat first and I''ll send you the passwordter."


    Only then did Ji Niane back to her senses. Her face instantly turned slightly red. She had actually stared nkly at a man just now, feeling somewhat embarrassed as she replied, "Okay."


    Liu Yi took out WeChat and opened the QR code for the woman to scan.


    Ji Nian took out her phone in a fluster and hurriedly opened "Scan". Her side nce still couldn''t help but look at the man again, and her eyes just met his.


    She gave a shock, pretending to inadvertently turn her head. Her heart was beating wildly, nervous as heck. Could this be the feeling of having a crush?


    "Shouldn''t you exin this to me, Zhan?" The man''s eyes were inquisitive as he raised his eyebrows and asked.


    Ye Jingzhan was quite surprised when he first saw the woman in front of him. He didn''t expect that under the mask was such an exquisite and beautiful face that waspletely different from Shen Shuyao''s.


    One was innocent and pure as if unaware of the ways of the world, while the other was morous and charming, like a vibrant red rose in the dark night, with an attacking and seductive quality.


    Even though she was just wearing ordinary clothes without any makeup or perfume, that face alone was enough to shock people.


    Seeing that the CEO didn''t speak, Ji Nian exined dryly, "Um... I''m my girlfriend''s friend... staying for a while..."


    The man looked incredulous. He turned to look at the person beside him and asked in shock, "Girlfriend? What? You actually have a girlfriend?"


    Ji Nian was stunned. Had she said something wrong? It seemed that they hadn''t developed to the girlfriend stage yet, so what should she say? Kept mistress'' friend? Employee''s friend? Friend''s friend?


    Ye Jingzhan''s cold and expressionless face didn''t show any extra emotions. He answered, "I recently took in a little bunny."


    The man had an incredulous expression. After a while he came back to his senses, looking very interested. "Oh? I have to see which bunny can actually get close to you and even bring her friend along."

 Chapter 45: Be Praised

    <h4>Chapter 45</h4>


    Ji Nian blinked innocently after hearing what the man said, wondering if it was implying something about her inner thoughts.


    Not dwelling on it too much, she sensed a hint of awkwardness in the air. Ji Nian spoke, "Um... I won''t disturb Mr. Ye then. I''ll head back..."


    Ye Jingzhan''s deep eyes scrutinized the pink slippers under the woman''s feet. It was rare for a woman to dress like this in front of him. He nodded slightly, acknowledging her words.


    Seeing the nod from the male lead, Ji Nian swiftly ran off like avoiding a flood or a fierce beast. Passing by Liu Yi, she whispered, "Assistant Liu, remember to send me the password. Bye."


    Observing the woman swiftly escaping like avoiding a catastrophe, Ye Jingzhan''s gaze paused for a moment. It seemed like thest time in the office; she couldn''t wait to leave then either.


    The man beside him, however, showed interest in his eyes, chuckled, and asked, "Do you also have such moments?"


    Ye Jingzhan resumed his cold demeanor, calmly inquiring, "When did you return?"


    With a helpless expression, the man, his mouth slightly curved, replied, "Justndedst night, contacted you today."


    Ye Jingzhan nodded, "Get in the car."


    ---


    Back at the vi, Ji Nian unlocked the gate with the password, strolling slowly to the hall. To her surprise, Yun Auntie was there, seemingly preparing for meals regrly.


    On her phone, she received a WeChat message from Shen Shuyao, who mentioned she had just finished a photo shoot at the studio. However, due to high poprity, thepany assigned her another script, and she had to leave for the filming location tonight.


    Ji Nian: How long will you be shooting?


    Shen Shuyao: I don''t know. I originally wanted toe back, but this script was ast-minute rescue, so I have to leave in a hurry.


    Ji Nian: But if you''re not at home, can I still stay here...


    Shen Shuyao: Of course! We agreed that you''ll stay. Wait for me to return.


    Ji Nian: Alright, focus on your work.


    Shen Shuyao: Just received a call from Love Life Program. Need to promote on Weibo. Saw your piano video. It''s great! I didn''t know there was a piano in the vi.


    Ji Nian: I stumbled upon it today. If you like, I can teach you when youe back.


    Shen Shuyao: Haha, sure, a permanent guest on the hot search.


    Ji Nian: I''m on the hot search again?


    Shen Shuyao: Yes, (smirking).


    Ji Nian checked her Weibo, finding out her recent piano performance video had over 50000ments in a short time. Opening the app, she was greeted by over 99+ notifications.


    Weibo also notified her about a fan''s repost of her piano video on Douyin, gaining millions of views and trending in the top three.


    "Oh my, is she this beautiful even without makeup?"


    "Wow, this piece is even better than ''The Ordinary Road.''"


    "Is this another mysteriousposition? Who is this musical genius?"


    "Even Cheng Liran''s ex-girlfriend has some skills."


    "Wow, suddenly I feel like this woman not only sings beautifully but also ys the piano like a pro!"


    "Trash Ji Xiaonian, get out of the entertainment industry."


    "Hey upstairs, did she offend you?"


    "Ji Xiaonian isn''t even worthy to shine our brother''s shoes!"


    "Upstairs is just a brainless fan!"


    "Am I the only one dying to know who the mystery person is?"


    "I''m also curious. This mysteryposer''s work perfectly aligns with our tastes. Each piece sounds better than thest."


    "Ladies, sorry to interrupt, but I officially dere myself as her fan!"


    "Count me in!"


    "Isn''t it strange? This house looks so luxurious. Wasn''t Ji Xiaonian supposed to live in a shabby ce?"


    "I noticed that too. We were so focused on watching her y the piano, and suddenly, the background is thisvish hall."


    "Is this all just hype?"


    "Maybe she rented the ce?"


    "Did she pretend to be poor before?"


    Ji Nian scrolled through a multitude ofments, unexpectedly finding that the number of people criticizing her had decreased. She chuckled, liking a fewpliments and replying to some of the skeptics.


    "I wasn''t pretending to be poor. I really am in debt. This is a friend''s house, and I''m staying here temporarily~"


    After replying, she checked her Weibo follower count and was surprised to see it had reached six million. She had be a big influencer, Ji Nian marveled.


    If she ever got endorsement deals, she could negotiate decent rates. But unfortunately... no one approached her for ads.


    And the money Yulo Bai promised for "The Ordinary Road" hadn''te through yet. She was still in debt. Tonight was her variety show debut; she''d see how it went.


    She''d sell a few more songster, save up enough money, and then retire from the entertainment scene. Wouldn''t it be nice toze around at home every day like a couch potato?


    Feeling content, Ji Nian saw that Yun Auntie had already set the table with food. She walked over, smiling. "Yun Auntie, Shi Yao won''t be joining us for dinner tonight. She''s been busy these days, so I guess it''s just me at home."


    Yun Auntie looked at the woman with clear eyes and polite speech, finding her quite likable. "Sure thing."


    Seeing the dishes on the table, Ji Nian licked her lips and asked, "Can we start eating now?"


    Seeing the woman''s eager eyes, Yun Auntie couldn''t help but find her charming. She smiled and said, "Just finished cooking. Go ahead and dig in."


    "Wow, then I''ll dig in." Ji Nian sat down, took a bite with her chopsticks, and gave a thumbs up. "Delicious! Thank you for your hard work, Yun Auntie."


    Yun Auntie was a bit curious about the woman in front of her. The Ye family was well-known in Kyoto, and which woman wouldn''t rack her brains to climb up or find a way to get close?


    But this one was different¡ªclear-eyed, polite, and never probing about anything rted to the Ye family. She seemed devoid of any ambitions.


    "Miss Ji, where do you live?" Yun Auntie asked with a smile. Though she was in charge of household chores, she had been working at the Ye family for twenty years and had earned the respect of the olddy. So, her words carried some weight.


    "I, you know, currently reside in a suburban urban vige, quite far from here. It takes me three to four hours by subway and bus," Ji Nian replied with a smile as she ate.


    Yun Auntie''s expression froze for a moment. Did she hear correctly? From this exceptionally beautiful woman, she heard about urban viges, subways, and buses.


    "Miss Ji, are you joking?" Yun Auntie asked, with a hint of scrutiny in her eyes.


    "What''s there to joke about? I and Shuyao are good friends. I was originally living with her, but unexpectedly had to move out at thest minute," Ji Nian said innocently, herrge eyes blinking. "She asked me to apany her for a while, so here I am."


    Yun Auntie was indeed surprised. Despite the awkward topic, Ji Nian remained calm, without a trace of embarrassment.


    "Miss Ji seems very cheerful," Yun Auntie remarked with a smile.


    Though unsure why Yun Auntie praised her, Ji Nian nodded shyly, saying, "It''s alright. My personality is different from Shuyao''s; she''s more reserved."


    "That''s also good, Miss Ji," Yun Auntie said, with a hint of admiration in her eyes. As someone who frequently attended various banquets serving the olddy, she hadn''t seen such a pure-hearted person in a long time.

 Chapter 46: Variety Show 02

    <h4>Chapter 46</h4>


    At this time, Ji Nian did not know that because of that piano piece <i>Dream Wedding</i> she hadposed, it had attracted so much attention.


    Even people in piano circles had already begun paying attention to this matter.


    For the mysterious person who couldpose, write lyrics, ande up with such a nice piano piece, it caused ripples in the industry.


    And online, because <i>Guest</i> and <i>Arrogant</i> were still wildly popr, plus today''s addition of <i>Dream Wedding</i>, in just less than three months, so many high-quality songs hade out, and the name Ji Xiaonian was officially bing famous. Various bigpanies were also beginning to make their moves.


    However, the person involved, Ji Nian, did not know about the huge waves she had set off. After eating lunch and taking a nap, she woke up and prepared to start making dinner.


    She eagerly waited until the evening before finally turning on the TV, excited to watch her debut on the variety show.


    She couldn''t help feeling agitated - she was actually going to be on TV! It was just amazing. She''d never imagined there''d be a day she could see herself on the screen.


    Although the face wasn''t hers, but belonged to Ji Xiaonian, the soul was hers!


    "Here ites!" Ji Nian watched the TV station start ying the intro to the variety show, eyes wide with excitement.


    A melodious tune began, and the camera first showed arge stretch of mountain scenery. Early in the morning, the morning mist surrounded the entire vige, as if transported to and of immortals.


    At this time, online,izens also began flooding in to watch because of the poprity of Shen Shuyao, the up-anding starlet.


    Some people also came to watch the spectacle because of the poprity of Ji Xiaonian.


    As a national idol, Cheng Liran was top-tier - his singing, dancing, acting skills, and looks were all superb.


    The sudden revtion that he had a girlfriend, while impacting his image, mostly brought greater criticism onto the girlfriend.


    After all, people wanted to see what the clingy ex-girlfriend from the rumors was like.


    So the viewership for this Love Life variety show reached a historic high, with click rates shooting upward.


    Behind the scenes, the director saw the view counts continuously rising and broke into a smile, thinking that if this episode went well, they could coborate with her again next time.


    The camera switched to show a woman pulling a suitcase, walking in through the open door, seeing the group of cameras and lookingpletely bewildered.


    Her exquisite face was free of any ws, and in the rity of the HD cameras, her makeup-free face was recorded in close-up.


    "My god! That natural bare face!"


    "Holy crap, she didn''t even draw in her eyebrows. That radiant beauty just shines through naturally!"


    "F*ck, I''m an anti-fan, but her looks just struck me in the heart."


    "Heavens, leading right in with that visual attack - I''ll grant that Cheng Liran has decent taste!"


    Scrolling down, the confused woman pointed at the camera, then asked in puzzlement, "Did Ie to the wrong ce?"


    On screen, the woman''s nk look, wearing simple T-shirt and jeans, still outlined her long legs and curvy figure.


    On screen, the woman nkly asked, "Do I need to prepare something? Like...a script? Or am I supposed to do something?"


    The bulletments became lively. They''d only just started airing, yet some had already clipped this scene into short videos to upload to <i>Dou Yin tform</i>.


    "I can''t, I''m going to die ofughter hahahaha."


    "A script? Hahahaha."


    "I can see it, she really is confused. After all her acting skills aren''t that good hahaha."


    "Suddenly I don''t know how to criticize her..."


    "Sorry, I also came to bash her..."


    "Sisters, keep reading, there''ll definitely be ces we can pick on!"


    On screen, Liang Jie took the woman to the room. Seeing how simple her luggage was, theizens were shocked once again.


    When Liang Jie expressed surprise that she wasn''t wearing makeup and asked if that was really her bare face, the camera zoomed in for a closeup.


    "F*ck, I didn''t believe it before, but I believe that''s her real bare face now."


    "The lighting in the room isn''t even that good, yetpared to Liang Jie, Ji Xiaonian just looks so beautiful!"


    "I can''t handle it, I just love this face so much."


    "Good looks are useless if she has no acting skills but shamelessly clings on."


    "That''s right, who knows if she just had stic surgery."


    "Poster above, she may not have acting skills, but she has great vocals. Her singing is incredible."


    "It''s not stic surgery, her features are exquisite yet not stiff, lively yet seductive - she''s a sorceress!"


    "Impossible, with looks like that she must have had work done."


    And on screen, when Shen Shuyao came out, her pure and bright gaze, smiling self-introduction...


    "Ahhhhhhhhhhh, mama loves you!"


    "Princess, your loyal subjecteste!"


    "Waaaaa, heavens, Shuyao is so gorgeous too!"


    At this point, Ji Xiaonian on screen paused for a moment, then smiled and praised: "No, I think you''re very beautiful."


    "She praised our Shuyao?!"


    "She has good taste!"


    "Suddenly I don''t dislike Ji Xiaonian so much."


    At this time online, it was still very lively. Rxing at home as she watched her own variety show, Ji Nian slowly appreciated how impressive Ji Xiaonian''s looks were holding up.


    It had to be said, this face looked beautiful from every angle on camera.


    Ji Nian sighed. Compared to her previously ordinary face, there was noparison with now. Although crossing over had saddled her with so much debt, at least her luck had turned out well, and she''d mostly paid it off.


    Spending 10 million to buy this face did feel like a loss, but she was still quite happy. After all, it was the first time in her life experiencing being a beauty - who didn''t like a glorious turnaround like this?


    This season of the show was split into upper and lower halves. The first half that had aired so far went up to the part where they were preparing to cook. The second half would air next week.


    Ji Nian saw that the part where she''d just gotten out of the shower and told Sheng Ge and the others she wanted to cook was right before amercial break. The break included a preview of a scene from next week''s second half showing a lively dinner scene, her ying the guitar intro to a song, interactions between her and Shen Shuyao, and strangely - pink bubbles floating around them...


    Ji Nian was confused. She had found it odd all along - why did the clips with Shen Shuyao keep having random effects?


    Although she felt it was weird, she wasn''t the type to dwell on things. Seeing the time, she prepared to sleep.


    Habitually, she opened WeChat, and suddenly saw notification of friend requests.


    Clicking on them, they were from strangers, but with simr notes like "Hi Ms. Ji, I''m so-and-so from such-and-suchpany."

 Chapter 47: Chance Encounter

    <h4>Chapter 47</h4>


    The next day when Ji Nian woke up, she went downstairs groggily and found that breakfast had already been prepared. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and yawned.


    "Good morning, Aunt Yun."


    "Good morning, Miss Ji." Aunt Yun said with a smile while setting out bowls and chopsticks.


    Ji Nian nodded hazily, turned on her phone WeChat, and saw those friend request messages.


    She didn''t agree to themst night either, feeling a bit hesitant. She simply took screenshots and sent them to He Yi.


    Ji Nian: Picture sent to you, give me some advice.


    She saw the person on the other end of the phone hadn''t replied yet. She drank congee while staring at the screen waiting for a message.


    After ten minutes, her phone rang. Ji Nian put down her spoon and hurried to open it.


    He Yi: Wow, sister, you''re quite popr! So manypanies are looking for you.


    Ji Nian: Come on, I don''t understand any of these. Give me your opinion quickly.


    He Yi: Um... If I say, these are pretty much the same, they all seem simr.


    Ji Nian: Then should I decline them all?


    He Yi: Onepany is still okay, but you probably won''t go.


    Ji Nian: Whichpany?


    He Yi: Are you pretending to be dumb?


    Ji Nian: ?


    He Yi: Cheng Liran''spany, obviously, Star Brilliant Company.


    Ji Nian: ......


    Cheng Liran. Since Ji Nian came to this world, this was the name she had heard the most.


    She had never seen this person before. Strangely, even the inte celebrity she often followed didn''t seem to have this man''s photo on Weibo.


    Ji Nian wouldn''t deliberately search for this name, so until now, she still didn''t know what Cheng Liran looked like.


    But the original owner had died because of him, and was sued for owing 6 million yuan. Because of this, thepany terminated her contract and she owed another 4 million yuan. Added up to 10 million yuan of debt. Ji Nian had absolutely no good feelings towards this man.


    He Yi: Are you going?


    Ji Nian: Am I stupid?


    He Yi: You scared me to death, I thought you were going to go.


    Ji Nian: What about the otherpanies? Really not good?


    He Yi: I don''t think they are great, or should we wait a little longer?


    Ji Nian: Bye


    At this time, Shen Shuyao, who was resting on set, walked over to He Yi and saw Ji Nian''s WeChat profile photo on the phone screen. She asked, "Chatting with Little Nian?"


    He Yi put away his phone and smiled in reply, "She asked me for advice on thepany."


    Shen Shuyao''s face lit up with joy when she heard it, and said, "Someone wants to sign a contract with Little Nian?"


    "Yes." He Yi nodded, and helped tidy up the woman''s messy hair, saying, "I saw the show had a pretty good response online after it aired yesterday, plus she has that mysteriousposer, so manypanies are contacting her."


    Shen Shuyao smiled and said, "That''s great, then she can work normally again."


    "But I looked at them, although thosepanies are bigpanies..." He Yi frowned and said, "Actually their reputations are not very good either, they are quite harsh on artists."


    "What should we do then?" Shen Shuyao was stunned, only to recall that her previouspany was like that too, secretly making female actors apany wine and sleep around, so a goodpany was indeed very important.


    He Yi sighed, saw the breakfast arranged by the crew had arrived, andmented as he walked, "In fact, our currentpany, Huayu, has a very good reputation in the industry, and its reputation is also good, it''s just... "


    Shen Shuyao saw He Yi go to get breakfast, heard what he said, and suddenly froze. She blinked and a thought suddenly emerged in her heart.


    On the vi side, after eating, Ji Nian felt bored and looked at Weibo. Many people were screenshotting her footage from the variety show.


    There were alsoptions of her and Shen Shuyao, the video of her scraping mud off the slippers, with much more friendlyments below.


    "Suddenly realized this Ji Nian is quite caring."


    "She doesn''t seem delicate at all, look, a pair of slippers, wearing a straw hat like an old man, not afraid to get dirty helping Shen Shuyao scrape the mud off her shoes."


    "I sawter, she also helped bail Shen Shuyao out, went fishing in the fish pond herself, got all dirty."


    "Yeah, I saw it too, so heartwarming. At the time I thought they would shirk responsibility, who knew Ji Nian took the initiative to go down herself."


    "On the show she also made self-deprecating jokes, made me crack up, saying she was a Z-lister, no one knows her hahaha."


    "Hahaha, it''s true, she alsoined about her poor acting skills, I''ve never seen someone like this before hahaha."


    "This move made Shen Shuyao next to her at a loss for words."


    "Shen Shuyao had a dumbfounded expression on her face."


    Ji Nian saw fewer abusivements and looked pleasantly surprised. What about the antis?


    She struggled for a moment. After all, it was still Shen Shuyao''s credit, you see, shooting a variety show with the female lead, the ckments about her were reduced. Indeed, the power of poprity is unshakable.


    Ji Nian made up her mind to hug Shen Shuyao''s thighs tightly and rubbing off some of her aura wouldn''t be too bad.


    After sitting at the dining table for a while, she thought about going out for a walk, so she said goodbye to Aunt Yun and went out.


    Ji Nian wore pajamas and pink slippers. Her jet ck hair draped over her shoulders. Carrying her phone, she intended to go out like this to walk around and digest her breakfast.


    After all, there were zas and parks in this vi area. She didn''t see many people around when she went out yesterday, presumably because others weren''t so free, so she wasn''t afraid to go out in her pajamas.


    She walked slowly all the way. Several cars did pass by her, it was 9 o''clock in the morning, the time when others were preparing to go to work.


    When she arrived at the park, she took a stroll along thekeside pedestrian path, enjoying the fish swimming back and forth in theke, and blowing the cool morning breeze, making her feel at ease.


    "Huh? Someone jogging?" Ji Nian was startled to see a figure approaching from afar.


    Looking at the tall figure of the man, dressed in ck sportswear that outlined his straight posture, the muscr lines of his arms were clearly visible from afar.


    But when he got closer, Ji Nian froze in ce, her eyes full of surprise.


    The man was also surprised to see a woman suddenly appear by theke. He stopped and met her clear eyes, before recalling and smiling gently.


    "Oh? It''s you?"


    Ji Nian saw the man recognize her. Seeing his overly handsome face, her face heated up for a moment. Wasn''t this the handsome guy standing next to the male lead yesterday? He lives here too?


    "Hello." Ji Nian smiled awkwardly and turned her head away in embarrassment.


    The man only noticed the woman''s outfit then, and couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows, a hint of surprise shed in his eyes.


    She wore a loose pink pajama dress and a pair of fair and slender legs under pink slippers. Her hair didn''t seem to have beenbed, somewhat disheveled behind her.


    Strangely, this sloppy outfit didn''t make people feel disgusted. On the contrary, it added a touch of charm to the woman. Her delicate features had no decoration at all. Her fairplexion looked exceptionally delicate under the sun.

 Chapter 48: The Villain

    <h4>Chapter 48</h4>


    "Miss Ji, my name is Pei Yuchen," Pei Yuchen said with an upturned corner of his mouth.


    When Ji Nian heard his name, she was instantly doused with a basin of cold water, still immersed in the beauty of the man''s face.


    She stared wide-eyed and couldn''t help but cry out in shock, "What? Your name is Pei Yuchen?"


    Seeing the woman''s unbelievable expression, Pei Yuchen was puzzled, but his face still held a gentle smile as he asked, "What''s wrong? From Miss Ji''s expression, have you heard my name before?"


    Ji Nian was stunned speechless. The biggest viin of the whole book appeared just like that, without any foreshadowing or suspense.


    She had almost been fooled by his harmless appearance just now. She was really careless!


    Pei Yuchen looked gentle and refined on the outside, well-mannered and courteous in his behavior, carrying an aloof and unapproachable aura about him, like a god high above.


    In summary, he was the kind of man with charm and wealth in one body.


    However! As the biggest viin of this book, he was a real psycho who almost bankrupted the male lead''s family and caused deaths in his fight over the female leadter on. If not for Ye Jingzhan''s plot armor, this guy would have snatched Shen Shuyao for himself.


    "Miss Ji?" Pei Yuchen saw that the woman was standing there stunned without speaking, and called out in puzzlement.


    Ji Nian regained her senses and saw that the man still had a gentle smile. She shivered, this psycho shouldn''t be provoked. He was even harder to deal with than the male lead.


    "Um... Doctor Pei, I have something to do and need to go back first," Ji Nian said with a dryugh. "See you."


    After speaking, she quickly walked away, her heart thumping. Staying by the female lead''s side was also extremely dangerous. With the appearance of this viin, she had almost been scared to death.


    Seeing the woman leaving as if she was escaping, a trace of coldness shed in Pei Yuchen''s deep eyes. Did he hear wrongly just now? This woman had called him Doctor Pei?


    All the way back to the vi in a panicky state, Ji Nian finally breathed a sigh of relief as she sat on the luxurious leather sofa, trying hard to recall the plot of the novel.


    But no matter how she tried, she couldn''t remember the details clearly. After all, she had read the novel beforeing here, but who would remember so clearly afterwards?


    As everyone knew, every CEO had a doctor friend behind him, and every CEO would call that doctor over in the middle of the night because of the female lead several times.


    That''s right, Pei Yuchen was that legendary doctor friend of CEOs.


    This doctor friend was no simple character. He grew up together with the male lead Ye Jingzhan since childhood, and their families were also generations-old friends. Their families'' wealth were on par.


    The Ye family mainly developed domestically, so they were a famous family in the country. The low-key Pei family mainly had more overseas businesses, but they were still a match for the Ye family domestically.


    However, more people paid attention to the Ye family. Many knew that the Ye and Pei families were business partners and old friends, but didn''t know that the Pei family''s strength was actually immeasurable.


    As a result, in the fights between the two men over the female leadter on, Pei Yuchen almost bankrupted the male lead''s family and caused loss of lives.


    Speaking of this viin, Ji Nian particrly admired him. When reading the novel, she had always shipped the CP of Ye Jingzhan and Shen Shuyao, and was annoyed by this viin who kept destroying the main couple''s rtionship and creating misunderstandings.


    It was said that birds of a feather flock together. Ye Jingzhan as the male lead, the people he hung out with were quite simr, all having some problems. The male lead was repulsed by women due to childhood trauma.


    As for the viin Pei Yuchen, he also became extremely possessive due to childhood trauma. Although gentle and approachable on the outside, only Ji Nian knew that it was just a facade.


    "Goodness!" Ji Nian sat on the sofa hugging a pillow,pletely dumbfounded.


    Why did she stay? Because she had to hug the female lead''s thighs tightly. The book wrote that the female celebrities who helped Shen Shuyao did not end up too badly eventually.


    She was supposed to have disappeared from this world as a minor character, but came here by ident.


    She must ride on the female lead''s coattails. At least she couldn''t end up too miserably. Bringing the male and female leads together was her biggest mission now.


    What were the male and female leads? Heaven''s favorites. No matter what bad things happened to them, it would get resolved eventually. Although the appearance of this viin did y a role in pushing their rtionship forward, it also created a lot of trouble.


    So Ji Nian decided! She must stop Pei Yuchen from approaching the female lead! He must not get close to Shen Shuyao, so as to avoid causing unnecessary misunderstandings for the male lead.


    With this thought, she still felt somewhat troubled. Shen Shuyao was not by her side all the time. If something really happened, she wouldn''t know about it either!


    She should think of ways to find more opportunities to get closer to the female lead, best if they could stick together everyday.


    At this time, after filming her scenes, Shen Shuyao took more than two hours to drive back to Jingdu.


    Before she even reached thepany, she received a notice from Liu Yi asking her to have lunch with Ye Jingzhan at noon.


    When He Yi came to thepany and received information from higher management that Shen Shuyao had a background, she didn''t expect that background to be a famous prince of Jingdu and the big boss behind Huayu.


    So He Yi still had a dumbfounded look now as she looked at the displeased Shen Shuyao and said, "Uh, Shuyao, Assistant Liu said he''lle byter to pick you up."


    Shen Shuyao was a little unhappy. With a pout, she said, "Alright."


    After waiting for more than ten minutes, Liu Yi arrived in his car. Seeing the woman get into the car, He Yi still had that dumbfounded expression in her eyes. Her artist had a promising future in thispany!


    In the car, Shen Shuyao looked at the cold and stern man. Dressed in a ck suit, he sat with an unapproachable manner, emitting a keep-away aura.


    "Mr. Ye, did you ask me toe over for something?" Shen Shuyao asked.


    Ye Jingzhan turned his head. Strangely, this woman seemed to have some kind of power to instantly calm him down a lot. His mind kept unconsciously thinking back to that night.


    Seeing the woman''s fair and delicate neck, his mouth went dry as he said, "As my woman, do I still need a reason to find you?"


    Hearing this, Shen Shuyao''s earlobes turned slightly red. As his woman? This sentence sounded very overbearing, but there was no denying that although this man had a bad attitude, his family background and looks were what every woman dreamed of having in a boyfriend.


    "Does Mr. Ye mean..." Shen Shuyao turned to look over, only to be stunned by the sharp contours of his profile and near perfect side view. She couldn''t help asking in a daze, "Are we considered to be dating?"


    "Dating?" Surprise shed in Ye Jingzhan''s eyes. Wasn''t he just sponsoring this woman? He had never thought about the word dating before. "How does one date?"


    Liu Yi was driving and almost took a sudden turn upon hearing this. He held in hisugh and exined, "Mr. Ye, dating is the stage before marriage when a couple gets along, like going on dates, having meals together, going out to y together..."


    It was as if Ye Jingzhan had opened the doors to a new world. He rarely interacted with women, so while he had heard of the term dating, he didn''t know what it entailed.


    Shen Shuyao''s cheeks were slightly red. She hadn''t dated before either, and lost her virginity directly to him...

 Chapter 49: Reading CP

    <h4>Chapter 49</h4>


    Ye Jingzhan thought for a moment and decided not to dwell on what it meant to date. "If Miss Shen sees it that way, then so be it," he said.


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback. Were they really dating? Why couldn''t she sense any ambience at all?


    When they arrived at the restaurant, she got out of the car in a daze and followed the man''s footsteps into a high-end restaurant.


    Once they entered the private room, Liu Yi was already waiting by the door. Shen Shuyao sat next to the man, feeling rather ufortable as she fidgeted in her seat, wanting to move further away.


    Ye Jingzhan noticed her little gestures and frowned, "Order whatever you want to eat yourself."


    Hearing that, the waiter dutifully handed the menu to the woman.


    Shen Shuyao saw that the menu was all in English. Although she was an undergraduate, her English wasn''t that good and she could only vaguely make out the items.


    "Actually, my English isn''t very good. Mr. Ye can order anything and I''ll just have the same," Shen Shuyao said as she lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed.


    Ye Jingzhan hadn''t expected this issue. He nodded and his expression remained unchanged and cold as he told the waiter indifferently, "Read it out."


    The waiter was taken aback. Customers who could afford this high-end restaurant and book the prestigious VIP room directly usually knew English. He hadn''t imagined there would be someone who didn''t know English. However, the customer had spoken, so he read out the entire menu in Chinese without batting an eyelid.


    Shen Shuyao was baffled. She had thought the man would look down on her for not knowing English, but instead he had asked the waiter to read out the menu for her to listen to.


    When it was time to officially order, it was already 15 minutester. Shen Shuyao randomly ordered a steak and a sd.


    Ye Jingzhan also ordered some dishes. After the waiter left, there were only two people left in the private room.


    Now Shen Shuyao felt even more awkward. She couldn''t help but shuffle a little further away from the man.


    Ye Jingzhan frowned and asked, "Miss Shen, are you very afraid of me?"


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback. She blinked her innocent big eyes and said, "Not really..."


    Ye Jingzhan saw her pink, delicate lips, and saw that the woman had indeed moved quite far away from him. Feeling slightly annoyed, he reached out and pulled her over.


    Shen Shuyao was so frightened that she lost her bnce and fell into the man''s arms. She hurriedly tried to get up, but found herself looking into the man''s deep and dark eyes.


    As Ye Jingzhan looked at the woman in his arms like a frightened little white rabbit, innocent and pitiful, her vermillion lips caught his eye. He couldn''t help but hook her chin with his hand.


    "Mr...Mr. Ye..." Shen Shuyao''s heart was pounding rapidly and her mind went nk, as if captivated by the man''s deep eyes.


    Ye Jingzhan leaned in closer until his nose touched the woman''s. Recalling the sensation from that night, he curiously kissed the woman''s lips and licked them, feeling that it was quite novel and the taste wasn''t bad either.


    Shen Shuyao was utterly bewildered. Faced with the man''s sudden kiss, she froze and did not resist at all. She felt him tentatively bite her tongue, which finally jolted her to her senses.


    "Mmph!" Shen Shuyao forcefully pushed the man away, turning her head awkwardly with some anger in her eyes as she irritably said, "Mr. Ye, what are you doing?!"


    Ye Jingzhan smiled, his face full of interest. He recalled those debauched young masters from elite circles who often went out to y with women. He had always looked down on them with disdain before. He hadn''t expected that women actually didn''t taste so bad.


    Although indignant, Shen Shuyao still blushed. Before she could react, the man had arrogantly pulled her over again and gripped her chin.


    "Mr. Ye!"


    Ye Jingzhan carefully studied the woman''s face - innocent and natural. Her clear eyes made one involuntarily take another look. Her delicate features were like those of a Western doll, making one unable to resist bullying her.


    Knock knock knock


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door that broke the atmosphere in the private room. Ye Jingzhan released her and calmly said to the door, "Come in."


    After being released, Shen Shuyao quickly shuffled further away from the man with her heart still thumping rapidly against her chest. She didn''t know what this feeling was.


    Seeing her move away again out of the corner of his eye, Ye Jingzhan couldn''t help smiling at the corners of his mouth. Looking at the steak on the table, he suddenly felt that his appetite today would probably be quite good.


    Shen Shuyao felt rather reserved - partly shy and partly because the man before her did have an imposing aura that made her feel somewhat uneasy.


    "That friend of yours?" Ye Jingzhan nced over and casually asked, "How long will she be staying?"


    Shen Shuyao met the man''s gaze. Her heart pounded nervously again. Would he not let Xiaonian stay in the vi?


    "I''d like her to keep mepany for longer..." Shen Shuyao said softly.


    Ye Jingzhan nodded. He had just asked casually; he didn''t actually have any other intentions.


    "Mr. Ye..." Shen Shuyao suddenly remembered what had happened that morning and plucked up the courage to say, "Xiaonian doesn''t have apany..."


    Ye Jingzhan didn''t understand. He looked up at her, wondering what she was going to say.


    Shen Shuyao hesitated for a moment before meeting the man''s eyes to ask, "Can Xiaoniane to Huayu as well?"


    Ye Jingzhan raised his brows slightly. He understood the entertainment industry, but he didn''t want to manage too many things either. Huayu was just one of hispanies, all left for others to handle. However, he hadn''t expected this woman to make a request for her friend.


    "Did she ask you toe and talk to me about it?" Ye Jingzhan asked tly, his expression unchanged.


    Shen Shuyao hurriedly shook her head. "No... it was me. I want her to be in the samepany as me..."


    Ye Jingzhanughed aloud. This Ji Nian really knew how to pull strings. She had seemed obscure and unknown at first. Yet it hadn''t been long before her ambitions were revealed.


    "Okay," Ye Jingzhan took a sip of red wine and nodded. He wanted to see what this woman would do next.


    Shen Shuyao was still dumbfounded that the man had agreed so readily. "Thank you, Mr. Ye..."


    "I''ll get Liu Yi to contact herter," Ye Jingzhan said as he cut his steak.


    Shen Shuyao secretly stole a nce over. What met her eyes was his handsome face. She watched as he ate gracefully like a supreme king.


    His ck suit further highlighted his originally cold and aloof temperament, making him seem even more exceptionally icy. She felt her heart race again and suddenly realized that this man didn''t seem so bad after all...


    Ji Nian was bored in the vi ying on her phone. She even had the illusion that she had already conquered the screen, whether she went on Weibo or Douyin.


    Almost all the videos trending were of her, with "Dream Wedding" being the hottest recently.


    Some capable professionals had even extracted the musical score. There were now scores online that were nearly identical to the original version.


    There were alsoizens who edited together clips of Shen Shuyao and her recording the variety show into short videos. After reading thements below, Ji Nian finally realized that everyone was actually shipping CPs, and even shipping her and Shen Shuyao''s CP!


    "After watching this variety show, strange CPs have emerged again."


    "It''s not just us shipping. Even the production team is shipping them!"


    "That''s right, hahaha, the production team even added weird bubble filters."


    "Ji Nian is taller than Shen Shuyao. So who do you guys think is the top? Hahaha."


    "Our Shuyao is so gentle and delicate. There''s no question, right?"


    "Locked in ce, Nian Shu CP forever!"


    "Has everyone noticed that before getting to know Shen Shuyao, Ji Nian would actually like all thements praising Shuyao?"


    "Hahaha, that''s right, this is killing me!"


    "Really looking forward to next Saturday''s show! Time please go faster!"

 Chapter 50: On the Way

    <h4>Chapter 50</h4>


    Ji Nian was just enjoying watching a video when the sudden ringing of the phone made her jump.


    When she saw an unfamiliar number on the phone screen, she was puzzled and picked up the call.


    "Hello?" Ji Nian said.


    "Hello, Miss Ji, this is Liu Yi."


    Ji Nian was stunned. Wasn''t this the male lead''s assistant? Why was he suddenly calling her?


    "Hello Assistant Liu, may I ask why you are calling me today?"


    On the other end of the phone, Liu Yi''s eyes were calm as he replied, "Miss Shen wants you to join herpany. The president agreed, soe to Huayu today to sign the contract."


    Ji Nian was dumbfounded. What? Did she hear that right? She had been worrying about how to get close to the female lead, and now a pillow was being delivered for her nap!


    "Okay! Assistant Liu, I''lle over right away!"


    "Alright, I''ve already contacted the people there. When you arrive, Miss Ji, just tell the front desk your name." Liu Yi said and then hung up.


    Ji Nian stared wide-eyed, full of delight. It was as if heaven was helping her! Thinking of this, she immediately ran upstairs.


    She opened the closet and randomly put on a red, figure-hugging dress. Looking in the full-length mirror, it looked quite good, paired with a pair of white ts before heading out.


    But when she got outside, she realized this was a vi area, and looking up buses and subways, it seemed she''d have to walk quite far. Calling a taxi here...


    "Damn, it''s so expensive, actually 50 yuan." Ji Nian stared at the map on her phone, looking at the Didi taxi app, she couldn''t help but exim in surprise.


    As she walked, she couldn''t help thinking that the female lead had someone to pick her up and drop her off when going to sign a contract, while she, a worthless supporting actress, was still struggling with the issue of the 50 yuan taxi fare being too expensive.


    "The gap between people, ah." Shemented to herself as she murmured.


    "Beep beep."


    The sound of a car honking came, startling Ji Nian. She turned her head to look, only to see a ck car slowly following behind her.


    Ji Nian thought she was blocking the way, so she moved aside, but when the car stopped in front of her, she frozepletely.


    "Where are you going, Miss Ji?" Pei Yuchen rolled down the window, a gentle smile on his face.


    Ji Nian blinked, stunned for a moment before answering: "Dr. Pei...I''m going out for something."


    When Pei Yuchen heard the woman call him Dr. Pei, his eyes darkened slightly, though the smile on his face seemed to convey a hint of coldness.


    "I happen to be going out too. Shall I give you a ride?"


    Ji Nian felt a chill down her back. She didn''t know why, but seeing his gentle, refined appearance, she kept picturing the male lead''s sick and twisted personality described in the novel.


    "No need, no need to trouble yourself, I can just take the bus by myself." Ji Nian hurriedly declined with a shake of her head.


    "The bus?" Pei Yuchen looked a bit bewildered, seemingly surprised that she would take public transportation.


    Ji Nian nodded. "Yes, thank you for the kind offer Dr. Pei, but I won''t trouble you."


    Pei Yuchenughed. Looking at the woman, he said, "Miss Ji, if I''m not mistaken, there are no buses or subways anywhere near this entire vi area."


    Damn, you found that out too? Ji Nian was stunned. Could he not hear her rejection?


    "Ha ha." Ji Nianughed awkwardly. "I can take a taxi myself as well."


    "Please don''t stand on ceremony, Miss Ji." Pei Yuchen raised his eyebrows, a hint of mockery in his eyes. "Who knows, it could be on my way."


    Seeing the man keep inviting her into his car, Ji Nian didn''t want to, but was also afraid of offending this sicko. Thinking it over, she decided to just get in the car...


    Ji Nian gave a dry smile and slowly got into the passenger seat. "Thank you, Dr. Pei."


    Pei Yuchen gave a slight smile and nod. As the car slowly started, he asked, "Where to, Miss Ji?"


    Ji Nian had just buckled her seatbelt and answered, "Huayu Company."


    "Oh?" Pei Yuchen drove whileughing, "I remember that''s Zehan''spany."


    "Yes, I''m going today to sign a contract." Ji Nian obediently answered. When dealing with the viin, just answer whatever he asks. The main thing is not to offend him.


    Pei Yuchen was a bit surprised. He didn''t expect her to be an entertainer. ncing at the woman, he couldn''t help but nod. With her gorgeous looks, she did meet the standards for a celebrity.


    "So Miss Ji is an entertainer."


    Ji Nian smiled awkwardly. "There''s not much work, just barely getting by..."


    Pei Yuchen still had a gentle smile. "Miss Ji is too modest."


    The vi area was veryrge. After driving for nearly 15 minutes they exited. The entire ride so far was exceptionally quiet, with an awkward atmosphere hanging in the air.


    Ji Nian touched her nose. The air conditioning in the car was a bit cold, but she didn''t dare move. She just felt this viin was a bit dangerous.


    "Cold?" Pei Yuchen turned to ask.


    Seeing the man''s refined appearance, if not for knowing the plot, she probably would have fallen for him already. Trying hard to stay alert, she smiled and answered, "A little...cold..."


    Pei Yuchen heard this and reached out his slender hand to adjust the temperature of the air conditioner, then asked again, "How about now? Still cold?"


    Ji Nian blinked. Feeling a bit uneasy, she turned her head away. Why was this viin so handsome? And so polite and gentlemanly? Uwuwuwu...


    "Better now."


    "That''s good." Pei Yuchen smiled in response,pletely unbothered by the woman''s awkward manner.


    Ji Nian stared out the window, watching the passing cars and pedestrians. They''d been driving for quite a while now, so they should be close.


    "May I ask Miss Ji a question?" Pei Yuchen smiled and asked.


    "Hm?" Ji Nian was startled. "What''s your question, Dr. Pei?"


    When they reached a red light, Pei Yuchen stopped and turned to look into the woman''s clear eyes with a smile. "It seems I never told you my profession, so why do you call me Dr. Pei?"


    Ji Nian was dumbstruck. Damn...did he really not say? She tried hard to recall but suddenly felt like she''d been struck by lightning. Crap, it seemed he really hadn''t said.


    Pei Yuchen still looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer. To be honest, he was quite curious. Having just returned to the country, how did this woman know his profession?


    Ji Nian''s mind spun quickly. She had toe up with a reasonable excuse to deal with this suspicious viin. Otherwise, with his personality, this tiny matter could be a ticking time bomb in the future.


    "Dr. Pei, the light''s green!" Ji Nian pointed ahead and said.


    Pei Yuchen''s eyes darkened. As he drove, heughed and asked, "Is Miss Ji unwilling to say?"


    Ji Nian smiled awkwardly. She could almost see the cold air emanating from the viin already. Look at that smile on his face, it already held a hint of chill.


    "No no, I can say." Ji Nian''s mind turned before she came up with a suitable reason and let out a dryugh. "I heard...Mr. Ye mention it before..."


    Pei Yuchen was startled. The cold Ye Jingzhan actually chatted about this with others? Somehow he didn''t quite believe that.


    Ji Nian saw the Huayu Company building up ahead not far away. Hurriedly she said, "We''re here, you can just drop me off at the roadside."


    Pei Yuchen nodded. Stopping at the roadside, he watched as the woman seemed to flee the car. The corners of his mouth lifted in a cold smile.


    "Thank you for the ride, Dr. Pei. I''ll head over now." Ji Nian thanked the man in the car window before dashing off like the wind.

 Chapter 51: Forgot to Wear a Mask

    <h4>Chapter 51</h4>


    When she arrived at HuaYu Company, Ji Nian unexpectedly met He Yi, so she took her along to sign the contract.


    On HuaYu Company''s senior management side, seeing the person who had been trending on the hot search recently, there was probing in their eyes. Although her singing was good and theposer behind the scenes was also good, at HuaYu she was still considered an artist signed under special circumstances.


    Who knew this was an artist thepany boss had specially requested to sign, recently the behind-the-scenes Big BOSS had been acting strangely, never involving himself in things before, but now suddenly wanting to sign two artists.


    Seeing the woman finish signing, the senior manager politely smiled, ¡°Alright, Miss Ji, go back first, after we arrange a suitable agent here we¡¯ll notify you separately.¡±


    ¡°Agent?¡± Ji Nian was startled, then pointed at the silently standing He Yi beside her and asked, ¡°Can I have her as my agent?¡±


    The senior manager was surprised, wasn¡¯t this Shen Shuyao¡¯s agent? He was a little embarrassed and said, ¡°Miss Ji, ourpany arranged He Yi to handle another artist.¡±


    ¡°I know, Shen Shuyao and I are good friends.¡± Ji Nian smiled and said.


    ¡°Then...¡± The senior manager hesitated, before saying, ¡°Let me call Assistant Liu.¡±


    Ji Nian nodded obediently, ¡°Okay.¡±


    He Yi at the side still had a mystified expression, just what had happened? How did HuaYu agree to sign Ji Nian?


    ¡°Sister, how did you make it happen?¡± He Yi asked in a low voice.


    Ji Nian happilyughed and answered, ¡°Shuyao said toe with her.¡±


    Only then did He Yi suddenly realize, was it because of her casual words before, and Shen Shuyao took it to heart?


    ¡°Where¡¯s Shuyao? I only see you alone today?¡± Ji Nian asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s filming her drama, with an assistant following her.¡± He Yi answered.


    The two were still whispering to each other when Ji Nian saw the senior manager finish his call from the corner of her eye, and immediately sat up straight again.


    The senior manager looked at Ji Nian, with a sh of surprise still in his eyes, recalling the agreement from the call and smiled, ¡°Miss Ji, it¡¯s fine, from now on He Yi will handle you and Shen Shuyao, the two artists.¡±


    Ji Nian had an expression of pleasant surprise, ah, howe she suddenly felt this male lead was quite reasonable.


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    After the specific matters were discussed, Ji Nian hooked He Yi¡¯s arm and walked out, standing at the elevator entrance she said in a low voice, ¡°He Yi, you have to help me get more acting roles, especially Shen Shuyao¡¯s drama crews.¡±


    ¡°Sister, what are you trying to do?¡± He Yi had a bewildered expression.


    ¡°Wherever Shen Shuyao goes in the future, I¡¯ll go there too. Whichever drama crew she¡¯s in I¡¯ll be in too.¡± Ji Nian said firmly, ¡°Any role is fine, the important thing is being together with her.¡±


    After hearing this, He Yi had a horrified expression, staring with wide eyes and said, ¡°You, this... having lost love, has your orientation be...¡±


    Ji Nian impatiently pped the top of her head, saying, ¡°What kind of random thoughts are in your brain.¡±


    ¡°Then what do you want to do?¡± He Yi still had an unbelieving expression, feeling like the woman before her had already lost interest in men.


    ¡°Shen Shuyao is my lucky goddess! You don¡¯t understand!¡± In Ji Nian¡¯s mind, she was still thinking about her future days with Shen Shuyao, unable to hold backughing out loud, Shen Shuyao''s female lead halo was hers too, rounded up.


    He Yi looked at her with an expression like she had something wrong with her brain, and said, ¡°Ji Nian, I¡¯m telling you not to mess around, she¡¯s a married woman.¡± With the big BOSS behind the scenes supporting her.


    Ji Nian rolled her eyes at her, seeing the elevator door finally open, she pulled her in.


    ¡°Anyway you only have two artists under you now, with Shen Shuyao taking so many scripts, remember to slot me in.¡± Ji Nian said.


    ¡°Alright...¡±


    The elevator stopped, Ji Nian waved goodbye to He Yi, ¡°Okay, you go be busy first, I¡¯m going back.¡±


    He Yi was still holding her signed contract in her hands, hurriedly handing it over, ¡°Remember to keep this contract safe.¡±


    Ji Nian took it with a smiling expression, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After leaving thepany gates, Ji Nian was looking at the subway location on her phone¡¯s map the whole way, following the navigation there. Seeing more pedestrians on the roadpared to when she came before, she remembered that today was Saturday.


    What made Ji Nian feel puzzled was, why did she keep feeling like everyone was looking at her? Was it just her imagination?


    At the subway entrance, even more exaggeratedly some people who saw her had very surprised expressions, and there were even people who gave way for her?


    Behind her someone ostentatiously took photos of her with their phone, but Ji Nian didn¡¯t know.


    She felt something wasn¡¯t right when she went out today, thinking about it again she felt it wasn¡¯t quite right, everything was fine when she went out before right? Howe now she seemed to be causing amotion?


    Even the security check brother had an astonished expression, Ji Nian felt a little awkward, thinking she might as well just take a taxi and leave, but she had already entered...


    At this time many people approached, very strangely, it was as if she was in a circle, surrounded by people, there were also people using phones to record videos, but no one approached her, onlying over to look at her.


    Ji Nian¡¯s body involuntarily tensed up, somewhat not daring to move, staring straight at the subway¡¯s ss door, looking at the reflection of the woman inside, nothing seemed wrong ah.


    Wearing a red dress, the fitted cut outlined her tall figure, a pair of white pumps, making her look even more energetic.


    Her hair should have been lightly permed before, draped over her shoulders. Her face was still that beautiful face, seeming like nothing was wrong...


    At this time Ji Nian was waiting for the train to arrive, staring nkly at the ss door, when she was suddenly jolted, only then horrifyingly realizing that she had actually forgotten to wear a face mask!!!


    The subway steward brother, seeing a crowd gathered together, loudly speaking through a loudspeaker, ¡°Pay attention to order, queue up properly, don¡¯t huddle together.¡±


    The surrounding people discussed spiritedly, but Ji Nian felt somewhat frightened for no reason,ing out like this so ostentatiously, what if Cheng Liran''s fans chased her to beat her...


    ¡°My god... I¡¯m not seeing wrongly right, she¡¯s Ji Nian?¡± A woman softly asked.


    ¡°She looks even prettier in person than in the videos, heavens, did I just have a celebrity encounter?¡±


    ¡°Who is she?¡± A passerby asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? She¡¯s been really popr recently, (Guest) (Arrogant) (Ordinary Road) were songs she sang, (Dream Wedding) that super popr piano piece recently was also yed by her.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s Cheng Liran¡¯s ex-girlfriend!¡±


    The passerby who had been informed suddenly realized, so she was this person, and asked, ¡°Celebrities still squeeze onto the subway?¡±


    ¡°Quick, quick, post on Weibo!¡±


    Ji Nian felt she was done for, this... just because she forgot to bring a face mask, how could it cause such a hugemotion?


    The train had arrived, Ji Nian stiffly entered the carriage, the people behind her also flooded up in unison.


    At this time the carriage was packed, but the area where Ji Nian stood was still quite spacious...


    Just then a young man wearing earphones, coincidentally caught sight of the woman standing next to him, first he was shocked, then looked at the people around using phones to record videos.


    He hurriedly stood up, somewhat dazedly said, ¡°You sit.¡±


    Ji Nian was startled, looking at this young handsome man half a head taller than her, awkwardly said, ¡°Thank you... you sit.¡±

 Chapter 52: Peaceful Development

    <h4>Chapter 52</h4>


    "Excuse me, are you Ji Xiaonian?" Inside the train carriage, a girl bravely asked.


    Xiaonian turned her head around. Hearing the crowd''s astonished voices, she responded with a smile, "I think...perhaps you''ve mistaken me for someone else."


    "You''re definitely Ji Xiaonian. I''d recognize you even if you turned to ashes!" someone passionately eximed.


    Turned to ashes...Xiaonian was frightened, with an expression desperately clinging to life, "Why don''t we just get along peacefully..."


    "Pfft"


    Seeing the woman''s frightened expression, everyone in the carriage couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    "Xiaonian! You''re so pretty, I''m your fan..." A girl eagerly pulled along her boyfriend, extremely excited as she spoke.


    Xiaonian looked over, somewhat bewildered and incredulous, "Is that so...I actually have fans..."


    The surrounding crowd whispered among themselves. A girl softly said, "Her expression is so cute."


    "I listen to your songs every day, they''re so good, (Ordinary Road) I always y the music video too." The fan girl zealously pulled her boyfriend''s arm, beaming with tion.


    Seeing her happy appearance, Xiaonian amiably responded, "Thank you! But it would sound even better in a male cover."


    "Has this song been released yet?" Seeing her idol engage her in conversation, the fan was overwhelmed with excitement.


    "It''s a secret." Xiaonian yfully winked, smiling as she said, "You''ll probably find out after some time."


    By now the surrounding onlookers were all looking over. The woman''s facial expressions were affable, unlike her seemingly aloof and cold beauty that gave off an untouchable aura.


    She stood in the train carriage, appearing quite reticent, yet still politely answering everyone''s questions. Hence, the crowd gathering around gradually loosened up, actively conversing.


    "Xiaonian, why are you squeezing onto the subway?" someone asked.


    Xiaonian awkwardly rubbed her nose and replied, "Actually I used to frequently take the bus and subway, it''s just that today...I forgot to wear a face mask."


    "Did you normally wear a face mask when going out before this?" a girl shyly questioned.


    "Mm-hmm." Xiaonian gave a faint smile, "If it wasn''t for you guys crowding around today, I wouldn''t have even realized that I forgot my face mask."


    "Xiaonian, take a seat!" A fan pointed to a vacant spot that had just been given up, then looked towards the still-standing dumbstruck young man, "The gentleman already gave his seat up for you."


    Xiaonian felt awkward, shaking her head, "No need, no need, handsome guy you should sit instead, I think standing is fine for me too."


    The young man happened to be closest to the woman. Seeing her talk to him, he couldn''t help but turn red with shyness, bashfully responding, "You should sit instead,dies first."


    Seeing him insist on giving up his seat, Xiaonian somewhat apologetically sat down, awkwardly uttering, "Thanks."


    "Xiaonian, how did you get to know Cheng Liran..." A girl suddenly posed the question.


    The atmosphere instantly turned silent. Everyone looked towards the woman, as if waiting for her response.


    Xiaonian saw the inexplicably quiet train carriage, bewildered. Damn, she didn''t have any memory of how she knew Cheng Liran either. What the heck?


    "Um...I have quite a lot of antis, and I was just worried earlier about possibly being attacked. Let''s put this sensitive topic aside for now if that''s alright. Peaceful development, peaceful coexistence." Xiaonian had a dumbstruck expression as she spoke.


    Gamers would understand what "peaceful development" meant, and everyone couldn''t help butugh. No one clung on to this topic either.


    At this moment, a video made it to the top of the hot search on Weibo again. The experienced inte users who saw the video of the woman riding the subway rushed toment below.


    "Which subway line is this, please state, it''s urgent."


    "Hahaha, why do I feel like Ji Xiaonian looks so confused?"


    "Peaceful development, I''m dying ofughter! Does she y Honor of Kings too?"


    "Oh my gosh, I''m so envious of them!"


    "ck fan here: We only diss her online, don''t have the guts to do it in real life."


    "Comment above speaks the truth."


    "I can''t even, openly riding the subway like that, desperate for fame and attention huh."


    "Awesome, stirring up hype like this, of course she''d make the hot search."


    "To be honest, I still deeply admire her, going to such great lengths just to trend."


    "Didn''t you guys hear her say that she takes the subway frequently? She just happened to forget her face mask today."


    "You actually believe what she said?"


    "Regardless, she stilles across as very down-to-earth and polite."


    "Is it still in time for me to coincidentally bump into her there?"


    Whileizens were still locked in intense discussion, Xiaonian who felt extremely awkward even just sitting in the train carriage finally heard that it was her stop. She promptly stood up.


    "Xiaonian, are you getting off?" a fan excitedly asked.


    In fact, none of the onlooking crowd were alighting here. Seeing the somewhat lost woman, to tell the truth, they found her rather adorable.


    "Yup! I''m getting off here, bye-bye!" Xiaonian saw the doors open and hurriedly slipped out.


    But after getting off, she realized that it appeared everyone had alighted at this stop with her. Xiaonian turned her head back to see a sea of people surrounding her. She awkwardlyughed, "Oh what a coincidence...everyone happened to be getting off at the same station..."


    Laughter sounded out from the crowd. Everyone whispered among themselves, while those taking pictures and videos continued doing so. They were silently amazed to themselves - this face looked wless from every angle.


    "Xiaonian, I have a spare face mask, want to borrow it?" Someone yelled.


    Xiaonian''s eyes lit up at that and she promptly nodded, "Really? Let me borrow it."


    A face mask was then passed through the crowd to her. Xiaonian quickly epted it, smiling as she said, "I''ll return it when there''s a chance."


    "No need, it''s for you."


    "Hahaha!"


    Xiaonian felt awkward. She put on the face mask, then took the elevator up and exited the station with a group still trailing behind her.


    Seeing a taxi not too far away, she immediately made a dash for it, swiftly getting on as she bid the onlookers still crowding around her, "Bye bye, I''m going home, you guys should hurry along to your own matters too!"


    The crowd saw the woman slip away before they could even react. Quick as lightning. Among them were still many of Cheng Liran''s fans who often left scathingments about her online. But directly facing and beholding her now, they discovered how shockingly beautiful this woman was in person, easily drawing all attention the moment oneid eyes on her even in a packed crowd.


    "Oh my god, she''s so gorgeous." Some in the remaining crowd still discussed among themselves.


    "I didn''t even dare admit I was a ck fan just now."


    "Hahaha, have to admit, she really is very good-looking, and her personality doesn''t seem bad either."


    "It was after watching her variety show that I felt this girl''s pretty decent."


    At this moment, Xiaonian heaved a huge sigh of relief after getting into the taxi. The consequences of not wearing a mask were too severe. She was lucky today, but what if she met some aggressive ck fans and got surrounded and beaten? That mental image made her shiver. She must always have spare masks on hand from now on.

 Chapter 53: Try on Makeup

    <h4>Chapter 53</h4>


    The subway incident had been trending on social media for a day, with both positive and negativements. As the person involved, Ji Nian didn''t care at all and had been rxing at home for several days.


    As her agent, He Yi was worried that her artist would be photographed taking the subway again. She decisively applied to thepany for a car and driver to pick up and drop off Ji Nian.


    Not every artist has their own business car. When He Yi went to apply, she was also worried that thepany wouldn''t approve it. But to her surprise, it was approved right away.


    Ji Nian went from taking public transit to having her own car. She was overjoyed. As expected, following the female lead brought her luck beyond imagination.


    Today was also an extraordinary day. The fantasy drama Shen Shuyao was starring in had just started filming two days ago.


    But the female lead was suddenly reced. She was cast only because her rich father pushed for it, and her acting skills weren''t great either. Then yesterday, a scandal about her being a mistress broke out. The Director was furious and immediately promoted Shen Shuyao from the second female lead to the first female lead.


    And Ji Nian was rmended to y the viiness who was Shen Shuyao''s original role.


    "He Yi, isn''t this role too big for me?" Ji Nian asked as she looked at the script with confusion.


    He Yi nodded in agreement and said, "You know the supporting female roles I got for you before were your peak. I guess the Director was so angry that he agreed to Shen Shuyao''s suggestion about letting you join. "


    "I think Shen Shuyao overestimates my acting skills," Ji Nian said. Forget about the original body, even she herself doesn''t know how to act. Wouldn''t going make the Director curse at her?


    "Didn''t you say you wanted me to get you into Shen Shuyao''s crew?" He Yi said impatiently, "Now there''s a chance, shouldn''t you cheer up and get ready for the costume fitting?"


    Ji Nian looked at the storyline on the script. The female lead was born in the mortal realm. The male lead is the most famous immortal in the Six Realms. As the only disciple of Liushan Gate with the highest attainment and most promising future, he was deeply revered.


    During Liushan Gate''s annual recruitment of disciples, the female lead''s perseverance allowed her to pass all the tests and be a female disciple of Liushan Gate.


    When her spiritual roots were tested, she was found to have weak spiritual roots, making her unsuitable for cultivation. No one in Liushan Gate wanted to ept her as a disciple.


    At this time, the male lead saw her dejected appearance and took pity on her. Breaking the rules, he epted the first disciple in his life.


    Over time, feelings grew between them during their interactions. But this affection was doomed to not be peaceful.


    Because there was another female role who had secretly loved the male lead all along. From the moment the male lead epted a female disciple, her jealousy had never ceased.


    The viiness'' ending was also extremely miserable. At the big finale, all her nsmen died because of her, and she herself went crazy too. And Ji Nian was going to y this viiness.


    "Who''s the male lead?" Ji Nian asked.


    He Yi was stunned, then after thinking for a while, she answered: "I heard from Shen Shuyao that when filming started, the male lead had something urgente up and couldn''t make it. Also, the crew has a confidentiality agreement, so she didn''t know either."


    "Alright," Ji Nian didn''t think too much of it. What she was worrying about was the acting itself. She didn''t expect this day toe so fast that she didn''t even have time to react before having to start acting. Shouldn''t she at least get some training first?


    To be honest, He Yi was also nervous, afraid that Ji Nian''s acting would be scolded badly by the Director at the audition.


    "Sis, I read the script and it''s not impressive. If the Director''s side... let''s just forget it, okay?" He Yi had already started preparing herself mentally.


    Ji Nian obviously knew what she meant but still rolled her eyes and said, "No need tofort me. Since Shen Shuyao rmended me, let''s just go try it out. I''m not expecting much anyway."


    The problem wasn''t with the script but with her. This wasn''t a variety show where she could freely improvise. This was acting. How could she act?


    Upon arriving at the studio, the first thing Ji Nian noticed was that there weren''t many staff members. Probably because of the sudden change in cast causing filming to be halted temporarily.


    When the Director saw her arrive on time, he sized her up and down with his eyes.


    Ji Nian felt a little awkward and smiled politely, "Hello."


    The Director nodded and immediately called people over, "Hurry up and take the actress to costume and makeup first."


    And so, Ji Nian was hurriedly pulled into the makeup room. As soon as she sat down, she saw Shen Shuyao looking at her happily.


    "Ji Nian! You''re here!"


    Seeing a familiar face, Ji Nian rxed and smiled, "Shen Shuyao, you''re getting makeup done too?"


    "Yes, because of the role change, I have to reshoot the makeup test photos," Shen Shuyao exined with a smile.


    Ji Nian moved her chair closer to her and asked softly, "Why did you rmend me? My skills..."


    Shen Shuyao gave her a reassuring look and said with a smile: "Although it''s the viiness role, the moment I saw the script, your face appeared in my mind. The role suits you very well¡ªbewitching beauty with remarkable charm."


    Ji Nian was stunned by the sudden praise, then raised an eyebrow at her flirtatiously, "In my eyes, you''re the most beautiful."


    Shen Shuyao nced coquettishly, "I''m done with my makeup. I''ll wait for you outside."


    Ji Nian smiled and nodded. Then she went back to carefully examining herself in the mirror.


    The makeup artist wasn''t very talkative. Seeing the good rtionship between the two, she was surprised. To be honest, she also watched variety shows and knew about the Ji Nian-Shen Shuyao CP online. But the entertainment industry had murky waters. As a crew makeup artist she had seen a lot. She didn''t expect the two to actually have such a good rtionship privately.


    After changing into costume, Ji Nian almost couldn''t recognize herself in the mirror. The exquisite makeup and gorgeous ancient costume added a hint of aloofness and nobility to her originally cold temperament. Her petite lips were as vibrant as rose petals.


    "So beautiful," even the makeup artist couldn''t help praising her. She had nice skin so the makeup suited her very well. Combined with the costume, her look was stunning.


    When He Yi came to hurry her, she saw Ji Nian still dumbstruck while looking in the mirror. Only when called did she hurriedly drag Ji Nian out.


    "I really didn''t expect clothes to make such a difference," He Yi kept sighing as they walked.


    The Director had already been irritated these past two days. Then the sudden role change and prolonged inability to find a recement for the second female lead made things worse. Letting Ji Nian audition today was really because he couldn''t find anyone suitable.


    But unexpectedly, the sight of the approaching woman made him momentarily lose himself. She wore a striking red ancient costume, brimming with charm and allure. Her eyes held a hint of aloofness and noble temperament. Her petite lips were vibrant like rose petals.


    "Director," Ji Nian walked up to the man, feeling a little awkward as she called out.


    "Great, great, great!" Saying "great" three times in a row, the Director''s eyes lit up as he let out a cheerfulugh, breaking the silence around them. "It''s you!"


    "Uh..." Ji Nian was still confused.


    Shen Shuyao smiled and said, "Like I said before, this role really suits Ji Nian."


    The Director was very satisfied as he looked at her, but he had heard her acting skills were...


    "Ji Nian, you also know Shen Shuyao rmended you. Although your image matches very well, as for the acting tryout..."


    Ji Nian knew what he meant. Wasn''t he worried about her acting skills? What was there to worry about? When did she ever have any acting skills?

 Chapter 54: First encounter Chengliran

    <h4>Chapter 54</h4>


    "Director, the male lead has finished putting on his makeup," a staff member said, running over.


    The director''s eyes lit up and he nodded, "Good, good, tell him toe over quickly."


    "I just went over, he''s getting ready to change into his costume," the staff member replied.


    The director nodded and looked towards Ji Nian, saying, "Perfect timing, you will act opposite the male lead next. I want to see what your understanding of this role is like."


    Shen Shuyao, who was beside them, saw Ji Nian''s stunned expression andughed, "Director, why don''t I go first? I haven''t acted opposite the male lead yet."


    "Shuyao, I''m quite confident in you. When I signed you on, I felt your image matched the female protagonist very well. But as you know, previously..." the directormented, forced by capitalists to reluctantly let someone else y the female lead. Fortunately the role had been recast now.


    "Um..." Ji Nian was taken aback, damn it, not only did she have to audition, but she also had to act with the male lead? That would just make her even more nervous!


    "Who is the male lead?" Shen Shuyao asked carefully.


    The director was about to answer when he saw Ji Nian''s expression. He was suddenly shocked and thought, oh no! The male lead and Ji Nian...


    "Director," a voice suddenly rang out. The director''s body stiffened and he turned to look at the neer.


    At the same time, Shen Shuyao also turned to look, her eyes filled with shock.


    Ji Nian stared into the man''s eyes. The pain in her heart quickly spread through her whole body and she stood frozen in ce, unable to move.


    The man was wearing white ancient costume attire, an aloof look in his eyes and a carefree attitude. His graceful bearing was like a fairy who had fallen to earth.


    Seeing the woman in red, Ba Ge''s eyes widened in shock and he couldn''t help but cry out, "Ji Nian? What are you doing here?"


    Ji Nian felt like she couldn''t breathe properly, the stabbing pain in her heart making her almost suffocate.


    Even though she had never seen this person before, when she finally came face-to-face with him, her mind - no, her entire consciousness - knew clearly that this man was Cheng Liran.


    The man''s eyes also shed with surprise. Although he often saw her in the trending news, thest time they had met face-to-face was when she had stormed into hispany to make trouble.


    "She''s...ast minute decision for the second female lead. She happened toe by today to audition," the director exined, looking at the man. "Liran, is this ok with you?"


    Cheng Liran nodded. His expression didn''t change - he had already shown this woman a lot of face previously. It was her own greed and dissatisfaction that led to the legal troubles.


    "I''ll follow the director''s arrangements," Cheng Liran replied lightly.


    "What about you, Nian?" The director looked towards the dazed Ji Nian.


    Shen Shuyao worriedly grabbed her hand and whispered, "Nian."


    Ji Nian took a deep breath, trying her best to suppress the interfering thoughts in her mind. She knew it was the lingering emotions of the original Ji Nian, but her current consciousness had control of the body. She could not let herself be disturbed.


    "No problem," Ji Nian answered, forcing down the pain in her chest.


    She couldn''t refuse this. If she rejected it today, not only would she cause trouble for Shen Shuyao, but the director would also be left with a bad impression.


    Besides, this man had no personal rtionship with her. Since he could remain calm and collected about it, she absolutely could not back down at thest minute.


    The director was surprised by the woman''sposure, a glint of appreciation in his eyes. "Alright then, get ready. You two take a look at the script first. We''ll start the audition in five minutes."


    Ji Nian took a deep breath, trying her best to keep her head down and eyes on the script in her hands. But she couldn''tprehend a single word.


    Five minutester, the director cleared the set and had the two of them stand on stage. "Ready? I''ll just randomly pick a scene."


    Cheng Liran nodded, ncing at the woman beside him out of the corner of his eye. Her whole demeanor seemed...different somehow.


    "Let''s try this one then - the male lead, Bai Ruoyuan, warns and rejects the second female lead, Song Yu," the director decided after some thought. This scene seemed usable. With a wave of his hand he said, "Action!"


    As soon as the words left his mouth, a cold aura emanated from Cheng Liran''s body. His face held a hint of disdain and warning as he looked at the woman, saying tly, "You havemitted all manner of evil deeds, using your family''s power and influence to gather mobs and form cliques. On the pretext of liking me, you targeted Luo Luo. I have already shown you too much mercy."


    On stage, Ji Nian couldn''t help meeting the man''s eyes. Her mind went nk again. The stabbing pain in her chest blurred her vision so she couldn''t see clearly.


    Seeing that the woman was just standing there without responding, the director asked in confusion, "Nian! What''s going on?"


    The set became deathly quiet as everyone looked up at the woman on stage. Down below, He Yi was also tense with nerves.


    "This role doesn''t suit you. Your acting skills can''t carry it," Cheng Liran said quietly, turning to look at her.


    Ji Nian took another deep breath, feeling irritated as she continued to struggle with that inner consciousness. She turned to look at the director and asked, "Can we try again?"


    The director''s expression turned grim but he nodded in agreement.


    Cheng Liran quickly got back into character. "You havemitted all manner of evil deeds, using your family''s power and influence to gather mobs and form cliques. On the pretext of liking me, you targeted Luo Luo. I have already shown you too much mercy."


    Ji Nian met the man''s eyes. His lone and proud gaze carried an aura of unmatched arrogance. His cold, indifferent tone made tears well up in her eyes and spill down her cheeks.


    Ji Nian knew this audition was definitely over for her. But she stubbornly struggled through her lines anyway, the pain in her chest continuing unabated. She forced back her tears and looked at the man.


    "Bai Ruoyuan," Ji Nian said with difficulty, tears dripping down one by one. In a hoarse voice she continued, "Don''t you remember, you once saved me..."


    For some reason, when she uttered the words "you once saved me", the force within her body seemed ready to burst out.


    "I truly love you," Ji Nian said, reciting the lines. But her mind suddenly shattered as she uncontrobly cried out at the top of her lungs, "Why can''t you just love me back! Why! Why!"


    The director below the stage, along with all the staff, were stunned into silence. Cheng Liran looked at the woman''s desperate tears in surprise.


    "Hahahaha!" The director started pping from below. "Well done, very nice! This is the kind of feeling you want to evoke."


    Hearing the director''s words, Ji Nian instantly regained her senses. She saw that Cheng Liran had already walked off stage. As her mind cleared, she wondered - what on earth did she just do?


    The director walked onto the stage and patted the woman on the shoulder, beaming with satisfaction. "Wee aboard. Hurry up and get your makeup touched up, then we''ll take some official shots for the contract. We can sign the paperwork today too."


    Coming down from the stage, Shen Shuyao walked over admiringly and said in a low voice, "Nian, you were so amazing! Your tears fell instantly and the look of despair as you gazed at him was incredible. Even I was drawn into the performance!"


    He Yi was still dumbfounded. Since when did her client be such a superb actress? She stared wide-eyed in disbelief and asked, "Sis, you have to tell me honestly - have you been secretly getting acting lessons outside?"


    Ji Nian still had a dazed look, as if wondering where she was and what she was doing. She nkly replied, "Would you believe me if I said this was just a fluke ident?"

 Chapter 55: Looking for a Teacher

    <h4>Chapter 55</h4>


    (2022.6.21 Author: Actually I''ve seen a lot ofments recently saying the original host is dead, why would there be emotional impact tomemorate~ This article is not long, everything that happened has its reasons, everyone be patient and read on~ Friends who are too entangled in details can avoid lightning~ Wee new readers to join the pit, muah~)


    Next up, Ji Nian hurriedly took some touched up photos after makeup and signed a contract. Cheng Liran''s side also removed their makeup and hurried off to start shooting.


    When passing by the woman, he stopped and looked into her eyes, lightly saying: ¡°You¡¯ve improved a lot.¡±


    Ji Nian was stunned. Actually when they were taking photos together just now, the pain in her heart had gradually faded, but then the man came over to talk to her again.


    She could only feel her nose turn sour as she suddenly wanted to cry. She tried hard to hold back her tears as her eyes grew wet. She answered: ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Seeing her trying hard not to cry, Cheng Liran felt somewhat guilty in his heart for unknown reasons. He lightly said: ¡°Also that money...¡±


    ¡°I will pay you back!¡± Ji Nian didn''t even wait for the man to finish before answering: ¡°After some time, I will pay it all back.¡±


    A hint of surprise shed in Cheng Liran''s eyes. He moved his lips but didn''t say anything in the end, simply nodding and turning to leave.


    Eighth Older Brother, who was on the side looking like he wanted to say something but didn''t dare, saw the man walk farther away again and hurriedly went after him.


    Ji Nian took a deep breath, using her clothes to wipe her tears before remembering that she hadn''t changed back yet. So she headed towards the dressing room.


    He Yi pulled on Shen Shuyao''s arm and said: ¡°Don''t you think Ji Nian looks pitiful from behind?¡±


    Shen Shuyao frowned, feeling distressed as she said: ¡°If I had known the male lead was Cheng Liran, I wouldn''t have rmended her toe.¡±


    ¡°She told mest time that she was looking for a crew you were in,¡± He Yi said regretfully. ¡°But it''s also good. For people mixing in this circle, you can''t avoid seeing each other forever right? This is umting experience for her.¡±


    Shen Shuyao didn''t say anything. She felt guilty inside, and seeing how the woman had secretly wiped tears with her sleeve earlier, as well as her lonely figure, she felt ufortable inside.


    Yet Ji Nian, who had finished changing, didn''t know that she had already been defined as a pitiful person by others.


    She was still thinking about how much the original Ji Nian must have liked Cheng Liran for her body to have such a strong reaction upon seeing him.


    ¡°Changed your clothes?¡± He Yi said with a smile when she saw the approaching woman.


    Ji Nian nodded. ¡°Where do we go next?¡±


    He Yi thought about it and answered: ¡°You don''t have anything scheduled right now. Bring the contract and script back, you''ll be shooting the show in a week. Go back and ponder more about how to act out the role.¡±


    Ji Nian was shocked. She had just remembered this thorny issue. My god, she still had to act!


    She had barely passed the audition by chance thanks to the original Ji Nian''s feelings for Cheng Liran causing her emotions to fluctuate.


    If she had to act on her own, wouldn''t that be a train wreck? No! She must find a way to resolve this. What exactly could she do to improve her acting?


    Suddenly she remembered what He Yi had said. Or...find a teacher for some quick help? Temporarily cling on to Buddha''s feet?


    ¡°Ji Nian...¡± Shen Shuyao looked apologetic and softly said: ¡°I''m sorry, I didn''t know the male lead was...¡±


    Seeing the female lead looking so regretful, Ji Nianughed and said: ¡°It''s fine, it''s all in the past. And aren''t you here anyway? The two of us working together, doesn''t that make you happy?¡±


    Seeing her indifference, a hint of delight shed in Shen Shuyao''s eyes. She grabbed her hand and said ¡°Happy!¡±


    ¡°I''m happy too!¡± Ji Nian said with a smile.


    ¡°Tsk, tsk.¡± He Yi handed the script over with a displeased look, saying: ¡°Not bad emotional management, better than before.¡±


    Ji Nian rolled her eyes at her. ¡°Well if that''s all, I''ll head back first.¡±


    ¡°Go back first. I still have to bring Shuyao to a shoot.¡± He Yi waved her hand, but still couldn''t help reminding: ¡°You need to lose weight for this role, it''s a fairy image. You have to look good on camera. I''ll have my assistant bring meals over for you these days.¡±


    ¡°Ok ok!¡±


    After leaving the studio, Ji Nian immediately went online to search for acting teacher''s information. But after half a day of searching, it seemed there were no channels to find teachers.


    ¡°Sigh...¡± She couldn''t help but sigh, propping up her chin.


    Her new driver and assistant Xiao Tang was sent over recently. Getting to have close contact with his idol these past two days excited him quite a bit.


    As he drove, he pretended to casually ask: ¡°Is sister Ji Nian worrying over something?¡±


    Ji Nian raised her brows, looking at the young man sent over and said with augh: ¡°How old are you, calling me sister.¡±


    Xiao Tang scratched his head awkwardly and said: ¡°I''m 20 this year. I know sister Ji Nian is 21.¡±


    ¡°Oh right, I almost forgot. You''re my assistant after all.¡± Of course he would know her information. Ji Nian nodded and asked: ¡°But aren''t you quite young, and not in school anymore?¡±


    Xiao Tang awkwardly answered: ¡°I stopped school very early. My rtive happened to work in the entertainmentpany and helped me get the assistant and driver jobs.¡±


    ¡°That''s pretty good too.¡± Ji Nian said while still browsing information.


    But then WeChat suddenly popped up a message from Yu Luobai. She stared with disbelief. Why was he looking for her?


    Yu Luobai: Miss Ji, are you there?


    Ji Nian: I''m here.


    Yu Luobai: The royalty payments for (Ordinary Road) is being audited by the finance team before submission, so it will probably take some time before ites down.


    Ji Nian: That''s fine.


    Yu Luobai: Got it.


    Just for this matter? The heavenly king personally contacted her? Ji Nian boringly looked at her phone screen. Then suddenly, inspiration struck.


    Ji Nian: Teacher Yu, can I ask you for a favor? As repayment, I''ll give you a song. What do you think?


    Yu Luobai was somewhat puzzled over the phone, but his eyes were full of interest. He was still very curious about this woman and the mysterious person behind her.


    Yu Luobai: What favor?


    Ji Nian: I took on a drama role, the second female lead. The task is a bit difficult. You have good acting, do you have time to give me some lessons? (Cute expression)


    Yu Luobai: I remember Miss Shen''s acting is not bad either, and she''s your friend too.


    Ji Nian looked at the phone screen. Indeed, the female lead''s acting must be good, but Shen Shuyao had just gotten popr, she had so many jobs she was close to living in hotels...


    Ji Nian: She probably doesn''t have time...


    Yu Luobai: So do you think I have time?


    Ji Nian was stunned. She suddenly remembered, he was a top tier heavenly king. If even Shen Shuyao was busy, then Yu Luobai must be even more busy... She was indeed too naive.


    Ji Nian: Then...forget it. Icked consideration.


    Yu Luobai raised a brow. She gave up so quickly? He looked at the phone screen, thinking about his scheduletely. He wasn''t exactly free, but making time shouldn''t be an issue.


    Her previous (Ordinary Road) was already shocking enough, and the song (Dream Wedding) made the entire musicalposition industry go into an uproar.


    He was quite curious what it would be like if it was another new song.


    Yu Luobai: I can be your teacher too. Let me listen to the new song first to see if it''s worth it.


    Ji Nian looked at the reply, pleasantly surprised. Her mind raced as she hurriedly typed back.


    Ji Nian: Guaranteed high quality with taste! Meet tomorrow?


    Yu Luobai: Alright, Peng He will send you the addresster.


    Ji Nian: Great!

 Chapter 56: Running

    <h4>Chapter 56</h4>


    The next morning, a phone ring broke the quiet of the room. Ji Nian groggily reached for her phone by the bedside.


    "Hello?"


    When He Yi heard the woman''s voice, still heavy with sleep, she said loudly, "Sis, get up quick! I almost forgot, you need to lose 5 pounds, and filming starts in a week. Get up and go for a run!"


    Ji Nian squinted her drowsy eyes and wailed, "I''m still not pretty enough for this? You''re making me exercise this early in the morning!"


    He Yi snapped on the other end of the phone, "Sis, gaining 10 pounds on camera¡ªthis time your role is in a fantasy drama, you''re ying an immortal fairy! An evil, vicious female viin!"


    Ji Nian rolled over and mumbled hazily, "But I already am a fairy in real life."


    He Yi knew she wanted to lounge in bed longer. She said, "Right now you''re ying the beautiful second female lead, but I''m telling you¡ªif there''s even a tiny bit that doesn''t satisfy the original fans when you''re on camera, believe me, you''ll be med to death."


    Ji Nian was still filled with sleepiness. She had been worrying over what song to y for Yu Luobai yesterday, so she did her homework and specifically practiced the piano to avoid getting rusty. That''s why she had gone to bed sote.


    "I''ll go for a runter," Ji Nian yawned.


    "No way, hurry up! It''s already 8 o''clock. Get out of bed. Oh right, I told Shuyao to tell the vi''s auntie not toe cook these days. Xiao Tang will send breakfast over to you soon."


    Still in a daze, Ji Nian got out of bed and drew the curtains. She resigned herself, "Fine fine, I''m getting up now. I''ll go for a run."


    When she went downstairs, as expected, she didn''t see the auntie in the lobby. Ji Nian put on her workout clothes with a face of despair and headed out the door.


    She slowly made her way to thekeside road. The morning sunshine was nice and the weather was good.


    She swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and started jogging slowly.


    The scenery along the park was quite nice, but this wasn''t the time to appreciate it¡ªshe had only run for five minutes but already felt out of breath.


    In her past life, Ji Nian rarely exercised. She didn''t expect that after transmigrating into such a pretty face and nice figure, she would still be forced to lose weight.


    "Ms. Ji?" A voice called from behind.


    Ji Nian, hands on her waist and panting heavily, turned around. Seeing the person behind her, she froze in shock.


    "What a coincidence, we meet again." Pei Yuchen had a gentle smile.


    Ji Nian blinked andposed herself before giving an embarrassedugh. "Oh, it''s Doctor Pei. What a coincidence, you''re out jogging too..."


    "Actually I''ve been running here for a bit. I didn''t expect that after going around, I''d run into someone else out jogging," Pei Yuchen replied with a smile.


    "Hehe," Ji Nian chuckled awkwardly and started jogging again. "Doctor Pei, do youe here to run every day?"


    Jogging alongside her, Pei Yuchen turned to look at her as he answered, "I guess you could say that."


    Good, then she definitely wouldn''te here to run tomorrow, Ji Nian decided inwardly.


    Seeing how she was already losing steam, Pei Yuchen smiled, "Ms. Ji, could it be that you rarely exercise usually?"


    Ji Nian no longer had any spare attention to think about anything else. She had just started running and was already feeling dead tired.


    "Yeah, I didn''t want to," Ji Nian answered dispiritedly.


    Seeing her like this, Pei Yuchen''s lips quirked up slightly, though he said nothing more.


    After half an hour, Ji Nian really couldn''t go on. She plopped down unceremoniously onto a stone bench by the roadside, waving a hand as she panted, "Doctor Pei, you go ahead and keep running. I''ll head back after I catch my breath."


    Pei Yuchen twisted open a bottle of mineral water and smiled as he handed it over. "Seeing Ms. Ji like this, it seems you really don''t exercise often."


    Ji Nian gulped down the water greedily, finally breathing a sigh of relief. She raised her head, about to thank him¡ªwhen her heart skipped a beat.


    "Um...this water..."


    Pei Yuchen arched a brow, his smiling mouth answering, "I brought it with me this morning. I haven''t drunk from it."


    They had been running together for so long out here, yet he had given her the only bottle he had to drink. Ji Nian couldn''t help but praise inwardly: heavens, this viin is too much of a gentleman!


    "Let''s go," Pei Yuchen said.


    Still feeling touched inwardly, Ji Nian looked bewildered at his words. "Go where?"


    Pei Yuchen''s brows rose as he spoke, "Didn''t Ms. Ji just say she was heading back? It just so happens that I''m about done too. Shall we head back together?"


    Dazed, Ji Nian stared. This viin is so casual? He even drove her backst time.


    If this kept up, it probably wouldn''t be good. After all, they weren''t on the same side. She wanted to hug the female lead''s thighs.


    "We probably don''t head the same direction..." Ji Nian said with an awkwardugh.


    Pei Yuchen nodded. "If I remember right, my vi and Zhan''s aren''t far apart. It''s the same road."


    Ji Nian was embarrassed knowing she had been caught out avoiding him, but stillughed, "Oh, what a coincidence. Then...let''s head back together."


    Pei Yuchen didn''t fail to notice how she was avoiding him, but that just made him want to tease her more. His eyes glinted yfully as they walked wordlessly side by side.


    The vi district was very quiet in the early morning. To be precise, Ji Nian rarely ran into others here. The greenery on both sides of the wide road made it feel secluded, with only the asional bird cry.


    If it wasn''t for the viin walking beside her...Ji Nian might feel more at ease.


    "Seeing Ms. Ji''s appearance earlier, it seemed like you were forced toe out running?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    "Mm..." Ji Nian lowered her head. She racked her brains, trying to remember thest time she went jogging properly. It had been many, many years.


    "Mm?"


    Ji Nian looked at the man beside her d in ck workout clothes, his hair a little messy. Somehow, he gave off a wild aura that was kinda roguishly handsome whenbined with his usual cultured temperament.


    Although Ji Nian had sighed over this before, Shuyao really lived up to being the female lead with all these fresh meats and pretty boys around her.


    "I have to lose some weight recently," Ji Nian answered.


    Pei Yuchen looked her up and down. She wore workout clothes that emphasized her curvy figure. He smiled, "Based on height ratios, Ms. Ji is already quite slim right now."


    "You wouldn''t believe me if I told you," she said. She actually had to lose more weight? In the past whenever she read news about actresses forcing themselves to abstain and not eat, she never truly understood until now. Embarrassed, she exined, "Work requirements..."


    Only then did Pei Yuchen recall that she was a celebrity. He hadn''t expected the body standards would be that harsh.


    "I see."


    Since Ji Nian knew he was the viin, during their two interactions so far, she found Pei Yuchen very gentlemanly with good manners, not what she expected...considering that he turned out to be a sicko.


    Seeing that they still had some ways before reaching the vi, Ji Nian couldn''t resist asking, "Is Doctor Pei not at his stop yet? I''m taking a turn up ahead to my ce..."


    Before Pei Yuchen could reply, a sudden cry made him halt his steps. A look of irritation passed over his face as he turned to look.


    "Chenchen, you''re back but didn''t evene see Granny?" An old woman hobbled over slowly, supported by a cane.


    Pei Yuchen rubbed his temples with a smile. "Granny, I just got back. I''m still adjusting to jetg."


    "You can''te home even if you have jetg? Going around staying outside," the old woman said angrily.

 Chapter 57: Grandma Pei Yuchen

    <h4>Chapter 57</h4>


    Grandmother? The antagonist''s family member! Ji Nian was taken aback by the revtion. As the novel exined, the protagonist''s paranoid personality was shaped by his troubled family background.


    With divorced parents, an uncaring mother, a father who neglected him and elevated his mistress, on the surface, their rtionships seemed amicable. However, the antagonist was frequently subjected to psychological abuse by his stepmother during his childhood.


    This abuse didn''t involve physical violence but rather cunningly crafted words meant to emotionally manipte him. In simple terms, it was a form of psychological maniption, an attempt to control his mind through verbal means.


    During his childhood, he was oblivious to it and had a somewhat decent rtionship with his stepmother. He was consistently brainwashed and med his father for their conflicts.


    This led to a frosty rtionship with his grandfather, and as he grew older, he gradually sensed that something was amiss, eventually discovering his stepmother''s maniptive nature.


    The only ones in the Pei family who genuinely cared for him were his grandparents, particrly his grandmother. They never acknowledged the child of the mistress, making them the only sce for the antagonist.


    "Grandmother, why are you here?" Pei Yuchen looked at the elderly woman with tenderness in his eyes.


    "If I hadn''te, would you have no intention of visiting your grandmother?" The old woman became angry, then examined the man and couldn''t help but tear up as she asked, "How have you been outside?"


    "I''m doing fine," Pei Yuchen replied with a smile.


    Meanwhile, Ji Nian felt awkward standing to the side, being ignored. Should she leave directly or greet them?


    Forget it, she decided to leave quietly, pretending to pass by. But before she could, the old woman noticed her and eximed, "Chen Chen, who is this youngdy?"


    Ji Nian''s body stiffened as she met the gaze of the elderly woman. She forced a dry smile and said, "Um... we... we are..."


    What were they? Neighbors? Not really close. Friends? No, that wouldn''t fit...


    "A friend of a friend of a friend!" Ji Nian quickly came up with an answer.


    Pei Yuchen burst intoughter, finding this woman quite amusing. His lips curled up as he said, "A friend of A Zhan''s girlfriend."


    "A Zhan has a girlfriend?" The old woman was shocked, then incredulously asked, "Howe I didn''t know?"


    "He probably hasn''t told his family yet. Grandma, please keep it a secret," Pei Yuchen said with a smile.


    "That''s great news! I''ll hurry back and share it with your grandmother," the old woman said excitedly.


    Ji Nian blinked,pletely stunned. Did she unknowingly y a trick on the male lead?


    "How did you end up with thisdy so early in the morning?" The old woman looked at Ji Nian, scrutinizing her from head to toe.


    "Granny, don''t misunderstand. I coincidentally bumped into Dr. Pei while out for a morning jog," Ji Nian quickly rified their rtionship, shaking her head and saying, "We''re not acquainted!"


    The old woman paused for a moment after this exnation. Somehow, she felt like this woman was rather disdainful of her grandson.


    "I see." The old woman nodded and didn''t inquire further. She turned to the man and said, "Chen Chen, I have breakfast prepared. Go back and eat."


    Pei Yuchen nodded, then turned to Ji Nian and asked, "Miss Ji, have you had breakfast yet? Would you like to join us?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback by his unexpected invitation. She hastily waved her hand and declined, saying, "No, thank you!"


    Seeing her firm refusal and recalling her reaction when she first met A Zhan, he couldn''t help but find it amusing. A trace of depth flickered in his eyes.


    Mrs. Pei couldn''t help but feel puzzled when she saw her grandson suddenly getting close to a woman.


    "Miss Ji, since Chenchen invited you, why don''t we have breakfast together?" Mrs. Pei suggested.


    "Um..." Ji Nian looked confused and thought it would be better not to get too close to the antagonist. She awkwardly smiled and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Pei, but I''ve been trying to lose weight recently, so I''m not eating."


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying, "Skipping breakfast is not good, and breakfast consists of simple foods that won''t make you gain weight."


    Heaven above! Ji Nian''s smile froze. She felt that the antagonist was definitely doing this on purpose! She could see the mockery in his eyes. But what could she do...


    "Since Dr. Pei says so, then... okay," Ji Nian forced out an unattractive smile, almost like a cry.


    Pei Yuchen nodded, signaling the woman to walk with him. He carefully supported the olddy, with a slight upward curl of his lips.


    It was not a good start for Ji Nian to encounter such a situation early in the morning. It was bad enough to meet the antagonist, but now she was even preparing to enter his house...


    As she walked into the vi, Ji Nian nced around and noticed that the decoration waspletely different from the male lead''s house. The male lead''s house had a more luxurious touch.


    In contrast, the antagonist''s house had a predominantly European style, more minimalist, with ck, white, and gray colors. It made her feel that the whole house was cold and devoid of any vitality.


    Ji Nian awkwardly sat at the dining table and looked at various snacks. She couldn''t help but salivate. This... looks quite sumptuous...


    But as a professional actress, she had to control her diet. Seeing everyone start to eat, she reluctantly held a boiled egg in her hand. Sigh...


    "Miss Ji, is this all you''re going to eat?" Mrs. Pei''s eyes were probing. Could it be that this person is interested in the Pei family''s background and deliberately approached them?


    "This is enough..." Ji Nian replied awkwardly. Although she loved to eat, being in the antagonist''s house made her feel extremely ufortable. She just wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    "Even if you''re trying to lose weight, you should have a proper breakfast," Pei Yuchen smiled as he served her a bowl of millet porridge.


    Ji Nian was momentarily stunned and turned her head with a hint of embarrassment. "Thank you."


    This action caused everyone present to pause for a moment. Mrs. Pei nced at the butler by her side and then smiled as she asked, "Miss Ji, where are you from?"


    Where is she from? Ji Nian was taken aback, meeting the gaze of the olddy. Well, it seemed like there was an ID card, but she didn''t pay much attention to it...


    "I''m not from the capital city," Ji Nian answered, still unsure. The original owner of the body should be from another province...


    "Judging by your appearance, Miss Ji, you seem quite young. Are you still a student?"


    Although the olddy had a kind smile on her face, Ji Nian, who had been scarred by society, couldn''t help but notice the underlying meaning. It seemed that this olddy thought she was a woman trying to climb up the socialdder.


    "I''m 21 this year. If I were studying normally, I would be in my third year of college. But I dropped out of high school and came to the capital city to work and make a living," Ji Nian calmly replied, with a hint of indifference.


    The olddy''s face stiffened. Dropped out of high school? She looked at her grandson, who seemed unconcerned. In her heart, she couldn''t help but develop a dislike for this woman.


    "It''s rare for a young girl like you not to pursue education," shemented.


    Ji Nian sighed in her heart. This is the suspicion of wealthy people. She hasn''t done anything yet, but she''s probably already beenbeled as amon girl trying to climb up to a prestigious family.


    Isn''t it great to cling to the female lead? It''s the halo around the female lead that makes her want to get close. As for these wealthy families, pfft, she doesn''t even care.


    "It''s just that you''ve encountered it less in your circle," Ji Nian replied with a smile.


    Although the elderlydy had a smile on her face, deep down she looked down on someone like Ji Nian. She nodded and said, "Different circles, indeed."


    Heh, Ji Nian couldn''t help but roll her eyes inwardly. Look at this, what kind of talk is this? Anyone with eyes can see that it''s tant contempt.


    Pei Yuchen understood what his grandmother meant. He nced at the woman''s reaction and saw no trace of inferiority. She had a calm expression on her face, which made him curious.


    At that moment, the phone rang. Ji Nian was relieved when she saw it and quickly answered, saying, "Hello."


    "Sister Nian, I brought you breakfast, but it seems like no one''s home." Xiao Tang stood at the entrance of the vi, holding a lunchbox.


    "I''ll be right back." Ji Nian breathed a sigh of relief. Xiao Tang came just in time!


    After hanging up the phone, she stood up and said apologetically, "Madam, Dr. Pei, I need to go and prepare for work. Please enjoy your meal. I''ll take my leave."


    Dr. Pei nodded and asked, "Shall I apany you?"


    "No, no need!" Ji Nian decisively refused and smiled, "Goodbye." With that, she quickly slipped away.

 Chapter 58: Fairy Tale

    <h4>Chapter 58</h4>


    Xiao Tang brought over a sd. Looking at the bowl of greens in front of him, Ji Nian had no appetite.


    Thinking about her appointment with Yu Luobaiter, and after exercising this morning and being all sweaty, Ji Nian went to take a shower and change before heading out.


    The location was a music restaurant. Ji Nian looked at the map, got in her car, and sent the address to Xiao Tang''s WeChat.


    "Sis Ji, aren''t you staying home today to study your role?" Xiao Tang asked in confusion. This outing didn''t seem to be on the schedule he was given.


    "I''m going now to hone my acting skills," Ji Nian said from the car as she reviewed the script. She still hadn''t decided what song to give Yu Luobai.


    After a 20-minute drive, Xiao Tang stopped at a more remote location.


    Wearing a mask, Ji Nian was puzzled. Where was Yu Luobai taking her?


    She looked around and was about to send a message that she had arrived when she heard Peng He''s voice.


    Ji Nian turned and waved with a smile at Xiao Tang, saying, "You wait in the car for me."


    Then she walked over to Peng He and into a small restaurant that looked more like a music bar, although there only seemed to be two people inside.


    Seeing Ji Nian arrive, Yu Luobai stood up to greet her, "Over here."


    Ji Nian looked over to see the man dressed casually with a baseball cap on. As expected of the entertainment industry''s top star, he looked very handsome even in casual wear.


    "Why did you choose this ce?" Ji Nian asked in puzzlement. Weren''t these kinds of venues usually only open at night?


    Yu Luobai smiled, "A friend of mine owns this music bar. Didn''t you say you had a new song? This is a good fit since there''s a guitar and piano here, very convenient."


    Ji Nian nodded. So that was it. Fortunately she had practiced the piano apaniment for a few songs yesterday and could y them out.


    "What kind of songs do you like?" Ji Nian asked.


    Surprise shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes. He smiled, "I get to pick?"


    "No, I was just asking," Ji Nian replied. She couldn''t let others know she had a lot of songs on hand. If they got suspicious, she wouldn''t be able to exin it.


    "It can''t be worse than ''Ordinary Road''," Yu Luobai nodded in response.


    Ji Nian thought about it and decided to go with the most ssic song, "Fairytale". Back then, this song had be hugely popr across the country. Nearly everyone had heard it; it was the youth anthem for so many.


    "It''s a deal if you''re satisfied with this song and agree to teach me acting," Ji Nian said, wanting confirmation.


    Yu Luobai gave an interested look and a thumbs up, feeling expectant inside.


    Ji Nian went up on stage and sat down at the electronic keyboard ced front and center. She positioned the mic and ced her fingertips on the ck and white keys. A prelude flowed out as she softly began singing.


    After finishing the song, Ji Nian couldn''t help sighing. The electronic keyboard paired with the speakers and the original owner''s vocal talents made the song sound even better...


    Down below, Yu Luobai and Peng He wore looks of shock on their faces, unable to calm down for a long time.


    Just then, the other man who had been recording a video on his phone couldn''t help but apud. "Awesome!"


    Seeing the stranger recording video, Ji Nian didn''t actually mind. But she was worried it might get leaked, so she said, "Um... that video..."


    "Don''t worry, I won''t spread it around!" The man said with a big smile, hurriedly adding, "Haven''t introduced myself yet. I''m Luobai''s friend and also the owner of this music bar."


    "Oh, I see..." Ji Nian suddenly understood. She came down from the stage and sat back in her original spot, smiling as she asked, "Well, Teacher Yu, satisfied?"


    Yu Luobai finally snapped out of it. Recalling the woman''s performance on stage just now and this new song, his face was full of amazement as he said, "Miss Ji, you''ve made me even more curious about you."


    Ji Nian blinked yfully. "No need to be curious. Other than me, I''ve only shared these mysterious songs with you."


    "I''m honored," Yu Luobai said with a smile. Hispany had been preparing a concert for him recently. This new song would be a perfect addition.


    "So you''ll be my teacher then?" Ji Nian asked.


    Peng He couldn''t help but chime in enthusiastically, "Definitely! Miss Ji, do you have any other new songs? Luobai is getting ready for a concert. How about being a guest performer?"


    Yu Luobai beside him: "?"


    "A concert?" Ji Nian was surprised, then asked, "I mentioned ''Ordinary Road'' earlier and was wondering why you hadn''t released it yet. Are you saving it for the concert debut?"


    "That''s right. If you have other new songs, we''d like to buy them too!" Peng He generously offered.


    Yu Luobai beside him who felt arranged: "......"


    "I do have more..." Ji Nian''s eyes darted around as she tried to remember what other ssic hits there were.


    "Ahem," Yu Luobai gave a light cough.


    Only then did Peng He realize he had gotten too excited and looked at the man somewhat awkwardly.


    "But I''ll have to pass on being a guest performer. I still have to focus on acting," Ji Nian declined.


    "The style has been the same every year. Having a guest performer this year would be a nice change," Yu Luobai considered and felt it was feasible. "Which drama production are you with? I can put in a word with the director."


    "Um..." Although Ji Nian had been on stage before, doing a concert with so many people made her nervous about stage fright. She struggled to decline, "I''d still rather not..."


    "I will provide an appropriate payment."


    Upon hearing that, Ji Nian''s eyes instantly lit up as she looked at the man. "How much?!"


    Seeing her change expression so quickly, Yu Luobai couldn''t help butugh out loud. Raising a brow, he asked, "How much do you want?"


    Ji Nian had an ear-to-ear grin. Was there even a need to ask? Obviously the more the better! But she felt she should keep some modesty since Yu Luobai seemed to have a close rtionship with the male lead, Ye Jinghan. Can''t scam, can''t scam!


    "You decide," Ji Nian said joyfully. No matter the amount, singing would definitely be simpler than acting. Easy money!


    Amusement shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes. He suddenly found this woman rather adorable.


    "Alright, let''s get down to business," Yu Luobai''s expression turned serious as he asked, "Did you bring the script?"


    Ji Nian also nodded seriously. She took the script out of her bag and handed it over, saying, "I''m counting on you!"

 Chapter 59: Come Here, Man.

    <h4>Chapter 59</h4>


    After a busy day, Ji Nian returned to the vi without Yu Luobai. He opened his phone and sent the lyrics of Fairytale to Yu Luobai. He also recorded a video of himself ying the apaniment downstairs and sent it to her.


    The copyright issues had already been signed. Like with Ordinary Road, she could enjoy the rights to cover the song. The production of the apaniment was the responsibility of Yu Luobai''s team.


    Exhausted, Ji Niany in bed, recalling her acting lessons with Yu Luobai today. Watching Yu Luobai go from patient to gradually frowning, Ji Nian felt truly embarrassed.


    She really couldn''t act. That''s why she decided to humbly take lessons, and had almost angered Yu Luobai. Recalling that he had to rush off to filmingster, and the sigh of relief on his face, Ji Nian copsed on her pillow and heaved a deep sigh.


    What the man had said before leaving further damaged her confidence.


    "You have...quite a lot of room for improvement."


    Seeing the wordless expression on Yu Luobai''s face, Ji Nian felt somewhat ashamed. Grabbing the quilt, she covered her face, unable to stop herself from yelling a few times to vent her frustration.


    Suddenly, the handsome face of Yu Luobai shed through her mind. Ji Nian was startled, and couldn''t help reying the scene.


    The way he had seriously acted today - the lighting at the music bar wasn''t too bright either. Under the warm lights, the man''s chiseled face carried an air of nobility. When he delivered his lines, he was truly too handsome! Just thinking about it made Ji Nian a little excited.


    "No, no no." Ji Nian shook her head and quickly pped her own face, murmuring to herself: "Calm down, calm down. How can I admire him like a fan?"


    Just as she was lost in thought, she suddenly heard the faint sound of the door closing downstairs. Ji Nian was startled, and looked towards the balcony - it was dark outside already. Who hade home?


    At that moment downstairs, Shen Shuyao''s cheeks were still flushed. She had just gone out for dinner with Ye Jingzhan, and the two of them had naturally returned together.


    Seeing the shy look on the woman''s face, Ye Jingzhan felt happy. He put his arm around her waist, startling her.


    "Mr. Ye..." Shen Shuyao lowered her head, her heartbeat quickening, not daring to look at the man''s face.


    Ye Jingzhan was provoked by the woman''s appearance, recalling that night. His body gradually grew hot, and he firmly gripped her chin.


    Shen Shuyao was domineeringly pulled into the man''s embrace, and forcibly had her chin lifted. Her earlobes and cheeks grew even redder.


    Seeing the woman''s crimson lips, a cryptic darkness shed through Ye Jingzhan''s eyes. He gently bit down, tangling his tongue with hers.


    From her initial slight struggle, Shen Shuyao was gradually led by the man to sink into itpletely.


    Ye Jingzhan''s passion was ignited. With a sweep of his arm, he picked her up horizontal, intending to head upstairs to the bedroom.


    At that moment upstairs, Ji Nian had apletely dumbfounded expression. She hade out to see who hade home after hearing the door open downstairs.


    She definitely hadn''t expected to see such an explosive scene, and stood frozen on the staircase, stunned.


    And so Ye Jingzhan carried Shen Shuyao, looking up the stairs, while Ji Nian stood on the second floor looking down.


    The scene froze like that, Shen Shuyao was startled, her mind exploding in an instant. She struggled free from the man''s embrace.


    Ji Nian regained her senses, and awkwardly but politely smiled, "Pretend I''m not here, not here! I''ll go tidy my room immediately!"


    After speaking, Ji Nian didn''t hesitate to run into the master bedroom. She hurriedly shoved the messy clothes on the bed into the wardrobe, then took her ownmonly worn female lead''s clothes into the guest room opposite.


    Ye Jingzhan, who had calmly walked up the stairs, stood outside watching the panic-stricken woman tidying up the room. He couldn''t help but frown.


    If not foring back today, it seemed like he hadpletely forgotten there was another woman staying in the vi.


    Ji Nian saw the two standing at the door. She sped up her actions and tidied up before rushing out with her phone charger.


    She smiled awkwardly at the man, "Done tidying up."


    Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly froze in ce, recalling something. The president was a bit OCD. She had forgotten to change the bedsheets!


    In a sh, she immediately turned back. Under the dumbfounded gazes of the two, she changed the bedsheets, quilt cover and pillowcases in the fastest speed possible.


    Ji Nian inexplicably felt the male lead''s imposing aura. Her mind was a little nervous as she carried the bedsheets and quilt covers out again.


    Facing the man''s cold expression, she blinked her innocent big eyes and hurried downstairs with her head lowered.


    Only then did Shen Shuyaoe back to her senses. Recalling that scene, she was extremely embarrassed, standing in ce at a loss with a red face.


    Ye Jingzhan also hadn''t expected this. The strange fire in his body just now had been ruthlessly extinguished.


    Ji Nian ran downstairs and roughly threw the quilt cover into the washing machine before adding detergent and pressing start to let it wash inside.


    She stood outside on the balcony, heaving a huge sigh of relief. She had almost lost herself for a while, forgetting this was the male lead''s territory.


    Upstairs, Shen Shuyao awkwardly exined, "Xiao Nian doesn''t have much work, so she spends most of her time at home."


    Ye Jingzhan was unhappy to have his good deed interrupted, but didn''t show it. He just nodded coldly before going back downstairs.


    Seeing the twoe down, Ji Nian thought - she was done for! She had disturbed the male lead''s good deed. Would he hold it against her?


    "Xiao Nian..." Shen Shuyao walked over with a red face, originally wanting to exin something.


    "You two..." Seeing the female leade over, Ji Nian asked curiously in a low voice, "Since when have you been so close?"


    Knowing the woman had seen that earlier scene, Shen Shuyao lowered her reddened face and answered, "We''ve been going out for meals frequently recently."


    "How shameless, having a secret affair and not telling me." Ji Nian murmured, if not for witnessing that scene today, she wouldn''t have known the male and female leads had progressed so swiftly.


    But thinking about it, the two in the book, despite their initial contradictions, the female lead was still often forcibly taken advantage of by the male lead.


    Seeing how well the two seemed now, it didn''t appear the contradictions in the book had urred. Could the plot have deviated because of her?


    "Sorry, Xiao Nian, I haven''t had time to spend with youtely." Shen Shuyao looked extremely remorseful.


    From the corner of her eye, Ji Nian saw the male lead sitting on the sofa emanating coldness, reading a newspaper with an aloof expression.


    "Silly, what''s there to apologize for?" Ji Nianughed, "I''ll feel at ease as long as you two are happily in love."


    Hearing the words "in love", Shen Shuyao''s face flushed as she softly responded, "Mm..."

 Chapter 60: The Scene of Social Death

    <h4>Chapter 60</h4>


    Ji Nian was startled when she woke up early in the morning to find herself in an unfamiliar room. After a few moments, she remembered that Shen Shuyao and the male lead had suddenly moved back into the vi yesterday, so she had moved into the guest room.


    Ji Nian got out of bed to go downstairs and wash up. When she went downstairs, she saw the already dressed and groomed Shen Shuyao, as well as the male lead Ye Jingzhan, who was eating breakfast.


    "Good morning," Ji Nian said. Although Ye Jingzhan had a cold look on his face, there was a sense of satisfaction in his eyebrows and eyes. Could it be that something had happened between the twost night?


    When Shen Shuyao saw Ji Niane over, she seemed a little shy and kept her head lowered with a bashful smile. "Good morning, little Nian."


    Ji Nian gave the female lead a meaningful look, leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "You''re glowing this morning. It looks like something happenedst night."


    Shen Shuyao was embarrassed by the teasing and quickly pushed Ji Nian away. "Go get washed up!"


    Ji Nian blinked innocently as if she could see right through Shen Shuyao before walking away to the bathroom.


    Although Ye Jingzhan was eating breakfast, he kept ncing at Ji Nian''s back out of the corner of his eye. Strangely, the addition of another woman to the house didn''t make him feel awkward at all. On the contrary, he felt quite calm about it.


    Shen Shuyao was currently dating Ye Jingzhan. Although the man was usually cold, for some reason, the more time she spent with him, the more attracted she felt.


    "I''m done," Ye Jingzhan said tly as he stood up.


    Shen Shuyao quickly got to her feet. Somewhat flustered, she asked, "Do you want me to see you off?"


    Ye Jingzhan could sense her nervousness. Recalling what happenedst night, he could still clearly remember what the woman felt like. His throat tightened as he reluctantly berated himself. He didn''t used to be like this.


    "No need," he said decisively before walking out without hesitation.


    As Shen Shuyao watched the man leave, she suddenly felt a sense of loss. She didn''t know why, but she always felt that he didn''t seem to like her that much.


    Ji Nian had just finished washing up and came out to see Shen Shuyao staring nkly at the doorway. Puzzled, she walked over and asked, "What''s wrong? What are you looking at?"


    Shen Shuyao came back to her senses. Her emotions wereplicated, and she hesitated before speaking up. "Little Nian..."


    "Hmm?" Ji Nian looked confused.


    "I always feel that Chairman Ye doesn''t seem to..." Shen Shuyao faltered and said, "like me very much."


    Ji Nian was shocked. They had already slept together, yet she was saying this kind of thing?


    Her mind raced as she thought about the emotional plotline between the male and female leads. It seemed like the previous bickering was gone. Could this be why their emotions hadn''t warmed up?


    "Feelings need to be nurtured slowly," Ji Nian said seriously. "You haven''t been with Chairman Ye for long, plus he''s the unemotional type without any dating experience. It''s unavoidable that there will be many inadequacies when ites to romance."


    Shen Shuyao thought about it and felt that she had a point. This was also her first time dating. But as a woman, she could sense whether a man liked her or not.


    "So don''t be impatient. Since you two are dating, go with the flow and don''t stress about this kind of thing," Ji Nian continued persuading her.


    Shen Shuyao nodded. She felt that something was off about Ji Nian''s words, but she didn''t know what exactly, leaving her confused.


    At this moment, Ye Jingzhan, who had just gone out ande back, overheard the women''s entire conversation clearly. A trace of darkness shed through his eyes when he heard that he was "unemotional" and "inexperienced in rtionships."


    When Shen Shuyao saw that the man had returned, there was a hint of delight in her eyes. "Chairman Ye!"


    Ji Nian froze. She didn''t say anything strange just now, did she? Did the male lead hear?


    "Pfft." Augh came from behind her.


    Ji Nian was stunned to hear this familiar voice. A chill went down her back when she realized the viin had shown up too! What was he doing here so early in the morning?


    It was truly an embarrassing situation. She awkwardly turned around to look.


    "What a coincidence, Dr. Pei."


    Ye Jingzhan''s eyebrows twitched slightly. Dr. Pei? He was even on a first-name basis with the people around him. This woman was not simple.


    "It''s not a coincidence. I came here specifically," Pei Yuchen said with a faint smile. Seeing the unfamiliar woman standing next to them, he looked her up and down with interest and asked amusingly, "Oh? Is this Chairman Ye''s girlfriend?"


    Shen Shuyao hadn''t seen this person before. Seeing his gentle demeanor and grey athletic attire, she got the impression that he was gentle and refined.


    Hearing the man''s question, she shyly lowered her head and answered, "Hello."


    In contrast, Pei Yuchen was very curious about the woman in front of him and stared right at her. She was quite good-looking with an innocent face that resembled a young girl ignorant of the ways of the world.


    But beauties like her were a dime a dozen in their social circle. So why was this particr woman able to make Chairman Ye not have an averse reaction?


    Seeing that the viin kept staring at the female lead, Ji Nian''s whole body shuddered. She quickly stood in front of Shen Shuyao, her mind in turmoil. Could it be? Was the viin about to fall in love at first sight with the female lead?


    Shen Shuyao was startled. Her head poked out from behind Ji Nian as she asked in bewilderment, "Little Nian, what''s wrong?"


    Ji Nian froze. She blinked her innocent big eyes and let out an awkwardugh. "Ahaha, Dr. Pei, did youe here for something?"


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow at the woman''s actions, as if she was an animal protecting its young. His eyes shed with amusement.


    "I identally cut my palm while exercising this morning. I just got back to the country, and things aren''t ready at home yet, so I came to use your first aid kit."


    "Hurry up," Ye Jingzhan said coldly.


    "I''ll go get it for you," Shen Shuyao said when she heard, immediately heading upstairs.


    At this time, it was just the three of them downstairs. Ji Nian felt intimidated having to face these two men alone and smiled awkwardly. "Ahaha, I''ll go help."


    "Didn''t Miss Ji say she was going to lose weight? Howe she didn''t go running this morning?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile, stopping Ji Nian just as she turned to leave. His words seemed to be testing the woman.


    Ji Nian was taken aback but had no choice but to stop. She cursed the viin inwardly for being so nosy.


    "Hmm?" Ye Jingzhan had no idea that the two were so familiar with each other and nced at the woman next to him.


    "I''ve interacted with Miss Ji a few times," Pei Yuchen exined.


    Ye Jingzhan still had an aloof expression. "Doesn''t seem like it," he said tly.


    "Ahaha," Ji Nianughed awkwardly but politely.


    "But Miss Ji seems to understand Chairman Ye very well, even knowing that he has never dated before and saying that he''s unemotional," Pei Yuchen said with a smile as he turned to face the other man, though his words seemed to be testing the woman.


    Ye Jingzhan gave Ji Nian an icy look. Had she gotten close to him on purpose? The fact that he had never dated before could be easily discovered by someone with ulterior motives.


    "Miss Ji also seems to know quite a bit about you, even knowing that you''re a doctor."


    At this moment, Ji Nian felt like a bolt from the blue. She was done for! How was she going to exin this?


    "......"


    Having heard this, Pei Yuchen nced over. Could it be that Chairman Ye hadn''t told her he was a doctor?


    Ji Nian wanted to make a run for it. The two protagonists of this novel both had top-notch intelligence. Her unintentional slip-up would be hard to exin.


    "Sorry it took me so long to find the first aid kit." Shen Shuyao walked over apologetically, sessfully breaking the awkward atmosphere.


    Ji Nian heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness the female lead came back! She was so moved she could cry...


    Pei Yuchen took the first aid kit with a smile. "It''s fine, thanks."


    "You''re wee," Shen Shuyao said bashfully.


    "Let''s go," Ye Jingzhan said, ncing at the woman who was silently minimizing her presence. He couldn''t help but think that he needed to investigate her background.


    With the first aid kit in hand, Pei Yuchen didn''t linger either. But as he left, he gave the woman onest meaningful look.


    Ji Nian avoided the viin''s gaze somewhat guiltily. She now felt that it would be best for her to not stay here for too long.

 Chapter 61: Why don’t you change careers

    <h4>Chapter 61</h4>


    After the incident in the morning, Ji Nian was clearly absent-minded when she went to ss with Yu Luobai in the afternoon. She kept thinking, would the viin and male lead be suspicious?


    "Didn''t sleep wellst night?" Seeing the woman''s listless appearance, Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows and asked.


    Ji Nian sighed deeply, she really felt like the script in her hand was a hot potato. She was just an ordinary person, how could she act? Wasn''t this just ying around?


    "It''s okay, let''s continue." Ji Nian tried her best to invigorate her spirit. She was an actress after all, the most important thing right now was to resolve the issue of joining the crew in a week.


    Yu Luobai looked at the woman''s bare face. Although her hair was casually tied in a ponytail and she wore loose T-shirt, she still gave off an elegant aura and looked very beautiful.


    To be honest, he had seen many women in the entertainment industry, but she was the first one to not care about her image at all in front of him.


    "I''ve read this script before, it''s about how the second female lead was once saved by the male lead, so she secretly harbored feelings for him." Ji Nian frowned.


    Yu Luobai gently nodded. "At the beginning, the character setting of this second female lead was not bad. As a youngdy from a prestigious family, she had an outgoing and lively personality. It was because she liked the male lead that she became jealous and slowly turned evil."


    "It''s just that I can''t act out this kind of feeling." Ji Nian said awkwardly.


    "The male lead is Cheng Liran." Yu Luobai looked at the woman with amusement in his eyes and said with augh, "Just act out your feelings for him."


    Ji Nian was stunned. When she heard the name Cheng Liran, she felt her heart tightened slightly and pain spread from her chest.


    Seeing the woman freeze, Yu Luobai realized the joke went too far. Somewhat embarrassed, he rubbed his nose and said, "Sorry."


    Ji Nian felt a little flustered. Why would she react this way? In the original book, Ji Nianmitted suicide, but after she transmigrated into the book, she was still affected by the original owner.


    "It''s okay..." Ji Nian forced a smile.


    But to Yu Luobai, her smile was too reluctant. He saw a transient bleakness sh through her eyes at that moment.


    "You can act more lively and spoiled to portray this character in the early stages." Seeing the woman seemingly back to normal, Yu Luobai said, "Let''s start rehearsing now. Try to immerse yourself into this role."


    Looking at the serious man in front of her, Ji Nian was a little stunned. Although it was very inappropriate to space out now, Yu Luobai was just too handsome.


    "Okay, I''ll try."


    At this time, Ye Jingzhan just finished a meeting and saw Liu Yi walk in with a tablet.


    "Mr. Ye." Liu Yi called out.


    Ye Jingzhan looked up and asked lightly, "What is it?"


    Liu Yi handed the tablet over and ced it on the desk. He said, "Here is all the information about Ji Nian. She''s quite pitiful."


    Ye Jingzhan nodded. It was already a miracle that this woman could get close to him. He would just ignore her for the sake being Shen Shuyao¡¯s friend.


    However, the words she said today made him suspect she had ulterior motives, and was even able to chat andugh with Pei Yuchen. She was not a simple person.


    Ye Jingzhan tapped open the tablet and scrolled down. He was stunned and couldn¡¯t help frowning.


    Liu Yi said, "She dropped out of high school in 10th grade and worked for two years. She came to Beijing when she was 18. By chance, she became a trainee. After training for a year, she debuted at 19."


    Ye Jingzhan nodded, then his eyes shed with surprise. "Cheng Liran? The celebrity''s son from the Cheng family?"


    "Yes, there are also rumors online that the two dated for a year and recently broke up. The woman even sued and went into debt of 100 million yuan."


    Ye Jingzhan sneered. "Would the Cheng family allow something like this to happen?"


    "The Cheng familyter suppressed this matter. But it is strange that after the rtionship was exposed, Miss Ji has never responded to it." Liu Yi said.


    After reading the information, Ye Jingzhan roughly had an idea. Ji Nian was just like those other women, trying to marry into money. However, her methods were quite special.


    "Ignore it for now." Ye Jingzhan put down the tablet and said lightly, "If she tries to do anything, kick her out of Beijing."


    Liu Yi was surprised. For some reason, he suddenly felt very sorry for this woman. He was the one who investigated her information, but the results were shocking.


    It couldn''t be simply summed up in a few words. This woman''s past life was really unimaginable.


    Ji Nian didn''t know that she had been thoroughly investigated by others. She was still trying her best to learn acting.


    Yu Luobai rubbed his temples and said helplessly, "I think your singing is quite good, why not switch careers?"


    Ji Nian: "..."


    "Your acting is too deliberate, it just gives a very fake feeling. You are not truly immersing yourself into the role." Yu Luobai said directly.


    "I think I can still salvage this a bit..." Ji Nian said awkwardly.


    Yu Luobai looked at his wristwatch and said solemnly, "I still have a schedule to catch. Go back and practice in front of a mirror. I want to see improvement from you tomorrow."


    "Got it!" A firm and loud voice.


    After being hit in her confidence in acting, Ji Nian still had a listless appearance when she returned to the vi.


    She had just copsed on the sofa when WeChat popped up with a message.


    He Yi: Sister, did you go jogging today?


    Ji Nian: ...


    He Yi: Losing 5 kg is imperative.


    Ji Nian: I''m requesting a day off.


    He Yi: No way. You''ll start filming in a few days. It''s already hard for thin people to lose weight. Hurry up and do 40 minutes of aerobic exercise. Xiao Tang will send a sd over for you tonight.


    Ji Nian: Why torture me!


    He Yi: Hurry up, immediately, go exercise!


    Ji Nian: Bye!


    Before she could catch her breath, and her butt hadn''t warmed up the couch yet, although very reluctant, Ji Nian still chose to resign herself to fate and prepared to exercise with a hopeless look.


    She jogged to the park in the vi area, looking at the road under her feet. She heaved a deep sigh and slowly started running.


    Forty minutes felt neither long nor short, but it was really torturous to actually exercise.


    After barely finishing the run, Ji Nian walked back with her entire head drenched in sweat. It was scorching hot, and 40 minutes of exercise could practically kill someone.


    As she passed the road in front of the viin''s house, Ji Nian felt a little guilty and quickly jogged past until she felt she had run quite far before slowing down.


    Ji Nian heaved a sigh of relief, but when she looked up, she froze in ce.


    Pei Yuchen looked at the woman in front of him. Her cheeks were flushed red, and her bangs stuck to her forehead from sweat. Her hair was also a bit messy.


    "Miss Ji?" Pei Old Madam said in surprise.


    "Miss Ji." Pei Yuchen greeted her with a smile and asked, "Exercising this afternoon?"


    Ji Nian blinked her innocent big eyes. What kind of luck was this? Was she fated to keep encountering the viin?


    "Good afternoon, Dr. Pei." Although very unhappy inside, she still greeted him obediently.

 Chapter 62: The Second Half of Variety

    <h4>Chapter 62</h4>


    "What kind of work do you do, Miss Ji?" Old Madam asked tentatively.


    Ji Nian just wanted to leave quickly, but she still had to be polite to the viinous family members. With a smile she said, "I debuted two years ago. Right now I''m just shooting shows and singing songs."


    Old Madam understood. She looked the young and beautiful woman up and down. At her young age, not going to school but bing a little star was also normal.


    "We were just about to go back and have dinner. Would Miss Ji like to join us?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    "No need!" Ji Nian refused. Then she felt like her reaction was too obvious, and she quickly smiled awkwardly, "I have a lot of worktely. Next I still have to read the script."


    Amusement shed in Pei Yuchen''s eyes. He was actually very curious about this woman, how did she know he was a doctor?


    "Miss Ji,st time you told me your name is Ji Nian?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian didn''t react for a moment. She didn''t understand why the viin was asking this. Puzzled, she nodded and asked, "Yes, what''s up?"


    She saw a sh of obscure deeper meaning in the man''s smiling eyes. Heughed, "Nothing, I just think the name Ji Nian is very special."


    Ji Nian didn''t understand what nonsense the viin was up to. Her eyes shed a hint of caution, and she said drily, "Dr. Pei, then I''ll...go get busy now."


    Seeing her about to slip away again, and his grandmother was also present, Pei Yuchen decided not to tease her. He nodded and said, "Alright."


    Hearing his reply, this was the first time Ji Nian felt this viin was easy to get along with. She had thought he would make it so she couldn''t get away again likest time.


    "Goodbye." The corners of Ji Nian''s mouth turned up in a smile. As soon as she finished speaking she hurried away, afraid this man would call out to her again.


    Watching the woman''s fleeing figure, Pei Yuchenughed out loud. He suddenly remembered the information he had casually searched online - this woman should be called Ji Xiaonian.


    Old Madam looked at her precious grandson, surprise shing in her eyes. She asked, "Usually you can''t be bothered with those women, but you pay special attention to this young girl."


    Pei Yuchen held the old woman''s hand andughed. "Wasn''t Grandma urging me to find a girlfriend just now?"


    "You like her?" Shock shed in Old Madam''s eyes, then her face immediately darkened. "That won''t do," she said.


    Hearing these words, ayer of coldness crept over Pei Yuchen''s gentle smile. He didn''t speak, just carefully supported the elderly woman as they walked forward.


    "It''s not that Grandma doesn''t support you, but this kind of thing requires simr family backgrounds. This little star didn''t go to school and her family circumstances aren''t good either. The gap is too big. If she gets close to you, I''m afraid she has ulterior motives," Old Madam exined, afraid her precious grandson would get angry.


    "If Grandma cares so much about family backgrounds, then why did she still let my mother into our family," Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    Old Madam was stunned. She knew the "mother" he was referring to was that woman who had intruded on their family.


    "I..." Old Madam''s face instantly looked much older, and she said bitterly, "Chenchen, Grandpa and Grandma have wronged you."


    "I''m nning to take over thepany''s work in a couple days," Pei Yuchen said indifferently.


    Old Madam was stunned for a moment, then her face showed gratification. "Very good, that''s asking a lot of you," she said.


    "I''m the only son in the family. Since Father wanted me to inherit thepany, then I''ll go," Pei Yuchen said, his tone detached.


    Old Madam didn''t say anything more. Seeing they had arrived home, she changed the subject with a smile. "I''ll have the housekeeper auntie cook you soup. Try itter."


    A faint smile crossed Pei Yuchen''s face. "Alright, thanks Grandma," he answered.


    Ji Nian had just returned to the vi after working up a sweat. After showering, she sat down on the living room sofa.


    Just then she received a message from thendy, urging her to pay rent.


    Ji Nian suddenly remembered that she hadn''t been back to the farmhouse she was renting on the outskirts of Beijing for a long time. She opened up a transfer and sent thendy money.


    Suddenly there was an iing call. Seeing it was He Yi, Ji Nian figured it must be urging her to lose weight again.


    "I know, I just got back from my run," she answered without waiting for the other party to speak.


    "That''s good," He Yi was busy at thepany. "I''m calling about something else," she said.


    "What is it?" Ji Nian asked.


    "Before when you terminated your contract, the breach penalty from your previouspany was 4 million yuan. They''reing to collect now. If you have money on hand, don''t give it to Cheng Liran first," He Yi had just received a call from the formerpany, telling her to help collect.


    As soon as Ji Nian heard it was a debt issue, she was stressed. Not only was she unable to properly enjoy transmigrating here, but there were annoying things to deal with every day.


    She hadn''t resolved the money problem yet, but still had to deal with acting in order to use the female lead''s halo to get close to Shen Shuyao. And she had to keep showing up in front of the viin and male lead from time to time. She felt like she was already seeing the end of her life.


    "Fine, I know. When I have money, pay back thepany debt first," Ji Nian said impatiently.


    "OK, I have to get back to work. Remember to think about the script, and exercise every day," He Yi left some worried reminders before suddenly remembering something else. "Oh right, the dating show episode you filmed will air the second half tonight."


    Ji Nian leaned back against the sofa and yawned. "I know," she said with a nod.


    After hanging up, Ji Nian picked up the script, nning to mutter lines to herself and feel out the acting. She recalled Yu Luobai''s lesson, to immerse herself into it and imagine she was the person described in the script.


    Soon it was nighttime, and the second half of the dating show began airing, long awaited by the fans online tuning in.


    At the start of the show, there was a rey clip from the first half. The scene turned to show the woman skillfully picking up sticks from the ground, borrowing the force of her knees to snap them - by this point the bullet screenments had also be lively.


    "Ji Xiaonian is so down to earth."


    "These moves, isn''t this standard for rural viges when we were young?"


    "I think she''s from the countryside."


    "Suddenly I don''t feel she''s as delicate as I thought."


    On screen, Ji Nian cleanly and efficiently prepared the ingredients, killing and brining the fish. Shen Shuyao brought over the peeled garlic and sliced ginger she had cut up.


    "What to do, our honey Shuyao is so cute, obediently sitting to the side."


    "The eternal gods of the Studying Books CP, this is too good a pairing."


    "I can''t stand it, it''s as if I''m seeing their married life."


    "Married life? What an interesting way to put it..."


    "Ji Xiaonian looks cool and morous but unexpectedly does things very down-to-earth."


    On screen, seeing her skilled appearance, Shen Shuyao was stunned over and over. She opened her mouth and asked, "It seems like you''re...quite experienced..."


    "When I was little, at my grandparents'' ce in the countryside, the kitchen was like this too, and the environment was even worse. Sometimes I did all the cooking," Ji Nian answered with augh.


    The online fans also left many bullet screenments after hearing this.


    "I guessed that already."


    "Very straightforward to openly admit it, I suddenly like her a lot more."


    "You can tell with her skilled appearance that she often does physical work."


    "What good is a pretty face? She''s still just some country bumpkin."


    "Poster above, what do you have against the countryside? What did rural areas ever do to offend you?"


    "Yeah, what''s wrong with people from the countryside?"


    "Those antis need to just watch the show and not discriminate."

 Chapter 63: The Couple Who Read

    <h4>Chapter 63</h4>


    At this moment in the camera lens, Shen Shuyao saw sweat streaming down the pale cheeks of the woman. She took the small pack of tissue paper out of her pocket and walked over silently to help wipe off her sweat.


    "Is it too hot? There''s a small fan in the room. Let me get it to blow on you, okay?" Shen Shuyao gently asked.


    Ji Nian smiled and shook her head, answering, "No need to go through all that trouble. Are you hot? Do you want to go inside and get some air conditioning first? I''ll get this ready."


    Shen Shuyao also had some fine sweat on her forehead. She shook her head and said, "Not hot. I''ll wait for you."


    Seeing this scene, the online viewers immediately started leavingments.


    "Ahhhhhhh I can''t take this anymore!"


    "Just get married on the spot!"


    "Wahhh our Shuyao is so considerate."


    "Because of Shen Shuyao, I''ve be a fan of Ji Nian."


    When the dishes came out on the table, a round of close-up shots made those watching the variety show at night start salivating.


    "That''s making me really hungry."


    "Quietly opening a food delivery app."


    "Doesn''t look like it, but the food is quite appetizing."


    Ji Nian herself didn''t know what people thought about tonight''s episode of the reality show.


    Because at that moment, she was painfully acting in front of the mirror, with a miserable look on her face as she stared at the script in her hand.


    She finally understood the suffering of actors. Turns out acting really requires talent. After a whole night of acting opposite her reflection in the mirror, she finally felt like she had made a tiny bit of progress. At least she felt much better than before.


    Online, the reality show became hot again, ranking #1 on Weibo''s trending chart. The title was also quite interesting - Nian Book CP, Nian Book Couple. There were alsoption videos made by true love fans of their various interactions.


    Someizens who hadn''t watched the show clicked on the trending topic and saw the elegant beauty Ji Nian and the innocent cutie Shen Shuyao.


    Plus there was some height difference between them which made the edited footage look amazing - helping polish shoes, taking care of each other on the show, the vow to dedicate herself. It made many people unable to help smiling.


    The scene of them riding a tandem bicycle was both funny and exhrating. That "old driver" line madeizens call out "Awesome!" while Ji Nian looked every inch an old geezer, not caring about her image at all.


    In the video, Ji Nian interrupted the female lead and earnestly said, "Look at you, just a little thing, and this frame is so heavy. Plus I''m stronger, this frame is made of bamboo, what if the tips hurt you? Be good and just wait next to me."


    Ji Nian gave a reassuring look and jokingly said, "I''m responsible for making money to support the family. You''re responsible for being as beautiful as a flower."


    Later in the video when they were gathered for a meal afterpleting the task, there was also a scene of Ji Nian peeling shrimp for Shen Shuyao. The background music was especially sweet. After watching,izensmented below the Weibo post.


    "These two won''t end well if they don''t get married."


    "I''m unterally locking this couple down, I swallowed the key."


    "Nian Book true love fan."


    "Too obsessed!"


    "Another weird CP added."


    "Sisters, I''m a bit crazy over them."


    But at that moment, the trending topic was pushed up by the mysterious person''s title again. In the video, the woman candidly talked about the mysteriousposer being her friend, and she didn''t even charge for the songs.


    Just one song "Flying Bugs" directly brought the highest poprity ever to the reality show episode.


    At this time, a famousposer Lin Xi alsomented below, bringing the topic to an even higher level of poprity.


    "Mysterious, first-ss inposing and lyrics, and the musical style is not consistent - (guest), (arrogant), (ordinary road), (flying bugs), and (dream wedding), each song can give people surprise. If I get a chance, I hope I can meet this person one day."


    "Oh my god, even the famousposer Lin Xi came toment!"


    "Ji Nian must have burned a lot of incense to meet a friend like Mysterious."


    "Do you guys think Cheng Liran would know Mysterious?"


    "Adding on, since Ji Nian is his ex-girlfriend, Cheng Liran must know Mysterious."


    "So far, Mysterious has only given songs to Ji Nian alone."


    "I have a bold guess, could Mysterious like Ji Nian?"


    "Go away, Ji Nian belongs to Shen Shuyao. Don''t break up the Nian Book couple!"


    At that moment, far away Cheng Liran received several calls from others in the industry. He looked at the trending content and smiled wryly.


    Even Eighth Older Brother was confused on the side and asked, "Liran, you spent a lot of time with Ji Nian. She really didn''t mention this Mysterious person to you?"


    Cheng Liran helplessly said, "We were contractual lovers, how would I know about her private life?"


    Tonight several people called to ask who the mysteriousposer was and if he could help introduce them. He was truly confused.


    On this end, the higher ups of Huayu Company also urgently held ate night meeting. Everyone knew Ji Nian was a newly signed artist of thepany, and although she had some fame before, no one expected her to explode in poprity overnight.


    Even the famousposer Lin Xi praised her, so thepany executives mainly wanted Ji Nian to reveal information about Mysterious to see if they could sign Mysterious too.


    On He Yi''s end, not only did he receive a notification from the higher upste at night, he also received invitations from various show producers, mostly variety shows, singing shows, and talentpetitions.


    Shen Shuyao was filming a night scene and saw the person next to her staring with shocked eyes. She asked in confusion, "What''s wrong?"


    "Damn!" He Yi opened the trending page and couldn''t help but cry out, "Ji Nian is trending!"


    Shen Shuyao blinked her innocent big eyes in bewilderment. "Hmm?"


    "Look, the second half of your show directly exploded. The viewership and poprity are both #1!" He Yi excitedly passed his phone over and said, "Nian''s ''Flying Bugs'' is trending. There''s even ament from Lin Xi below. Awesome!"


    Shen Shuyaoughed when she saw the fans''ments about Nian Book CP. She said, "Nian is great, it''s only right that she''s trending."


    He Yi knew they were good friends and said with augh, "Your fans have gone to follow Ji Nian too. I''ve never seen such obsessive shipping between two women online before."


    Shen Shuyao also helplessly shook her head and said, "I didn''t expect it either. Nian and I were actually called the Nian Book couple."


    "Can''t lie, Nian Book is a pretty interesting name, hahaha." He Yiughed out loud.


    Meanwhile, Ji Nian here waspletely oblivious to her online poprity. After puzzling over the acting for a whole night, she had already lifelessly copsed in bed.


    Even before falling asleep, her mind was full of various lines and all the plot lines from the script. She restlessly flipped over and soon fell into a deep sleep.

 Chapter 64: Five Million in the Bank

    <h4>Chapter 64</h4>


    Early in the morning, sunlight leaked out from the gaps in the curtains, and warm rays shone on the fairplexion of the woman in bed. Ji Nian struggled to open her eyes, groping for her phone beside her.


    Squinting at the screen disying eight thirty, she finally gave a big yawn and hazily sat up.


    Ji Nian rubbed her eyes and looked at the message prompts from the middle of the night. Opening them, she was confused.


    He Yi: Sis!


    He Yi: You''re viral!


    He Yi: Your variety show exploded! I received many messagesst night, all inviting you to participate in shows. You''ve made it out! I''ll help filter and find a good one for you to take.


    He Yi: Oh right, thepany wants you to go over in the morning. Mainly to ask about your mysterious friend, saying they want to sign a contract or something.


    He Yi: The famousposer Lin Ximented on you. Remember to reply appropriately, he''s someone you can get along with.


    He Yi: Asleep?


    He Yi: Reply me when you wake up.


    Ji Nian nkly looked at the content on the screen. She had practiced acting tootest night, and had already forgotten about the next episode of I Love Life that she was on.


    By now, she was wide awake. Opening Weibo, she directly saw the trending topics - (Bookworm Couple) (Mysterious Composer) (Little Bug Flies).


    And the most conspicuousment had over 100,000 likes. Ji Nian saw his name - it was the famousposer Lin Xi that He Yi mentioned.


    Ji Nian didn''t know who Lin Xi was. After all, the novel didn''t deliberately write about him either. This was probably a hidden character triggered by her transmigration.


    Although this was a novel, it was like an entire world and timeline here, with many unstable factors.


    Thinking this way, Ji Nian felt she had to work harder to hug the female lead''s thighs. Only by sticking close to Shen Shuyao could she feel more secure.


    Indeed, just filming a variety show with the female lead made her go viral. Such was the power of the halo.


    He Yi asked her to reply to Lin Xi''sment. She thought for a bit beforementing under it.


    "Thank you for your praise. Mystery has been my friend for many years. I''ve asked for his opinion too. Composing is just his hobby and interest, he doesn''t hope for it to affect his private life. He also asked me to tell everyone, thanks for liking the songs heposed."


    After saying this, Ji Nian exited Weibo. Then she opened WeChat and replied He Yi''s messages fromst night.


    Ji Nian: I can''t reveal the mystery. So I won''t go to thepany, help me exin.


    He Yi saw the message and was stunned. She thought, what kind of operation was this? Was she just pushing this off to her...


    He Yi: So arrogant?


    Ji Nian: Where can I find someone to pretend to be him? Would you believe me if I said I was Mystery?


    He Yi: I''d be beaten to death before believing that.


    Ji Nian: Anyway I can''t handle thepany side. And this is my personal connection, what does thepany want?


    He Yi: Alright, I understand what you mean. Let me see if I can help you resolve this.


    Ji Nian: Great, I''m counting on you!


    He Yi: I can only try. Thepany may still want you to go in person.


    Ji Nian replied with an OK emoji, then got out of bed. She was thinking of going downstairs to the bathroom to wash up. Seeing the scenery outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the weather was great with sunny skies.


    After washing up, she went to the kitchen wanting to boil some water to drink. But a message suddenly popped up.


    "Damn!" The woman''s eyes widened.


    5 million had arrived in her ount! Ji Nian''s mouth instantly curled up, unable to hold back her delight. Although she had known all along that the 5 million for Ordinary Road would reach her.


    But when the money actually arrived, the joy waspletely different. She was about to be a little rich woman again.


    But before she could get too excited, He Yi''s words suddenly came to mind - she had to repay thepany''s debts first, now that she had money.


    Thepany''s 4 million, Cheng Liran''s 2.77 million, added up to 6.77 million.


    Although very reluctant, Ji Nian was used to it already. She smoothly opened Alipay, first entering thepany''s bank ount that He Yi had sent, and transferred 4 million over, adding the note "Ji Nian".


    Then she opened the other familiar ount, sending 1 million to Cheng Liran, with the note: "Still owe you 1.77 million."


    Very good. Ji Nian had a slight smile. The 5 million that had just arrived was gone just like that.


    After a brief heartache, she decided to let it go. With 10 million owed before, and now only 1.77 million left? No need to panic! Her horizons had to expand, this was all small money!


    At this time,izens discovered in astonishment under Lin Xi''sment that there was a reply from an ID "Ji Nian Who Wants To Get Rich Quick".


    Clicking in, it was actually a verified official ount! Everyone was shocked, the original poster hade!


    "Ji Nian changed her name? How did I not know about this?"


    "She changed it long ago, your inte is just too slow, girl."


    "Hahaha, I changed my name to the same thing too, ___ Who Wants To Get Rich Quick."


    "Hasn''t everyone noticed? The verified official ount is actually Huayu Agency! A Huayu artist! She signed with Huayu?"


    "Wow, I noticed too! How strange, she didn''t have the verification before?"


    "ording to insider news, Ji Nian signed with Huayu long ago, but thepany only verified her Weibo yesterday. I guess it''s because she trended yesterday."


    "Dang, so realistic."


    "What is everyone paying attention to? Shouldn''t it be Mystery?"


    "Sorry, went off topic, haha."


    "Mystery, you''ve sessfully piqued my interest."


    "I suddenly feel that Mystery is a bit ungrateful. What kind of figure is Lin Xi, and he rejected him so bluntly?"


    "Could it be that Ji Nian is unwilling to reveal Mystery, after all the resources Mystery gave her before. Now that she''s gone viral, it''s inevitable she''d be selfish."


    "Are you stupid, upstairs? Doesn''t Mystery have inte? If he really wanted to reveal himself to the public, could Ji Nian have stopped him?"


    "Haha, that makes sense."


    "How Versailles,posing is just a hobby and interest?"


    "My heart hurts. His mere hobby and interest, while I..."


    Online, discussions erupted. Over here, Lin Xi saw the original poster''s reply and was stunned for a long time, before uncertainly asking his assistant beside him.


    "Is this a rejection?" Lin Xi was surprised.


    The assistant was also confused. As a famousposer, national first-ss performer, he had actually been rejected by an unknown little nobody?


    "Strange, it wasn''t even the person himself rejecting me, but this Ji Nian speaking on his behalf." The assistant said.


    Lin Xiughed. He had been in this industry for decades, having seen all kinds of people. Those he wouldpliment by name were few and far between. But this Mystery, he was even more intrigued now.


    "His songs are very different, the melodies are also great. Especially Little Bug Flies, to be honest, this is a very professional level." Although very unhappy about the rejection, Lin Xi had to admit this Mystery person was strong.


    "Geniuses are all aloof. Although those pop songs sound nice, what''s really interesting still belongs to Ordinary Road and Little Bug Flies." The assistant nodded in agreement.


    "No, Little Bug Flies is also meaningful." Lin Xi recalled the woman''s words on the show.


    Little Bug Flies was to reminisce about an already passed childhood. Although it expressed yearning for love, I feel it''s more of missing familial affection - "Little bug flies", "I want you to apany me", perhaps it''s the inner voice of a child missing their parents.


    "I believe this song will definitely be a ssic in the future, and be passed down for a long time." Lin Xi looked certain of this.

 Chapter 65: The Eye Play

    <h4>Chapter 65</h4>


    After eating the sd Xiao Tang had sent over, Ji Nian was also getting ready to go out, thinking about the y she had diligently practiced all night, she had to show some improvement today!


    When she arrived at the usual ssroom, as soon as Ji Nian walked in, she saw Yu Luobai dressed casually at home, his tall figure and handsome features, sitting on the sofa with one leg crossed, looking quite roguishly handsome.


    "Did you go home and practicest night?" Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, casually flipping through the script in his hand.


    This time Ji Nian was very confident, nodded decisively and said, "I practiced! And I practiced all night! There must be improvement!"


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud, looked over, only to see the woman with a smug look on her face, and asked, "So confident?"


    Ji Nian was embarrassed by his gaze and suddenly lost confidence again, guiltily said, "Actually I feel like there''s a little bit of improvement..."


    Yu Luobai didn''t speak, just looking at the silly woman''s appearance, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and said, "Okay, let''s run lines."


    Ji Nian nodded, gripped her hands nervously, not knowing which part he would take out today.


    Yu Luobai casually pointed to a paragraph in the script and said, "Eye contact y, early supporting actress Song Yu, towards the male lead Bai Ruoyuan''s liking, because the male lead once saved the supporting actress''s life, she goes from admiration to infatuation, this is an eye contact change."


    Ji Nian''s heart skipped a beat, oh no, how can she act this? She has never been in love before, wouldn''t this eye y copse?


    "Look at me." Yu Luobai met the woman''s eyes and said, "Pretend I''m the person you admire, what kind of eyes would you look at me with?"


    Ji Nian met the man''s eyes and was suddenly stunned. She saw his chiseled features, a hint of coldness, and his deep eyes seemed to have a kind of magic that kept attracting her.


    She was embarrassed by his gaze, her ears slightly red, somewhat shyly lowered her head.


    "That''s the feeling." For a fleeting moment Yu Luobai was stunned.


    The woman''s shy demeanor just now, with naive innocence, was like a budding flower. At this moment, he suddenly felt a stir in his heart.


    Ji Nian looked up to meet the man''s eyes, she was a little confused, and asked, "Hmm? What feeling?"


    Yu Luobai came back to his senses, coughed lightly, somewhat unnaturally turned his head away, and answered, "Just now the way you looked at me, for the person you admire, your eyes show shy implications."


    "Hehe..." Ji Nian awkwardly held the script.


    She wasn''t acting just now, she simply met his eyes and felt a little embarrassed, after all being looked at by a handsome guy, it was inevitable to feel self-conscious...


    "You have three days before joining the crew, let''s make good use of the time and go through all the scenes today." Yu Luobai said.


    When Ji Nian thought about having to join the crew, she felt bad all over. Why on earth did she have the courage to agree to this at first...


    "Teacher Yu, you must save me." Ji Nian looked at the man with a pathetic expression, and said pitifully, "Otherwise I''ll be sprayed to death. I checked online, this novel is super popr."


    Yu Luobai smiled and said, "I also wonder how the director saw your acting skills to cast you?"


    Ji Nian blinked her innocent big eyes and answered, "Maybe...the director wasn''t thinking straight for a moment..."


    "Pfft..." Yu Luobaiughed out loud. After spending these days together, he felt this woman was very interesting,pletely different from what was spread online.


    At this time, Shen Shuyao was discussing with He Yi which script they should choose. Since the variety show blew up yesterday, she has also received many drama invitations from various crews.


    He Yi looked at the pile of documents in front of him and shook his head in distress. "Back when there were no scripts, I would directly agree whenever one was sent over. Now that you guys are getting popr, going through and picking, I feel dissatisfied with all these scripts."


    Shen Shuyaoughed and said, "You haven''t finished reading yet."


    He Yi nodded, and continued to flip through the next invitation. He suddenly eximed in surprise, "Huh? Strange? This is a variety entertainment show?"


    Shen Shuyao turned her head over in confusion. "Sent to the wrong ce?"


    "Let me see." He Yi looked carefully at the information, and suddenly cried out in surprise, "Oh my God, this is an invitation for you and Little Nian to go on Happy Camp! This show actually invited you two together!"


    Shen Shuyao was also surprised. She actually received an invitation from Happy Camp. It was known that this show helped make many people popr, and the poprity of artists on this station was nothing to sneeze at.


    "It''s the day after tomorrow! Hurry up and agree!" He Yi was overjoyed andughed, "Let me notify Little Nian first, then contact the show crew. It must have been ast minute invitation, plus it''s a live show, we still have to clear time to rehearse!"


    "Okay." Shen Shuyao smiled in response, also vaguely looking forward to it. Although her poprity now was higher than before, being able to get on this type of show was also a very good start.


    On Ji Nian''s side, she waspletely unaware that another job had been arranged for her, and was seriously running lines.


    Yu Luobai frowned and said, "Ji Nian, don''t avoid eye contact, look at me."


    Ji Nian''s heart beat faster, she didn''t quite dare to look into his eyes, resulting in the lines not going too well just now.


    Yu Luobai put down the script with a "p" and said solemnly, "Ji Nian, you have to be serious."


    Seeing the man looking seemingly angry, Ji Nian was like a child who had done something wrong, bowing her head and saying, "I''m sorry..."


    Yu Luobai rubbed his temples and sighed, "Actually you made progress today. At least for most of the scenes we went through, your acting was rtively more natural. But you need to be more confident with your eyes, don''t avoid them, don''t be afraid, look at me when you speak, understand?"


    Ji Nian nodded somewhat aggrievedly, mumbling, "I want to, but..."


    "But what?" Yu Luobai heard her soft voice and asked.


    "You''re too good-looking, I don''t even dare look much." Ji Nian was criticized and inevitably felt defeated. She was somewhat reckless and said, "What woman doesn''t like handsome guys, besides I have to make eye contact with you, of course I''ll feel shy inside."


    Yu Luobai looked at her with a smiling expression, the corners of his lips curled up, and said, "You''re quite straightforward."


    Ji Nian arrogantly raised her chin and said, "I''m a straight talker."


    Yu Luobai nodded, looking into the woman''s eyes. His eyes were like a clearke, with a gentle and serious expression. He said softly, "I don''t know why, hearing youpliment me makes me inexplicably very happy."


    Ji Nian was stunned. The man''s gentle appearance was like a soft breeze blowing by, making her unable to help but stare nkly.


    She saw him stretch out his slender hand, slowly approaching her face. Just as Ji Nian was about to sink into the feeling, a sharp pain on her forehead made her instantly sober up.


    "Ow, that hurts!" Ji Nian looked aggrieved. He actually flicked her forehead?


    "This is eye acting. Understand?" Seeing the woman''s silly appearance, Yu Luobaiughed out loud.


    "Oh." Ji Nian couldn''t help but roll her eyes. The nice atmosphere was gone just like that.

 Chapter 66: The Day of Death

    <h4>Chapter 66</h4>


    After ss, Ji Nian returned to the vi, still feeling floaty. Her mind kept recalling the man''s gentle eyes.


    "I have to admit, Yu Luobai is really handsome," Ji Nian couldn''t help but exim as she ate the dinner that was delivered.


    The treatment tonight was quite good. At least there was meat in the sd. Although it didn''t have much taste, it was more satisfying than before.


    Before she could finish eating, WeChat messages popped up on her phone. Ji Nian opened them to look.


    He Yi: Sister, there''s a job. Happy Base Camp has invited you onto their show the day after tomorrow, right after we finish recording. Then you can start shooting the next day.


    Ji Nian: Happy Base Camp? What''s that?


    He Yi: ?


    Ji Nian was puzzled, so she quickly searched Baidu and a bunch of information popped up. She skimmed through and basically understood that it was a live variety/entertainment show.


    Ji Nian: Hahaha, just kidding, just kidding.


    He Yi: The show also invited Shuyao. You two will be partners over there so remember to look out for each other. Live shows are easy to get trapped.


    Ji Nian: Live...So there''s no rehearsal?


    He Yi: I asked them. They said no rehearsal needed. You''ll just introduce yourself as a guest, chat about some topics, y games and interact.


    Ji Nian: I''m nervous...


    He Yi: Don''t say anymore. I''m nervous too, scared you''ll get med again.


    Ji Nian: ...


    He Yi: Let''s not talk about this now. I still have to apany Shuyao for night shoots. I''lle get you the day after tomorrow.


    Ji Nian: Okay.


    After reading the messages, she had just about finished eating. Ji Nian cleaned up her dishes and walked past the scale in the corner. Out of curiosity, she stepped on it and surprisingly discovered that she had lost 11 pounds.


    Could it be because of too much stresstely? She didn''t seem to have exercised specially and losing 11 pounds from just eating sds in a few days seemed unlikely.


    Even before crossing into this world, she was the type to gain weight just from drinking water,pletely incapable of losing weight even if she didn''t eat or drink.


    "It''s tough being a celebrity," Ji Nianmented as she sat down on the sofa with script in hand.


    It was time to practice her acting skills again. She felt exhausted but what could she do? This was the original owner''s career. Even if she wanted to switch careers now, it would be quite difficult. First off, she didn''t have a degree. And she still had debts. This was a high paying industry and she needed the money too.


    The job was mentally taxing but Ji Nian forced herself to buck up. It was work after all. She started reading her lines out loud.


    Meanwhile, online searches about her had died down but the "Reading Couple" title still steadfastly ranked in the top ten.


    After Ji Nian had replied to Lin Xi''sment today, he did not respond further. Someizens started moring in outrage underneath.


    "A national first-ss actor and famousposer can''t even invite this mysterious person?"


    "And Lin Xi made Ji Nian reply. Don''t forget, this woman was reviled by everyone not long ago."


    "A no-name actress who got popr by creating hype with another woman? Ridiculous."


    "The above poster clearly forgot. Ji Nian has hit songs: (Guest), (Arrogance), (Wedding in a Dream), (Flying Bugs)."


    "That''s only thanks to the mysterious person! Without him, she''d be nothing!"


    "But her songs are good, that''s just fact right? Her personality on shows is also nice. I think she''s a good girl."


    "Why is everyone arguing? The mysterious person himself doesn''t want to reveal himself. He already said he doesn''t want his private life disturbed. Why are you all so worked up?"


    "Right, these keyboard warriors are too much."


    "Stop smearing Lin Xi."


    The online chatter didn''t affect Ji Nian at all. After a night of exhausting acting practice, she yawned and slowly went upstairs to sleep.


    Over on Shen Shuyao''s side, she had just finished shooting when she was notified that someone hade to pick her up.


    Stepping out of the set, she indeed saw a ck luxury car parked not far away. Everyone else had gone back to the hotel so no one noticed.


    Shen Shuyao jogged over happily and got into the passenger seat. The dim light from the streemp shone onto the man''s face.


    His originally cold features seemed to take on a bit of warmth in the soft light.


    "Ye Jingzhan, why are you here sote?" Shen Shuyao asked, pleasant surprise evident in her eyes.


    Ye Jingzhan turned to look at her, puzzled. "Hm?"


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes held a trace of shyness. Although she and this man had been intimate before, her heart still raced seeing him.


    "Since we''re dating...I can''t keep calling you Chairman Ye right? Can I call you by your name?" Shen Shuyao looked into the man''s eyes somewhat expectantly.


    Ye Jingzhan was in a bad mood today for unknown reasons. Yet running here to find this woman seemed to have improved his mood already.


    "Okay," he answered tly.


    Hearing his response, Shen Shuyao''s eyes shone brightly. "Why did youe find me sote today?"


    Ye Jingzhan looked into the woman''s limpid eyes. Her exquisite makeup made her appear charming, a tantalizing air that was usually hidden by her pure image. He couldn''t help but pull her over roughly and bite her lips, vigorously tangling their tongues together as if pouring out his frustrations.


    The bite hurt Shen Shuyao. Teary-eyed, she said, "It hurts."


    Hearing that, Ye Jingzhan eased up but he seemed addicted to her sweetness, reluctant to let her go.


    When they finally parted, Shen Shuyao''s lips were red and swollen. She could sense the man''s bad mood today. Her eyes nced at him worriedly.


    "You seem unhappy today?"


    With his constant cold facade, no one could usually tell Ye Jingzhan''s moods. But this woman somehow made him want to confide in her.


    "It''s my mother''s death anniversary today," Ye Jingzhan said tly. A closer look would reveal deep loneliness in the depths of his eyes.


    Shen Shuyao was shocked, suddenly recalling that this famous young master of Jingdu, who lost both parents at a young age, was raised single-handedly by his grandparents.


    "I''m sorry," Shen Shuyao said, eyes filled with sympathy.


    Ye Jingzhan gave a mockingugh. He turned to look deeply at the woman, lost in thought. He had severe psychological issues but this woman was an anomaly.


    "Are you done working?" Ye Jingzhan asked.


    Shen Shuyao nodded. "Yes, all done."


    "Drinks?"


    "I can''t hold my liquor but I''ll apany you." Shen Shuyao answered obediently.


    "Okay."

 Chapter 67: Master split CP

    <h4>Chapter 67</h4>


    Ji Nian had been extremely diligent these two days. She would be entering the crew tomorrow, and whenever she had free time, she would ponder over the script. Even Yu Luobaiplimented her on her great progress.


    Today was also a busy day. He Yi came to the vi early in the morning to talk about some working notes and how to respond to questions.


    "You two will be recording Happy Camp tonight. It''s a live show, so the hosts may ask some tricky questions. Remember to consider before answering," He Yi said worriedly.


    Ji Nian sat next to the female lead, yawning and nodding as she responded, "Got it."


    Seeing her in a daze all morning, Shen Shuyao caringly asked, "Did you not sleep wellst night, little Nian?"


    Ji Nian leaned her head on Shen Shuyao¡¯s shoulder and sighed. She had been practicing acting overtime these days. Her mind and body were exhausted and she hadn''t been sleeping well either.


    "I didn''t get enough sleep," Ji Nian replied.


    He Yi impatiently said, "Sis, I''m most worried about you. You talk a lot and you¡¯re going on Happy Camp. It has live streaming. The program team will draw viewers''ments to get you to answer the most liked question."


    "Oh well, let nature take its course. Worrying now is useless anyway," Ji Nian repliedzily leaning on the female lead, looking hopeless.


    Seeing her state, Shen Shuyaoughed behind her hand, "We''ll just watch how you answer then."


    "Sis, I''ve already thought of questions you might answer," He Yi said, looking at her tablet, "The first one will definitely be about your rtionship with Cheng Liran. The second one will definitely be about the mystery man. You have to be prepared."


    Ji Nian listlessly nodded, "Okay."


    "You don''t need to worry too much Shuyao. They''ll just ask you about your understanding and interpretation of the role," He Yi said.


    "Alright, I got it," Shen Shuyao obediently nodded.


    "No more nonsense, let''s head out. We still need to get our makeup done after the rehearsal," He Yi urged.


    After that, the group prepared to head out. Since they were going to the same destination, everyone sat in the same vehicle.


    Recently, Ji Nian had been obsessed with practicing her acting skills. As soon as she closed her eyes, lines would appear. Still, she fell asleep groggily in the car.


    When she was woken up, they had already arrived at the studio. After getting out of the car, the staff came over to lead the way.


    "Little Nian!" A woman''s voice called out.


    Ji Nian looked over joyfully, thenughed, "Liang Jie!"


    Liang Jie walked over and patted her shoulder,ughing, "Haha, surprised to see me? We meet again!"


    Shen Shuyao got along well with Liang Jie when she recorded variety shows before, so sheughed, "With both of us here today, you have to take good care of us!"


    Liang Jie winked yfully, "Don''t worry, we go way back."


    Ji Nian suddenly realized that Liang Jie was the host of Happy Camp and a core figure at that.


    No wonder she was so popr when selling vegetables. Yesterday when looking her up, Ji Nian didn¡¯t pay attention to who the hosts were.


    Previously when recording variety shows, she didn¡¯t specifically find out either, only knowing Liang Jie was a host without knowing which show she hosted.


    "Oh right," Liang Jie suddenly moved closer and whispered, "Let me leak some news. Cheng Liran is also a guest today, but he''ll onlye for the official recording tonight. He''s not here for the rehearsal now."


    Upon hearing that, Shen Shuyao frowned. She didn¡¯t like that man. Why would he still hurt such a good person like little Nian, suing her for 6 million yuan, leaving her without money to live in such a shabby house.


    Ji Nian was startled briefly beforeughing, "It''s fine."


    Thinking the woman was pretending to not care while still feeling sad inside, Liang Jie whispered sympathetically, "I''ll try to keep you two far apart."


    Knowing her good intentions, Ji Nian was touched and said, "Thanks, I appreciate it."


    Just then, a staff member came over calling for Liang Jie. Seeing her hurriedly leaving, there were probably other matters needing her attention.


    On this side, after understanding the flow with the program team, He Yi came over pulling Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao to walk through the set.


    Two hours before the official live recording, the dressing room also gradually filled up.


    After getting their makeup done, Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao were currently sitting on the sofa backstage.


    Seeing Happy Camp''s opening theme being yed on the TV, He Yi was extremely nervous inside.


    "Gosh, it''s your first time on this kind of show. I''m so anxious!" He Yi clutched her chest.


    Shen Shuyao was also nervous. It was a live show. One mistake could be ck history for life.


    On the contrary, Ji Nian waspletely rxed while snacking on tidbits given by the staff.


    With the female lead around, plus her golden halo, what was there to panic about? Being beside the heavens'' darling, such a small asion was nothing to fear!


    "It''s starting, it''s starting!" He Yi said excitedly looking at the screen.


    Seeing the rxed woman beside her, Shen Shuyao curiously asked, "Little Nian, aren''t you nervous?"


    Ji Nian looked at the female lead smiling, "With you here, I''m not afraid."


    Shen Shuyao was stunned. For some reason, warmth spread through her heart as she said, "But I''m so nervous."


    "Don''t be nervous, you can do it. I believe in you," Ji Nian firmly looked over.


    Hearing those words, Shen Shuyao''s restless heart inexplicably calmed down. Sheughed in response, "Alright."


    "What are you two doing? They called your names!" He Yi anxiously said to the side.


    Ji Nian was startled. That fast? Shen Shuyao hurriedly got up on this side, pulling the woman''s hand following the staff.


    "When the music starts, this door will open. Just go straight out," the staff member instructed, passing microphones over.


    Shen Shuyao took it nervously nodding, "Okay, thanks."


    Ji Nian held the mic in one hand and Shen Shuyao''s slightly trembling hand in the other. Her heart was also thumping wildly.


    When she hadn''t arrived earlier, she was chilling without any nerves. But now that the moment truly came, her legs had already started softening.


    Soon, music sounded and the door slowly opened. Shen Shuyao nervously held Ji Nian''s hand as they calmly walked out with smiles.


    Loud "wows" instantly erupted from the live audience. Viewers leavingments online at this time:


    "They came out holding hands!"


    "Ahhhhh I can ship this!"


    "I''m locking this Nian Shuyao CP."


    "So sweet."


    "Look at that hand holding so tightly!"


    "The civil affairs bureau has been moved over."


    "It''ll be hard to end things without getting married."


    On this side, Ji Nian followed Shen Shuyao out. The intense stage lights made her eyes sting a little.


    She then saw the three hosts walk out from the sides. Liang Jie yfully teased first, "You even came out hand in hand. My shipped CP must be real then!"


    Hearing that, cheers erupted below. Shen Shuyao shylyughed, exining into the mic, "Little Nian and I are very good friends."


    "Haha, the main CP is splitting up themselves. Many people online must be heartbroken," male host Li He chuckled.

 Chapter 68: Happy Camp

    <h4>Chapter 68</h4>


    ¡°The CP has been locked, I swallowed the key, even the main character can''t undo it.¡±


    ¡°I didn''t expect Xiao Nian Ji could actually go on the Happy Camp show.¡±


    ¡°Trying to break up the CP? Good, I already locked it up in the Civil Affairs Bureau.¡±


    ¡°Everyone goment on the official Weibo, what if the program team shuffles around, looking forward to Ji Xiao Nian''s car crash scene there hahaha.¡±


    ¡°What do you guess, will the mystery guest be Cheng Li Ran today?¡±


    ¡°No way, would the program team go that far?¡±


    At this time on stage, Ji Nian was already shaking holding Shen Shuyao''s hand, such a big scene, she was a bit nervous, weren''t there too many people, and it was even a live show.


    Shen Shuyao could see the woman next to her was a bit tense, she held the woman''s hand tighter tofort her.


    ¡°This isn''t the first time I coborated with Xiao Nian, this time it was also a special fate,¡± Liang Jie said with a smile to liven up the atmosphere.


    ¡°Yes, it''s my first time on Happy Camp, I''m still a bit nervous,¡± Ji Nian replied holding the microphone, appearing very calm andposed on the surface but was actually extremely nervous inside.


    ¡°Actually we all want to ask a question,¡± one of the Happy Camp hosts called Xiao Tao said with a smile, ¡°There are so many fans online shipping your CP, we''re very curious, how good is your rtionship usually?¡±


    Hearing this, Shen Shuyao couldn''t help but smile behind her hand, ¡°Actually we live together now.¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhhhh!¡± The live audience couldn''t help but scream.


    Ji Nian didn''t expect such a reaction when she said that, so she silently added, ¡°Yes, sometimes we even sleep in the same bed.¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhhhhhh!¡± The live audience became excited, the sound reverberated throughout the entire studio.


    Seeing the venue became lively again, the three hosts also harmoniously made surprised expressions.


    The viewers watching the livestream online were also spamming the screen with pink hearts in thements.


    ¡°Were there any risqu¨¦ scenes hahahaha¡±


    ¡°I can''t, my imagination has run wild.¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhhhh I love them so much!¡±


    ¡°Look look, they''re even holding hands!!¡±


    ¡°Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao couple forever!¡±


    ¡°Awesome, what''s there to get excited about? It could just be an arrangement by thepany?¡±


    ¡°Right, it''s just a character setting thepany gave them, what are you all so excited about?¡±


    ¡°I heard there''s a mystery guest, hope it''s not Cheng Li Ran, she doesn''t deserve to be on stage with my brother.¡±


    ¡°Cheng Li Ran fans don''te make trouble, Ji Xiao Nian belongs to Shen Shuyao OK?¡±


    At this time on stage, Liang Jie saw the atmosphere was lively. Her earpiece also notified her from backstage to keep asking questions along that topic.


    ¡°I heard Xiao Nian and Shuyao are going to coborate on a TV series, how do you feel about it?¡± Liang Jie asked with a smile.


    ¡°I can''t give specifics on exactly which series since the production has confidentiality agreements. But I''m still looking forward to working with Xiao Nian,¡± Shen Shuyao also felt less nervous. She blinked yfully and said.


    ¡°What about you Xiao Nian?¡± Li He asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian was called out and thought for a moment. With a bitter smile she honestly replied, ¡°Actually my acting...has a lot of room for improvement, but I am working on it!¡±


    Everyone was surprised by the woman''s bluntness, rendering the atmosphere a bit awkward. Liang Jie broke the silence, ¡°Hahahaha, is Xiao Nian dissing herself now?¡±


    Ji Nian opened her innocent eyes. She felt the live show wasn''t as scary as she thought, her heart rxed quite a bit. She joked, ¡°Yes hahaha, I hope when it airs, I don''t scare away what fans I have.¡±


    Online, the barrage ofments kept going. Many viewers wereughing.


    ¡°A direct girl?¡±


    ¡°I''m going to die ofughter, what few fans?? Hahaha¡±


    ¡°Does that make me one of Ji Xiao Nian''s few fans now?¡±


    ¡°Did everyone notice? Ji Xiao Nian doesn''t even have a fan club.¡±


    ¡°No way? That sad?¡±


    ¡°Not happening, I''m creating this group chat, fan club president from now on is me!¡±


    At this time backstage, Cheng Li Ran suddenly appeared before Ji Nian''s eyes.


    The two stood face to face. The staff around them started whispering. Agent Eighth Brother was also a bit nervous, afraid some news might break out with so many people around.


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes shed a glint of caution. She pulled the woman behind her a bit, politely smiling, ¡°Mr. Cheng, hello.¡±


    Cheng Liran knew this was the female lead for his next drama. To be honest, despite her young age, her acting wasn''t bad. Unlike other female celebrities that tried to seduce him. For some reason, he quite liked her. At least she left a decent impression.


    ¡°Hm,¡± Cheng Liran nodded in response to Shen Shuyao.


    Seeing the staff ncing over here and there, Eighth Brother reminded them, ¡°Liran, time for you to go on stage.¡±


    Ji Nian didn''t say anything but her eyes couldn''t help staring intensely at the man. Her heart started hurting again. She knew it was the lingering feelings left by the original that kept stimting her body.


    Seeing the indifferent look on the man''s face as he ignored her and walked by, for a moment Ji Nian''s vision went dark and her body became a bit disoriented.


    Shen Shuyao reacted quickly to support her, anxiously asking ¡°Xiao Nian, what''s wrong?¡±


    Ji Nian quickly recovered. Hearing the whispers around, she gave a reassuring look and joked ¡°It''s fine, just low blood sugar!¡±


    At this time on stage, the deafening cheers when the host announced Cheng Liran could be clearly heard backstage.


    The online viewers were also shocked. They didn''t expect the mystery guest to really be Cheng Liran. Many startedmenting.


    ¡°Damn awesome!¡±


    ¡°Did this TV station stop being human?¡±


    ¡°This show is ruthless!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha ex-lovers on the same show?¡±


    ¡°Ji Xiao Nian get lost! She''s not worthy!¡±


    ¡°Ahhhhh Brother is so handsome!¡±


    ¡°Ji Xiao Nian isn''t even qualified to tie Cheng Liran''s shoes.¡±


    ¡°What is this TV station doing! Are they trying to get mass reported?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I''m kind of looking forward to them on the same show now, I guess I''m a fake fan?¡±


    ¡°+1, you''re not alone. I also want to see what it looks like with them together on screen.¡±


    ¡°???????¡±

 Chapter 69: The Question

    <h4>Chapter 69</h4>


    Ji Nian had been waiting backstage for nearly half an hour. The other guests invited to the live show had also gradually appeared in front of the audience.


    And from the moment Cheng Liran came out on Fruit TV''s show this episode, the topic immediately topped the hot search on Weibo, with click rates soaring up.


    At this moment, the backstage monitoring data directly refreshed the previous records, reaching the highest point. The director was overjoyed and contacted the team to brush the hotness on Weibo.


    "I heard that Cheng Liran came over this time to promote his new movie." He Yi said while sitting on one side.


    Ji Nian was eating snacks absent-mindedly. She was a little afraid that the original owner''s consciousness was still in her body. When they got on stage togetherter, she was afraid that there would be some reaction from her body that she couldn''t control.


    "Little Nian, what''s wrong?" Shen Shuyao asked with concern, "Is it because..."


    Ji Nian snapped back to her senses and shook her head. "It''s nothing, I''m just a little sleepy."


    "Come on, stop pretending." He Yi said unpleasantly, "Sister, this is a live show. Don''t cause any identter. He is your ex-boyfriend after all. He sued you for 6 million yuanpensation. You should let go."


    Ji Nian sighed softly. It wasn''t her, it was the original owner''s consciousness. Strange enough, what reason could make her so deeply infatuated?


    But she had flipped through the phone and found no evidence of a love rtionship at all. The only chat record she saw also had just two sentences.


    "We were contract lovers. I hope you let go in time."


    "We agreed at the beginning that we could end it."


    Ji Nian shook her head. She really couldn''t figure it out. She recalled the plot in the book and there was no information about the supporting female character at all. Most of the time, it was just briefly mentioned.


    "Shall I...slip away first?" Ji Nian looked at He Yi and asked.


    "What?" He Yi was confused and said, "What tricks are you going to y?"


    Shen Shuyao was shocked and said, "Little Nian, where are you going?"


    "You may not believe me if I say it out." Ji Nian said awkwardly. "Every time I see Cheng Liran, there will always be something strange happening."


    He Yi nced at her coldly and said, "If you slip away, other programs won''t invite you anymore either. This is a breach of contract. No matter how strange, you have to finish recording the show with me."


    In fact, Ji Nian just asked. At this point, running away was unrealistic. She could just go with the flow. If something really happened, then so be it. She didn''t care and could stand to be criticized for another period of time.


    Hearing that there was a staff member urging them, He Yi hurriedly said, "Hurry up, it''s your turn to go on stage now. Pull yourself together!"


    Shen Shuyao pulled the woman along and said with concern, "Little Nian, hang in there. Half of the show is over and it will end soon."


    In fact, Ji Nian was fine. She was just afraid that the original owner''s consciousness would suddenlye out.


    "Let''s go over since they called." Ji Nian nodded.


    The two followed the staff member backstage and walked onto the stage from the side. They could only hear the cheering roar of the crowd. Ji Nian looked at the audience in puzzlement.


    "The long-awaited game session is about to begin, everyone." Liang Jie smiled at the camera.


    "Yes. The guests invited today seemed to get everyone very excited. So let''s look forward to seeing who can win this game." Host Li Heughed.


    "So before the game session, the official topic has opened on our Weibo. There are only three minutes and we will pick the one with the highest likes. Please take out your phones, enter the topic. We will pick the one with the most likes." Host Xiao Tao said.


    On the stage, the topics on the big screen kept refreshing, and the seconds kept counting down. Ji Nian was dazzled by the stage lights and her eyes hurt a little.


    And Shen Shuyao was watching the big screen nervously. She was afraid thatter, those fans would catch the woman next to her and ask some hurtful questions about the past rtionship.


    Cheng Liran was also silently staring at the big screen. When he first heard that Ji Nian was here too, although he was not very happy about it, since it was for movie promotion during an important transition period in his career, he came anyway.


    "10..."


    "9..."


    "8..."


    At this point, the hosts had started counting down. Everyone held their breath and stared at the changing data on the big screen.


    "3..."


    "2..."


    "1..."


    Everyone was stunned when they saw the three topics that appeared on the screen. There were gasps from the audience below too.


    At this moment, theizens watching the livestream also started booing as barrages kept posting.


    "Oh my god...these questions..."


    "Judging from these three most liked topics, they all seem to be about her?"


    "As we all know, Happy Day usually only picks three topics. But unexpectedly, all three this time are about the same person??"


    "This broke my heart, fam."


    "Waiting for the answers. I''m very curious."


    "This Happy Day episodepletely exploded."


    "Sorry, I actually liked all three of these topics just now."


    Meanwhile, the hosts on stage were also quite calm. To tell the truth, Happy Day had stayed popr for so long, mainly because of its open boundaries, just like now.


    Inviting A-list celeb Cheng Liran and his ex-girlfriend as guests, once the topic was opened, most people could guess what the questions would be about regarding this past rtionship.


    Shen Shuyao frowned. What she was worried about had happened. She was actually worried that the woman beside her would feel sad. At this moment, she vaguely regretted agreeing to appear on this show.


    "Alright, the three most liked topics are out." Liang Jie looked at Ji Nian apologetically, then turned to the audience with a professional smile. "Didn''t expect everyone to be so curious!"


    Li He smiled and chimed in, "So for this question, can Liran answer?"


    Xiao Tao knew the atmosphere was a little embarrassing. He joked, "Haha why don''t we make an exception and vote again?"


    "Noooooo!!" shouted the bold audience below.


    "So what does Liran think?" Liang Jie asked with a smile. Her eyes betrayed her attempt to probe the man''s stance.


    Cheng Liran knew there would be voted topics, but he still underestimated the audience''s curiosity. Now that things had progressed to this point, he could only nod. After all, he had done nothing wrong.


    "Okay." He answered lightly.


    Ji Nian silently looked at the content on the big screen as the pain in her heart started to spread. She knew the original owner''s consciousness had emerged.


    "Great. So the first question was raised by aizen named ''Hidden Surge''." Liang Jie looked at the man and paused slightly before continuing, "He asked, what did you like about Ji Nian at first that made you date her?"


    As soon as she uttered this, there were hoots from the audience below, all eager to know the answer.


    And as the person involved, Cheng Liran was suddenly stunned as he recalled the first time he saw her.


    It was one night under the warm corridor lights. The woman''s originally beautiful face was heavily made up, making her look even more enchanting. She wore cheap street stall clothes, looking almost like a hostess who hade out to apany drinking.


    But oddly, her eyes when she looked at him went from vacant, to disbelief, then delight, before finally settling into a dazed look, at a loss as for how to react. She greeted him awkwardly.

 Chapter 70: Together Forever

    <h4>Chapter 70</h4>


    "Obedient," Cheng Liran replied, remembering that after signing the contract, the woman was really well-behaved and obedient, would consider all his problems, and also had anti-reconnaissance awareness.


    Whenever there was something that required the two people to be in the same asion, she would disguise herself very well. During the contract period, no news had ever been exposed.


    If it was someone else, they would probably want the whole world to know, but she was different. On the contrary, she was very afraid of the news exposure affecting his career.


    Every time they met, the woman would always look at him with bright shiny eyes, with the demeanor of a little girl, carefully and full of joy in her eyes.


    "So you like Ji Nian''s obedience," Liang Jie said with augh beside.


    Ji Nian copsed when she heard the word "obedience". Her heart felt like it was stabbed by a knife, which made her unable to breathe. She tried her best to stay calm and kept reminding herself that this was a live show.


    At this time, the online audience who were watching also left messages in the bullet screen one after another.


    "I always feel that something is not simple."


    "Obedience? I can do it too. So can I be your girlfriend?"


    "Did you see Ji Nian''s reaction? Her expression suddenly changed."


    "Look at her, it feels like she is trying hard to restrain her emotions."


    "I saw her eyes turned red."


    "Is she worthy? She is not worthy!"


    "It was already her being blessed in herst life to save the gxy, for a top streamer to date an unknown wild chick."


    "Be content."


    "Later pestered him desperately and was sued to pay 6 million inpensation."


    "Is it because she was not obedientter, so they broke up?"


    On stage, the host also knew that the man didn''t want to say much. Liang Jie came out to break the awkward atmosphere and said, "Alright, thank you Liran for your answer. Now let''s take a look at the second question."


    After speaking, the second topic appeared on the big screen, and the audience cooperatively kept quiet.


    "The second question is for Ji Nian," Liang Jie looked towards the woman and smiled, "Aizen named ''Green Leaf'' said, because of your impulsiveness, exposing the rtionship, not only did thepany terminate the contract and you paid 4 million inpensation, but also because of harassment, you were sued to pay 6 million more. So I ask, do you still love Cheng Liran now?"


    As soon as the topic came out, theizens also exploded. This wave was too ruthless. It was indeed a sensitive topic to be addressed directly without leaving any face for the artists.


    Ji Nian tried her best to adjust her breathing. She really wanted to curse in her heart. She had just eased her emotions a little, but with another question, the original owner''s consciousness copsed again.


    She forcibly suppressed her emotions and thought that she must not mess up during the live broadcast and had to stay calm.


    "I don''t love him anymore," Ji Nian replied with a smile.


    But at the moment she spoke out, her eyes instantly turned red, and big teardrops kept falling. Her eyes were sad, and her eyes were like a pool of muddy dead water, with despair and pain.


    Ji Nian thought it was over. She really didn''t want to cry, but the original owner''s consciousness severely interfered with her and she couldn''t resist the sudden emotion.


    "This group ofizens is really hard to lead," Ji Nian''s eyes were filled with tears ofughter and she joked, "How can you ask such topics? It''s so sad to owe money. Think about the money in the bank card. I don''t even need to turn on the air conditioner this summer."


    Everyone didn''t expect that the woman would even crack jokes. The host Liang Jie immediately came out to liven up the atmosphere and said, "Speaking of owing money, Ji Nian is heartbroken, hahaha."


    Shen Shuyao was a little angry. She felt more and more thating to this show was a mistake. At this time, she didn''t care too much. She took the paper towels handed over by the staff and gently wiped away the woman''s tears.


    The numerousizens who shipped the CP were simply too excited to see this scene. The barrage of bullet screenspletely overwhelmed the fans of Cheng Liran.


    "Shuyao hug, I ask forfort."


    "Wow wow wow, men go away. Isn''t Shuyao sweet enough?"


    "Love it, love it!"


    "Look at her gentle actions, look at her distressed eyes, Shuyao mustfort our Ji Nian!"


    "What is Cheng Liran worthpared to our Shuyao? Is he as considerate as her?"


    "I''ve been heartbroken before. To be honest, it really hurts. Ji Nian''s bad acting skills are obvious. How could she instantly shed tears? What else but love?"


    "Her defense copsed. She said she didn''t love him anymore, but tears fell. She was obviously very sad but still cracking jokes."


    "Didn''t you see her expression? What kind of despair was that?"


    "They just broke up recently. It must be sad to talk about this topic."


    "Fortunately there is still Shuyao. Wow wow wow."


    "Raise high the g of Ji-Shu CP!!"


    On stage, Cheng Liran saw the woman''s pretense to stay calm, and he suddenly felt a little annoyed. It was this woman who did something wrong. Why would he still feel guilty?


    After hesitating for a moment, he took the paper towels and walked over to hand them to her. The camera angle at this angle could not capture the man''s expression.


    "Ji Nian, I hope you can restrain yourself a little," Cheng Liran put down the microphone and warned in a low voice.


    Even so, the people on stage could still hear the man''s words.


    Liang Jie had been in the circle for a long time. In fact, it was difficult to distinguish right from wrong. She didn''t know what had happened between the two, but she somehow felt very distressed for the woman.


    "I''m sorry," Ji Nian saw the paper towels handed over by the man. She reached out to take them.


    At this moment, the pain all over her body almost made her faint. She looked at the man with red eyes, thinking in her heart.


    Ji Nian, how much must you have loved this man to have such a strong reaction in your body when you see his every move and hear his every word?


    But you guys have broken up. He doesn''t love you. You were only a contract couple. He has no feelings for you, do you know that?


    The consciousness seemed to know Ji Nian''s thoughts. She felt her heart was torn apart, and suddenly she became a little confused in front of her.


    "Ji Nian?" Shen Shuyao noticed something wrong with the woman beside her and asked worriedly in a low voice, "Can you still hold on?"


    Ji Nian regained her senses, squeezed out a reluctant smile, and shook her head, answering, "It''s okay."


    On this side, the crew behind the scenes had sent instructions through the host''s headset that the time had been dyed for too long and needed to get a grip on the situation.


    After the host Xiaotao heard the instructions from the background, he came out and said with a smile, "So let''s have our Shuyao answer the third question."


    Shen Shuyao smiled and nodded, holding the woman''s hand tightly, "Sure."


    Xiaotao looked at the big screen and said, "Aizen named ''I am a beauty'' asked the question: I am a huge fan of Ji-Shu CP. Will your rtionship remain so good?"


    This time the question was more normal. Shen Shuyao smiled and replied, "I and Ji Nian will be together forever. No matter what kind of developments we both have in the future, I believe she will always be by my side."


    This deep confession of affection caused the audience below the stage to exim. Theizens were even more excited.


    "Oh my god, my goddess confessed!!!"


    "Sisters, ship them to the end!"


    "Ahhhhhhhhh I love it!"


    "Excuse me, the Civil Affairs Bureau will being to work overtime tonight!"


    "Ji-Shu CP forever!"

 Chapter 71: Into the Cast

    <h4>Chapter 71</h4>


    When the recording of the show was finished, it was already veryte when they returned to the vi. As they still had to go to the drama set tomorrow, He Yi hurriedly urged the two to take a bath and sleep.


    Meanwhile, Shen Shuyao had already gone to rest in the master bedroom. Ji Nian was lying on the bed alone, and couldn''t help but think back to the recording of the show today.


    She had been in this world for a while now, although she didn''t know how she had transmigrated here.


    Strangely though, Ji Nian had clearly died in the book, but when she saw Cheng Liran, she could still clearly feel the original host''s consciousness there.


    Why was that? Could there be something else going on, leaving the original host with a sliver of obsession? The key seemed to lie with this man Cheng Liran. Should she try to talk to him alone?


    "Forget it, it doesn''t seem feasible," Ji Nian shook her head, talking to herself. She didn''t have the original host''s memories. If her cover was blown, she would have to do a lot of exining, the risk was too high.


    She yawned. She thought that it was too troublesome to think about these annoying things. She didn''t care anyway. Ji Nian cleared her mind and soon fell into a daze and asleep.


    At this time online, even though Happy Camp had finished airing, the topic was still trending hotly. Those night owlizens were still scrolling through Weibo.


    Some even cut out Ji Nian''s footage separately. Her tearful and smiling face made everyone exim that she was too beautiful.


    "When others cry they are breathtakingly beautiful, but when I cry I look like a ghost?"


    "I won''t say anything else, but Ji Nian is truly good-looking. Her temperament itself is cold and aloof, a goddess. But when she cries, she cries her way into my heart."


    "Hasn''t everyone noticed? She has never taken advantage of Cheng Liran''s poprity, it has always been everyone who grabs onto her and won''t let go."


    "Those who have been in love, can''t you see? Only when you truly love someone deeply do you have that kind of look in your eyes."


    "When Cheng Liran said the word "obedient", her eyes were already gleaming with tears."


    "I strangely have good feelings towards her. Although after breaking up she made a big fuss at the man''spany, afterwards she never brought up the matter to gain poprity."


    "She didn''t gain poprity? The heartbreak songs she released right after, (Guest) and (Arrogance), don''t those count as gaining poprity?"


    "Haha the above made meugh."


    While on this side, fans of the Ji Nian-Shen Shuyao CP were also unwilling to fall behind. They directly cut out all the interaction footage between the two from Happy Camp.


    "Our Shuyao is just so nice."


    "After Ji Nian answered the questions, she was in a bad mood. Later during the games, did you notice most of it was Shuyao taking care of Nian?"


    "Hahaha, this sugar is so sweet, who cares about Cheng Liran, our Shuyao is home."


    "Ji Nian and Shen Shuyao are a perfect match, one is cold, one is cute, if this isn''tplementary what is?"


    "The above, Ji Nian only looks cold on the outside, but when she speaks she is super silly."


    "Haha, the truthes out. A beautiful appearance but silly at heart."


    "This is the couple I ship the hardest. Shuyao''s deep confession really hit me in the feels. Ji Nian you better not fail our Shuyao!"


    "Love it, love it!"


    In the morning, sunlight filled the entire room. A ringing rm woke Ji Nian up. The ring sunlight made her unable to open her eyes.


    She hazily got out of bed, only just remembering that she had forgotten to draw the curtainsst night.


    Knock knock. There was a knock on the door.


    "Nian, time to get up. We''re going into the set today." Shen Shuyao''s gentle voice sounded outside the door.


    Ji Nian lookedpletely like she just woke up. Barefoot, she went to open the door and squinted at the visitor.


    Seeing the woman''s sleepy appearance, Shen Shuyao smiled helplessly, "Hurry up and get ready, no need for makeup today, going straight to set."


    Ji Nian nodded, answering with a yawn, "Ok, I''ll go change now."


    After simply eating breakfast, He Yi came to pick them up. In the car, Ji Nian caught some more sleep. She thought to herself that this job really was tiring, mainly mentally tiring. She would have to toughen up mentally.


    Once at the set, she was hurriedly pulled to hair & makeup and costume change. The crew and cameramen on set had already prepared the equipment and set.


    "Nian, your scenes are first," the director came over with script in hand to go over the scenes, "The first episode is mainly about demons making trouble in the mortal world, and the male lead Bai Ruoyuan ying monsters and defeating evil, coincidentally saving your life during it."


    "Mm mm." Recently hanging out with Yu Luobai so much, Ji Nian had already analyzed these plot points and scenes to the point she almost memorized them.


    "What you need to do is, in the moment the male lead saves you, act with your eyes." Seeing the woman listening intently, satisfaction shed in the director''s eyes.


    "This is the first time you see the male lead. In white clothes, like a god descending, using magic to battle and defeat the monsters. You feel he is breathtaking, and this scene bes etched deeply into your heart from then on."


    "Mm mm." Ji Nian kept nodding without asking anything further. The leader says it, so that''s what it is. She''ll just listen.


    "Alright, take another look at your lines. We start filming in 5 minutes." The director said before hurrying off towards the cameras again.


    Ji Nian was still dazed. That''s it? They would start filming in 5 minutes? Isn''t that too fast...


    Cheng Liran had already finished his makeup ande out. Seeing the woman standing there in a daze, he couldn''t help but frown.


    The topic on Weibo blew up again yesterday. He was actually quite annoyed by it. The contract was up, he thought that with the breakup there wouldn''t be anything more connecting him with this woman.


    But as if deliberately teasing him, both jobs he came across recently were with her.


    "I thought this script was good when I first saw it, but there was an ident midway and they changed the role. Just so happens they changed it to this Ji Nian..." his manager Eighth Older Brotherined at the side, "Should''ve known not to take this script for you."


    Cheng Liran frowned, ncing at the man beside him, "We''re just coworkers."


    "Don''t know what luck this woman has with no real works, yet still so hot." Eighth Older Brother spat.


    "The few songs she released, what do you call those if not works?" Cheng Liran rebutted, reading the script as he spoke.


    Eighth Older Brother was left speechless. What''s going on, he tries to stand up for him yet gets no gratitude.


    "Forget it, I''ll go order some milk tea for the crew." Eighth Older Brother decided to let it go and get on with proper business instead.


    Although his artist was a top tier celebrity, they still had to maintain their image. Giving the staff some drinks and food could also earn them a good reputation.


    "Ok." Cheng Liran responded.


    "Nian, Liran, we can start. First shot." The director called.


    Hearing her name called, Ji Nian froze. Although she had been taking lessons with Yu Luobai recently, when it came to actually being on set she was still extremely nervous.


    As Cheng Liran walked past the woman, seeing her standing there stunned, he couldn''t help asking, "Aren''t you going?"


    Hearing the voice, Ji Nian turned to look at the side. She saw the man dressed in ancient costume, glowing with immortal airs, very much having the aura of the immortal described in the script.


    "Oh, going now." Ji Nian didn''t know why the man would talk to her.


    She slowly ambled over, her mind still wandering. An average personing to act, unbelievable in the past...

 Chapter 72: Accident Again. Can you believe it

    <h4>Chapter 72</h4>


    On the set, everyone was silently watching the lead actors perform. Their hearts couldn''t help but knot up because this was already the director''s third call for a retake. If there was another call, it was estimated that he would burst out in anger.


    Ji Nian kept her head down, feeling extremely conflicted. She knew acting was difficult, but she didn''t expect it to be this challenging. After the third retake, she clearly saw Cheng Liran, who was opposite her, furrowing his brows.


    The director''s face had turned dark from the initial patience, and now everyone was silent and not saying a word.


    After a long while, the director took a deep breath and recalled the way the woman had acted in the scene. Her acting was wless, so it must be that she wasn''t in a good state today.


    The director made an effort to suppress his anger and said, "Let''s shoot the scenes of the female lead first. Ji Xiaonian, take a break and adjust your state."


    Shen Shuyao, who was on the side, looked at Ji Nian and genuinely worried for her. She walked over and softly asked, "Xiao Nian, are you okay?"


    Ji Nian looked at the female lead and felt a bit wronged. Her nose tingled, and she had the urge to cry. Ji Nian knew it was her fault for not doing well.


    Although the director didn''t scold her, everyone could sense his anger from the oppressive atmosphere.


    With so many crew members on set, all of them constantly watching her stumble and then do it again, the feeling of powerlessness surged in Ji Nian''s heart, making her feel ashamed and self-reproachful.


    "I believe in you," Shen Shuyaoforted. "Go sit on the nearby bench for a while. I''ll go over first."


    Ji Nian nodded and went to sit on the small bench outside the set. As she watched the female lead adjust her state and start filming, she couldn''t help but envy her. The other person was a professional, but what about her?


    He Yi noticed the disappointment from his own artist and decided to bring her a ss of water to calm her nerves. However, when he came back, he saw Cheng Liran walking over. He paused in his tracks, not knowing whether to give the water to her or not.


    Ji Nian kept her head down, somewhat absent-mindedly looking at the script in her hand. Suddenly, she began to miss Yu Luobai. When they were in ss, if she didn''t perform well, he would gently correct her.


    She didn''t expect that after only three retakes during the actual filming, she could feel the director''s anger. Her heart couldn''t help but tremble.


    A shadow fell on the script, and Ji Nian looked up, surprised to see him.


    Cheng Liran furrowed his brows and asked, "Didn''t the screen test go well?"


    Although she didn''t know why he came, she felt like there was no ill intent. Ji Nian sighed in frustration but didn''t say anything.


    "Ji Xiaonian," Cheng Liran sat down next to her and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "This is work. I hope you won''t let personal reasons affect the whole crew."


    Personal reasons? What reasons? Ji Nian murmured under her breath.


    But Cheng Liran still heard it. He was puzzled because this woman waspletely different from before.


    Ji Nian ignored him and took out her phone to message Yu Luobai, telling him about her embarrassing day.


    On Yu Luobai''s side, after finishing work and picking up his phone, he smiled when he saw the contents of the message.


    Ji Nian: Teacher Yu, what should I do? I messed up the performance today, and the director''s face was so dark... I''m trembling in fear. (Crying)


    Yu Luobai: Isn''t it normal for your acting to be criticized?


    Ji Nian: (Pathetically) Save me, please.


    Yu Luobai: Which scene did you mess up? Tell me about it.


    Ji Nian: It''s the first meeting between the male lead and the supporting female character.


    Yu Luobai: Eye expressions are your weak point.


    Ji Nian: Sigh.


    Yu Luobai: Imagine suddenly seeing a handsome guy, and you feel a sparkle in your eyes.


    Ji Nian: With so many people watching me act, I''m too nervous to have any other thoughts. Even if it''s a naked man, it wouldn''t surprise my panicked heart.


    Yu Luobai: ...


    Ji Nian: What should I do? I''m so scared, it feels like it''s my turn again...


    Yu Luobai: Keep going and give it your best shot~


    On Shen Shuyao''s side, the female lead finished all her scenes wlessly, instantly improving the director''splicated mood.


    "Xiaonian, have you rested well?" the director shouted. "We can start now!"


    Ji Nian had just finished reading Yu Luobai''s message when she heard the director''s call. Her hand trembled, and she hurriedly put down her phone, feeling a bit guilty as she ran over.


    "Xiaonian, how''s your state of mind after the adjustment?" The director''s anger had dissipated.


    Considering their previous romantic rtionship and recent breakup, it was understandable that their emotions were not in the best ce. He decided to cut the young people some ck.


    Ji Nian saw the director''s kind demeanor and felt a bit nervous. "I should be... adjusted now," she said hesitantly.


    The director nodded and said, "Okay, let''s begin."


    What had to happen finally happened. Ji Nian took a deep breath and prayed in her heart, hoping for divine protection, the blessings of Yu Luobai, and the support of the female lead. She must seed!


    As the performance began, a man descended from the sky on a wire, dressed in a fairy-like white robe. His facial features were handsome, and he held a long sword, effortlessly eliminating a demon in just a few moves.


    The camera then shifted to the woman he had saved, who was sitting on the ground in a disheveled state, wearing a look of astonishment. She looked at the destroyed demon and then gazed up at the man.


    Ji Nian momentarily forgot that this was just acting. She suddenly realized Cheng Liran''s outstanding looks. Due to her nervousness earlier, she had been avoiding eye contact and hadn''t noticed.


    This entrancepletely stunned her. No wonder the original owner of her role was head over heels in love with him. In that moment, she was almost mesmerized.


    "Cut! It''s a pass!" The director, afraid of another failure, didn''t expect the eye acting this time to be so genuine.


    The on-site staff couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief. To be honest, they were also afraid of the director''s temper. When the boss was angry, it made everyone''s life difficult.


    Ji Nian snapped back to reality and heard the director excitedly say, "It''s a pass!" She waspletely bewildered. What? What just happened?


    Shen Shuyao and He Yi, who had been nervous just a moment ago, smiled at each other upon hearing the director''s "pass" call.


    "Sis, you''re amazing!" He Yi approached and helped the woman still sitting on the ground.


    Ji Nian blinked her innocent big eyes, looking confused. "I''m telling you, this is another ident. Do you believe me?"


    He Yi patted her on the head and said, "You always talk about idents!"


    The director walked over, his face filled with admiration, and said, "Xiaonian, well done, keep it up."


    "Okay, thank you, director," Ji Nian replied with a nervous smile.


    "Next, you have a scene where you talk to the male lead," the director smiled and immediately called over the crew to tidy up the actors'' clothes.


    After everything was arranged, the extras and actors took their positions. Ji Nian nced at the lines and felt excited! She could do this!


    Having acted opposite Yu Luobai for a long time, she still had a bit of acting skills. She let out a relieved breath in her heart...


    In the shot, a woman was helped up by a servant and she looked at the man, performed a dignified bow, and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, kind sir, for saving me."


    "This ce is frequently disturbed by the demon n. You should be careful," the man said coldly, his face expressionless as he sheathed his long sword.


    "You don''t need to worry," the man nced at her.


    "Then, may I ask which sect the kind sir belongs to? Today, you saved my life, and my father will surelye to express his gratitude," the woman looked at the man, her head lowered, showing a slightly shy expression.


    "No need," the man said, giving her a brief nce.


    "Then, could the benefactor please tell me which sect you are from?" the woman''s tone sounded a little anxious.


    "Liu Shan," the man said, and in the blink of an eye, he flew away on his sword.


    The woman looked in the direction where he had long disappeared, unable to help but ponder. She murmured, "Liu Shan?"

 Chapter 73: Should I Feel my Hand

    <h4>Chapter 73</h4>


    "Pass," said the director as he saw that although the woman''s acting wasn''t as good as before, it wasn''t bad enough to break character.


    Hearing this, Ji Nian''s face lit up with pleasant surprise, like a child who had just been given candy. Her eyes shone with excitement as she turned to look at him incredulously and asked, "I passed again?"


    The crew on set couldn''t help butugh out loud at this scene.


    Even the director was amused. He suppressed his urge tough and kept a straight face as he said, "Even though you passed, your acting stillcks solidity. Over the next few days, have your agent arrange some acting lessons for you. Don''t repeat what happened today where we had to do so many retakes before you finally passed."


    Ji Nian smiled and nodded, her mood instantly lifting. "Sure!" she responded brightly.


    The remaining scenes were the female lead''s, so Ji Nian didn''t have anything else to do for the rest of the day. She quickly opened WeChat, wanting to ask Yu Luobai for acting lessons.


    Ji Nian: I passed!


    Yu Luobai: Well done.


    Ji Nian: Want to meet up?


    Yu Luobai: ?


    Ji Nian: Are you free today? Let''s take some acting sses together.


    Yu Luobai: I''m preparing for a concert tour and I have rehearsals soon.


    Ji Nian: I see...


    Yu Luobai: Perfect timing actually. Come over for a bit and we can rehearse together.


    Ji Nian: Huh?


    Yu Luobai: Didn''t you say you would be a guest performer at my concert? My team has agreed to it too. Should I have Peng He contact your agent to arrange it?


    Ji Nian: Teacher Yu, I think you misunderstand. If I perform at your concert, won''t it ruin the atmosphere?


    Yu Luobai: To be honest, your singing is much better than your acting.


    Ji Nian: Alright, no need for Peng He to contact them. My agent is right here, I can talk to her myself.


    Yu Luobai: Great. We''re from the samepany anyway so juste over when you can.


    Ji Nian replied with an "OK" emoji, then showed the chat history to the person beside her.


    He Yi''s face was puzzled as she took the phone and looked at it for a couple of minutes before reacting with shock, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Who''s this? Yu Luobai?"


    Ji Nian nodded smugly. "That''s right. I''ve got another job."


    "Holy crap!" He Yi had an expression like she had just seen a ghost. "Sis, you bettere clean. How did you get involved with him? Impressive!"


    "What do you mean ''get involved''? And I''m four years older than you, thank you very much," Ji Nian rolled her eyes before whispering softly, "(Ordinary Road) five million bucks, you know..."


    He Yi was stunned for a moment before she remembered and covered her mouth in surprise. "So he was that generous donor?"


    "Don''t talk about him like that," Ji Nian said grumpily. "He''s my sugar daddy. What would you know, I still need to rely on him to pay off my debts."


    "You''re also making quite a bit from this drama shoot, though not as much as Shuyao with her higher status," He Yi pointed out.


    "If you hadn''t reminded me, I would''ve forgotten how much I''m getting paid. I was in such a hurry to sign the contract that I didn''t even read it carefully," Ji Nian said curiously. "How much am I getting in total for this role after taxes again?"


    "Your total payment after tax for the entire production is 3 million RMB. After thepany takes its share ofmissions and deductions, your actual payout will be around 1.8 million," He Yi calcted.


    "Damn, thepany is so exploitative!" Ji Nian said in surprise.


    "Well, this is Huayu Entertainment. Still, you''re getting a pretty good 60% share while they take 40%," He Yi exined. "It could be worse."


    "Whatever, my debts will be mostly paid off anyway," Ji Nian said indifferently.


    "The payment for your variety show appearance came in yesterday, but it was deposited into thepany ount since you took that job before signing with them. That 50k will be directly transferred to your personal ount," He Yi suddenly remembered.


    "Ooh, more money!" Ji Nian''s face lit up happily. She would''ve totally forgotten about that sum if He Yi hadn''t reminded her.


    "The future is looking bright! Let''s keep at it!" He Yi was brimming with confidence now.


    "Alright, I gotta head to thepany now to meet up with Yu Luobai for rehearsal," Ji Nian said after ncing at the time and seeing it was noon already.


    "Oh right, take your sd with you," He Yi took out a small lunch box from her bag and handed it over.


    Ji Nian made a face at the sight of more greens and reluctantly epted it, asking grumpily, "When can I have some meat?"


    He Yi: "Sis, forget about meat for now. You definitely can''t be eating that while filming. Oh by the way, have Little Tang give you a ride to thepany. He''s waiting outside."


    "Fine," Ji Nian conceded.


    It took about 40 minutes to travel from the film studio to Huayu Entertainment''spany office.


    She wore a face mask since she had gained some poprity now and preferred to keep a low profile.


    When Ji Nian arrived at Yu Luobai''s rehearsal studio, she peeked in through the open door and saw that it was a veryrge dance ssroom with over a dozen guys inside who looked to be breakdancing.


    "Whoa..." Ji Nian whispered in awe. Guys in ck t-shirts breaking it down just oozed charisma and sex appeal... She couldn''t tear her eyes away from the group of handsome fellows.


    At that moment, the people in the room noticed the fluffy head poking through the doorway and looked over in puzzlement.


    Yu Luobai recognized who it was right away though. The corners of his lips curved up slightly before he turned around and told the people he was rehearsing with, "That''s it for today, we''ll pick this up again tomorrow."


    Hearing that, everyone quickly packed up and started leaving.


    As the guys filed past her one by one, Ji Nian really couldn''t help sighing to herself - so many cuties!


    "Why are you standing there in the doorway?" Yu Luobai saw the woman''s dazed expression and a hint of amusement shed through his eyes. "Come on in."


    Snapping back to reality, Ji Nian''s cheeks flushed slightly. She was embarrassed to have spaced out again...


    "What are we rehearsing?" she asked awkwardly, still feeling a bit flushed.


    Yu Luobai was rather hot and casually undid two buttons on his shirt which was loose and flowy, typical rehearsal dance wear.


    Ji Nian''s eyes involuntarily followed his movement downwards...


    "Abs!" she eximed to herself. The glimpse of his fit, muscr torso took her breath away...


    Hearing that, Yu Luobai''s hands paused and he looked over at the woman, meeting her clear, bright eyes openly ogling him.


    "Pfft..." Yu Luobai suddenlyughed out loud. There was something so adorable about the woman''s fan girl gaze. Still chuckling, he teased, "What''s the matter?"


    Ji Nian was startled to realize she had lost herposure again, outright staring at the man''s abs. Her earlobes had turned bright red by now.


    "Noth...just...your bod is amazing, Teacher Yu!" she tossed out breezily, trying to y it cool as she gave him a big thumbs up.


    Yu Luobai raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips curving upwards amusedly. "Like what you see? Want me to let you cop a feel to test out how firm they are?" he joked.


    "For real? That would be awesome!" The words were out before Ji Nian could stop herself and she instantly regretted it, mentally smacking herself for slipping back into fangirl mode again.

 Chapter 74: Bring your own Dry Food

    <h4>Chapter 74</h4>


    Yu Luobai waspletely amused by the woman, and said helplessly with a smile: ¡°Are you really going to get physical?¡±


    Ji Nian knew the man was joking, and shamelessly said: ¡°Hehe, I wouldn¡¯t dare defile Teacher Yu.¡±


    Yu Luobai shook his head with a smile, buttoned up his clothes again, and said, ¡°Let me take you to the music room to find Peng He first. I¡¯m all sweaty and need to take a shower.¡±


    Ji Nian nodded obediently and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Yu Luobai beckoned for the woman to follow him.


    After listening, Ji Nian hurried to follow him, this floor had mostly rehearsal rooms, so they didn¡¯t run into anyone along the way.


    When they arrived at the music room, Ji Nian was shocked by the scene before her eyes.


    As expected of a bigpany, it was really impressive, with a spacious venue and drums, electric pianos, guitars and more set up all over, there was even a small stage inside, fully equipped.


    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± Peng He was talking with someone else, and greeted them with a smile when he saw the peopleing in.


    ¡°Give me ten minutes, I need to wash off the sweat first,¡± Yu Luobai signaled Ji Nian to sit on the nearby sofa, and told Peng He, ¡°It¡¯s noon now, get some food for little Nian.¡±


    ¡°Ok,¡± Peng He made an ¡°OK¡± gesture, seeing that the man had already strode out, he looked at the woman sitting on the sofa and asked, ¡°Little Nian, what would you like to eat? I¡¯ll have it sent over.¡±


    Now that he mentioned it, she suddenly felt very hungry, Ji Nian''s mouth under her mask twitched, what could she eat now, grass it is.


    ¡°Thank you, don¡¯t bother, I brought my own dry rations,¡± Ji Nian held up her bag and told Peng He.


    ¡°Oh? What¡¯s this?¡± Peng He looked surprised and asked with a smile.


    ¡°Sigh,¡± Ji Nian took off her mask and sighed, ¡°My agent said I have to lose weight, I can¡¯t help it, I have to nibble on grass every day. Just now when I went out, she didn¡¯t forget to stuff me my lunch.¡±


    As someone in the industry, Peng He naturally knew that even if an artist doesn''t look fat to ordinary people, they still have to control their diet to look good on camera.


    ¡°Can¡¯t be helped, Luobai has to eat like this too, he has to make strict demands since he¡¯s preparing for a concert tour,¡± Peng He said with augh.


    Soon, Yu Luobai had quickly showered and changed into casual clothes. As soon as he entered the music room, he happened to notice the bag in the woman''s hand.


    "What did you bring with you?" Yu Luobai asked.


    Hearing the familiar voice, Ji Nian turned her head to look, only to see the man in a white casual outfit, making his handsome features look much softer.


    "It''s the lunch I brought," Ji Nian replied.


    "Were you afraid I wouldn''t invite you to eat so you brought your own?" Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows and sat next to the woman,ughing as he said, "There''s no need for that."


    "No," Ji Nian hurriedly shook her head and said, "My agent stuffed it in my bag, I have to control my weight recently..."


    "What a coincidence, so do I," Yu Luobai knew she had a drama to film recently and understood the need to control weight, "Let''s eat together then, we can rehearse afterwards."


    Peng He had long prepared his artist¡¯s lunch over here, he took the lunchbox and put it on the coffee table, "Luobai, this is for you."


    Yu Luobai took it and skillfully opened it, while Ji Nian also took out her own lunchbox. Sure enough, it didn''t disappoint her when she opened it.


    She saw the lunchbox was all green, with only a lone egg providing a littlefort to her heart.


    But when she looked at the man''s lunchbox, that littlefort instantly disappeared - why was Yu Luobai''s lunch so abundant when they were both on diet meals?


    "You actually have meat?" Ji Nian stared nkly at him, looking at the contrast between the two lunchboxes, wasn''t hers too shabby?


    Seeing the woman''s lunchbox, Yu Luobaiughed and said, "Are the requirements for your role really that strict? Eating so little?"


    Ji Nian eyed the meat longingly in his bowl, unable to help swallowing, she really wanted to eat it...


    Peng He also found it amusing to the side, "Requirements for actresses on camera tend to be harsher."


    Seeing the woman stare at the meat in his bowl, Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows and asked, "Do you want some? It''s beef, it won''t make you fat."


    Hearing this, Ji Nian looked up at the man, her eyes full of anticipation as she blinked her big eyes and asked, "Can I?"


    Yu Luobai''s eyes shed with amusement, he said with a hint of smile, "Eating a little bit secretly should be fine."


    "Then..." Ji Nian licked her lips, she really wanted to eat meat so much, so she said softly, "Why don''t you let me have a piece to curb my appetite."


    After listening, Yu Luobai skillfully picked up a piece of beef from the bowl with his chopsticks and put it in her bowl.


    "Thank you." Ji Nian happily picked it up with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth, although the beef didn''t have much taste, she was still very happy.


    Seeing the woman''s satisfied look, Yu Luobai shook his head helplessly and started eating as well.


    At that moment in the Yuntian Building, Ye Jingzhan looked at today''s visitor, surprise shed through his eyes.


    "What are you doing here?"


    The visitor had a hint of smile at the corner of his mouth, dressed in an ink-ck suit, his fair and smooth face had distinct and profound features. Wearing gold-rimmed sses, he exuded a noble and refined temperament.


    "I''m here to learn from you," Pei Yuchen casually sat in the office chair and answered with augh.


    Surprise shed through Ye Jingzhan''s cold face, "Are you really going to take over your family''s business?"


    Pei Yuchen thought of his family, his eyes shed a hint of gloom, he still looked gentle and refined as he said, "I have no choice, I''m the only son."


    Ye Jingzhan naturally knew what the man in front of him was thinking, "You''re the rightful heir."


    Pei Yuchen nodded casually with a smile, "The old man said I should start with a small entertainmentpany first to gain experience."


    Ye Jingzhan raised his eyebrows and sneered, "What? He doesn''t trust your abilities yet?"


    Pei Yuchen shrugged, looking indifferent, "I studied medicine after all, it''s understandable he feels unsure."


    "Does a genius still need to differentiate by major?" Ye Jingzhan looked at the documents in his hand and asked lightly.


    "That''s why I''m here to learn from you," Pei Yuchen said with a smile.


    Ye Jingzhan nodded, "If you want to learn, I have a HuaYu Company under me, you can take a look. I remember when I started thatpany, you also chipped in to get some shares just for fun."


    "I was abroad back then. And that stepmother of mine wanted to control my money so I had no choice but to fleece you," Pei Yuchen said coldly to himself as he recalled this matter. He was really toyed with by her when he was young.


    "I heard your stepmother has always wanted your younger sister to marry into some prominent family," Ye Jingzhan said lightly.


    Thinking of his half-sister at home, Pei Yuchen''s eyes turned cold and aloof.


    "Hmph."


    Seeing the gentlemanly look on the man''s face instantly turn icy cold, Ye Jingzhan asked, "What''s your rtionship with that Ji Nian?"


    Pei Yuchen was taken aback, wasn''t that a rather abrupt change of topic?


    "Why ask about her?" He didn''t understand.


    Ye Jingzhan just suddenly recalled it. He had seen the two look quite closest time, so he said, "This woman has a ratherplicated family background, not suitable for you."


    Pei Yuchenughed, reverting back to his gentle and refined demeanor, "Did you investigate her?" he asked with a smile.


    Ye Jingzhan nodded, "Want to hear about it?"


    Pei Yuchen smiled and shook his head. Whenever he met her, she would look unwilling. Although it was quite interesting, he had always been disinterested in other people''s matters.

 Chapter 75: The Songs of Jay Chou

    <h4>Chapter 75</h4>


    "Teacher Yu, your concerts must make quite a bit of money, right?" Ji Nian asked curiously after finishing her meal.


    Yu Luobai nced at her and smiled, "Oh? What are you scheming?"


    "Aiyaya, Teacher Yu, you''ve misunderstood me. I was just asking out of curiosity." Ji Nian''s eyes shifted around as she sidled closer and whispered, "Give me the inside scoop, how much can you make?"


    Unsure of what she was nning, Yu Luobai responded helplessly, "What are you trying to do?"


    Batting her innocentrge eyes, Ji Nian didn''t respond. It must be a lot if he was being so secretive. A cunning glint shed in her eyes as she smiled, "Why don''t we...partner up?"


    Yu Luobai raised his brow, now curious as he asked, "How would we partner up?"


    "How many songs do you usually perform at your concerts?" Ji Nian asked.


    Yu Luobai thought for a moment. With a two hour concert, fan interactions, and if there was still ample time, he could add another song or two depending on the situation. He answered, "Around 18 songs."


    "I''ll provide two new songs. You split the royalties from those songs 50/50 with me," Ji Nian said with a grin.


    She already had enough money from acting to pay off her debts. But a person needed aspirations in life. In case she couldn''t return, earning money for retirement wouldn''t be bad either.


    "What? New songs? Two of them!" Peng He had overheard them and immediately rushed over with an astonished look.


    Caught by surprise, Ji Nian nkly nodded, "Uh...yes, new songs."


    "My my, how delightful! Mysteryposer?" Peng He was extremely excited.


    "Mysteryposer and arranger. All works of art!" Ji Nian confidently nodded.


    "Young miss, you''ll be my cherished ancestor from now on!" Peng He promptly sat next to the woman, beaming with pleasant surprise.


    "Ahem." The neglected Yu Luobai lightly coughed.


    Ji Nian looked towards the man and winked yfully, "Teacher Yu~ Want to partner up? I said the royalties will be split 50/50."


    Yu Luobai was amused by the woman''s money worshipping appearance. Keeping a straight face, he responded, "I''ll need to see if your songs are worth it first."


    "How could you not trust me! They absolutely are worth it!" Ji Nian pped her thigh, lookingpletely confident.


    "Please showcase your talents then." Yu Luobai gestured towards the guitar and piano on stage, signaling for the woman to sing for them to hear.


    Ji Nian''s eyes shifted in thought. How could she have forgotten about Zhou Dong''s songs earlier? Every single one was a masterpiece. She could randomly pick a few to impress Yu Luobai easily.


    Ji Nian confidently walked onto the small stage and turned on the electric piano. She began ying the prelude to "Night Song", a beautiful melody.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes lit up as he listened to the music in surprise.


    When the song finished, Yu Luobai was shocked. Even Peng He was moved after listening. If the previous songs "Ordinary Road" and "Fairytale" could be considered legendary, then this song could definitely cause shockwaves in the music industry. The ssical elements, romantic prelude... Most importantly, the contrasting styles of the rap and chorus sections of the song. In summary, this song was exceptional!


    Yu Luobai couldn''t believe she had so easily given away such an amazing song. Looking at herplexly, he asked, "You can just casually give me these mysterious songs?"


    Ji Nian knew this song was good. Zhou Dong''s songs were all ssics in her day after all. She nodded, "I have free reign over the mysterious songs."


    Yu Luobai couldn''t imagine how talented this mystery person was to be able topose such melodious tunes. He was somewhat impatient to meet this person.


    "The previous song was called ''Night Song''. I''ll sing another one called ''Prague Square'' for you." Ji Nian smiled and then began ying another melody.


    "This song is a male-female duet. Weren''t you going to have me as a guest performer? We can sing together." Ji Nian said to the people below after finishing.


    Yu Luobai had been stunned repeatedly today. Although these two songs seemed to have a simr style, they gave himpletely different feelings.


    Peng He was also shocked. To be honest, his artist definitely had the qualifications to be a top-level heavenly king. His talents were undoubtedly superb and he had released several sessful albums that were unanimously well-reviewed by the industry.


    But the songs Ji Nian provided gave him a totally different feeling. In fact, nearly every song seemed to have a different style, yet they all unexpectedly sounded pleasant and he felt they would have great potential.


    "Ji Nian, why are you giving these songs to me?"


    In contrast, Yu Luobai had calmed down. He was very puzzled. It wasn''t just these two songs today, even that song "Fairytale" from before - if she released her own album, wouldn''t it explode with poprity instantly? Then why was she able to easily give them away?


    Caught unaware, Ji Nian was confused by the question, "There''s no particr reason."


    "If you sang these songs yourself, I believe you would have better opportunities," Yu Luobai said.


    Only then did Ji Nian understand his meaning. Why was she giving them to him? She realized the reason was simple after thinking about it. The original versions of these songs were in a male vocal range in her old world. A female singing them wouldn''t sound as impressive.


    Moreover, she didn''t know many people in this world, nor did she want to get to know more. Since there was a top-tier artist like Yu Luobai around with great vocal abilities, wasn''t cooperating with him just good business? Why not work together?


    Ji Nian walked up to the man and looked up at him with a yful smile, "We''re partners. And as I said, it''s not like I''m giving them for free. I want to earn money too. You need to split the royalties 50/50 with me."


    Looking at the woman who only reached his chin, Yu Luobaiughed at her words. Very naturally, he raised his hand and ruffled her hair, smiling as he said, "I agree then. The royalties from the new songs will be split with you."


    Ji Nian froze slightly as she looked at the smiling man stroking her head...why did this action make her heart race so quickly?


    After ruffling her hair, Yu Luobai realized what intimate gesture he had unconsciously done. Stroking a girl''s head was quite an intimate move.


    Seeing this, surprise shed in Peng He''s eyes. He looked towards the somewhat bewildered man. Could it be? Had his artist finally blossomed?

 Chapter 76: Out to Dinner

    <h4>Chapter 76</h4>


    Shen Shuyao had been at thepany for an afternoon. Because she was given a new song, she simply wrote out the score and had Yu Luobai give an impromptu performance ss.


    When she came back from thepany, it was almost dusk. When she entered the vi, she saw Shen Shuyao on the sofa, face mask on, looking over.


    "Huh?" Ji Nian was surprised, smiling, "The sun rose in the west today? You''re actually home so early?" After speaking, she also nced at her phone. It was exactly 5 pm.


    Shen Shuyao pouted, looking very unhappy, and gave a soft humph as she turned her head away.


    Ji Nian looked at her appearance, somewhat confused. The female lead is angry? Had a fight with the male lead?


    "What''s wrong?" Ji Nian walked over and sat next to her, asking.


    Shen Shuyao had an aggrieved look in her eyes. With the face mask on her face and her lips slightly pursed, she unhappily said, "Did you go see Yu Luobai?"


    Ji Nian innocently nodded and answered, "Yes, he invited me to his concert."


    "How could you do this!" Shen Shuyao sat up straight, agitated, "Go see my idol without saying a word!" After speaking, she looked at the woman incredulously.


    "Ah...this..." Ji Nian was stunned. She suddenly realized that the female lead was a diehard fan of Yu Luobai.


    "I didn''t tell you to get an autograph for me!" Shen Shuyao was unhappy. Looking at the woman aggrievedly, she said, "You''re not nice!"


    Ji Nian was puzzled, blinking her eyes and asking, "Aren''t we all from the samepany? Isn''t it easy for you to ask for an autograph?"


    Shen Shuyao sighed and said, "Although we''re from the samepany, I''ve never run into him before, and we''re not even on the same floor..."


    "I see..." Ji Nian thought for a moment and said, "We''re pretty close. How about I invite him out and the three of us can eat together?"


    After speaking, she saw Shen Shuyao staring with wide eyes, unbelieving. Her face was full of delight and excitement as she eximed, "Ahhhhh, no way...this, this..."


    Seeing the person in front of her reacting like a crazed fan, Ji Nian suddenly realized that the female lead actually had such a silly side.


    "Xiao Nian, you don''t know, but I''ve liked him for a long time. I was his fan all through high school. He''s the reason why I wanted to study acting." Shen Shuyao said excitedly while holding the woman''s hand.


    "Yes, yes." Ji Nian looked at the excited person nkly.


    "Wuwuwu, he''s like a mythical being." Shen Shuyao kept talking.


    "You don''t know,st time we ran into each other in the elevator, I was so happy but also regretted not talking more to my idol." Shen Shuyao''s eyes were full of stars as she asked, "Xiao Nian, how did you get to know him?"


    "We have some business dealings...he wanted to buy a mysterious song." Ji Nian thought and answered.


    Shen Shuyao was stunned, blinking her eyes. She nodded and said, "I see, is this confidential? Then I won''t ask."


    After speaking, she covered her mouth, touching the face mask on her face. She hurriedly put her hand down again.


    Seeing the female lead''s actions, Ji Nian was suddenly charmed by how cute she was. Laughing, she said, "If you want to know, I can tell you."


    Shen Shuyao obediently shook her head and said, "No, those are my idol''s trade secrets. You can''t tell me."


    Ji Nian was amused and said, "Then who do you like more, President Ye or Yu Luobai?"


    Shen Shuyao stared with wide eyes, unable to believe she was hearing this question. Without any hesitation she said, "Of course it''s my idol! I secretly promote him all the time. I leavements on his Weibo every day with my alt ount."


    Ji Nian helplessly shook her head. For the first time, she felt that the male lead was so worthless. Laughing, she said, "Okay, I''ll get you ten or more of his autographs tomorrow."


    Shen Shuyao excitedly nodded her head and said, "Great!"


    At this moment, a phone ring sounded. Ji Nian thought it was her own phone at first. After checking, she realized it wasn''t.


    "Hello, A Zhan." Shen Shuyao''s tone contained a faint gentleness.


    Ji Nian looked over, astonished. The female lead changed faces so quickly? Just a moment ago she was reacting like a crazed fan, but in the blink of an eye, she gently answered the male lead''s call.


    Tsk tsk, she couldn''t help but sigh to herself. As expected of a woman in love!


    "Xiao Nian is here too. I want to go with Xiao Nian." Shen Shuyao said obediently.


    Ji Nian was mentioned by name and looked over puzzled.


    "Okay, then have the drivere pick me up." Shen Shuyao said.


    After the woman hung up, Ji Nian curiously asked, "Going out? Where to?"


    Shen Shuyao smiled and said, "A Zhan said to eat dinner together. I said you shoulde along too."


    "Ah?" Ji Nian was stunned. She was going along on the couple''s date too? Isn''t that being a lightbulb? "I don''t need to go...do I?"


    "Why not? I''ve been to that restaurant before. The appetizers are really delicious too, and the steak tastes great." Shen Shuyao pouted and said, "No, you have toe eat with us."


    "Alright..."


    After an hour, Shen Shuyao reapplied her makeup in record time.


    She changed into a little ck dress that set off her fairplexion beautifully. Her slightly wavy hair draped over her shoulders gave her an air of maturity and charm.


    In contrast, Ji Nian was a stark difference in casual wear - white sneakers, fitted blue jeans, an oversized ck t-shirt.


    "Xiao Nian, you''re going out like that?" Shen Shuyao was putting on lipstick.


    Ji Nian looked at her outfit, seemingly nothing wrong with it. She always dressed however she was mostfortable. "I think this is fine."


    Shen Shuyao was already used to the woman''s daily casual style of wearing whatever she found in her closet. "Well, I guess it''s fine since you don''t like dressing up anyway."


    "Um...do you have to wear formalwear at that restaurant?" Ji Nian still felt uneasy asking.


    This question made Shen Shuyao pause. She thought about it, and it didn''t seem like there was any such requirement. Anyway, she had always been in the private rooms before. But probably not, right?


    "Probably not, I think. Or you should change into something more formal?" Shen Shuyao asked.


    Ji Nian felt it was troublesome and shook her head. "Nevermind, toozy to change."


    Soon, the driver came to pick them up. By the time they arrived at the destination, the sky was alreadypletely dark.


    Walking into the restaurant, the soft lights of the crystal chandeliers created an elegant and tranquil atmosphere. The extravagant decor gave an imposing and luxurious feeling, as if walking into a magnificent pce.


    Ji Nian regretted not changing into something more formal, because the restaurant staff were all looking at her strangely now.


    Ji Nian said awkwardly, "Um...I know this is a high-end restaurant, but I didn''t expect it to be so fancy."


    Shen Shuyao stifled augh and said, "I told you to change clothes earlier."


    Ji Nian linked arms with the female lead, no longer feeling awkward. Laughing, she said, "It''s okay. With you here, just take this country bumpkin to open her eyes."


    Shen Shuyao said helplessly, "You..."


    Looking at the surroundings, Ji Nian knew there weren''t many people around, but still felt uneasy and asked, "We didn''t wear masks. Will we get photographed?"


    She didn''t really care if she herself was photographed, just worried if the paparazzi caught the female lead, it would cause unnecessary trouble.


    "It won''t happen. Restaurants like these are very good at keeping things confidential. No one will be taking random photos." Shen Shuyao replied.


    "That makes sense." Ji Nian thought she was overthinking it. After all, high end restaurants like this ce keeping their customers'' privacy was basic.

 Chapter 77: Catch a Plane

    <h4>Chapter 77</h4>


    Following the young waiter, Ji Nian entered the private dining room, admiring thevish restaurant while marveling at how great it must be to be rich.


    As she opened the door and went inside, Shen Shuyao looked at the man sitting at the dining table, her eyes tinged with shyness. But then she noticed the person beside him and was a bit surprised.


    It was Ji Nian, however, who was seemingly struck by lightning at that moment, rendered motionless.


    Someone please tell her, why was the antagonist there too? Why?


    Pei Yuchen noticed the shocked expression on the woman''s face and a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.


    He stood up and greeted her warmly, "Miss Shen, do you remember me?"


    Of course Shen Shuyao remembered him: he was the man who hade to borrow the first aid kit at the vist time. She nodded shyly and smiled, "Hello."


    Ji Nian was startled. In the original story, Pei Yuchen was quite fond of the female lead. She couldn''t let these two get too close.


    "Dr. Pei, what a coincidence," Ji Nian greeted with a smile.


    Pei Yuchen smiled and nodded, "Ms. Ji, we meet again."


    Ji Nian felt awkward. She followed behind the woman and, when they reached the dining table, Shen Shuyao sat right next to the male lead, while Ji Nian stared at the remaining empty seat across from the female lead, deep in thought...


    The private room was quiterge and luxurious, with a long rectangr dining table. The ambiance was elegant and upscale.


    But in such a spacious ce, why were there only four seats? Ji Nian was puzzled. At this rate, she would have to sit next to the antagonist...


    An awkward silence filled the air as the four of them sat facing each other. Ji Nian didn''t want to be too close to the antagonist, so she discreetly shifted her chair, trying to put some distance between them.


    Shen Shuyao, on the other hand, seemed fine. She smiled at the man next to her and asked, "Ah Zhan, is this your friend?"


    "Yeah, we''ve known each other since we were kids," Ye Jingzhan replied, his expression as impassive as ever, but he still patiently answered her question.


    Ji Nian thought to herself, ''Knowing each other since childhood doesn''t mean much. He almost drove your family into bankruptcy.''


    "Earlier, I heard Xiao Nian call you Dr. Pei. Are you a doctor?" Shen Shuyao vaguely remembered that was how Ji Nian had addressed him at the vi.


    Dressed in a dark gray suit with gold-rimmed sses, Pei Yuchen looked refined and schrly as he smiled and asked, "Didn''t Miss Shen know? Hasn''t Ah Zhan mentioned his friend to you before?"


    Ji Nian, who was about to take a sip of water, almost spat it out. She coughed lightly, her heart racing. This time, she was really in trouble.


    She clearly remembered when the antagonist had given her a ride to thepany, she had answered this question in the car, ming the male lead. What had she said back then?


    She had said she heard the CEO mention it before... and now her lie was so easily exposed...


    "Oh, I see." Pei Yuchen nced at the woman beside him, his eyes holding a meaningful look as he smiled, "Ah Zhan and I grew up together. After university, I stayed abroad for a while and only recently returned."


    "I didn''t know Ah Zhan had a doctor friend," Shen Shuyao remarked with a smile.


    "And I''m surprised to learn that Ah Zhan has a girlfriend now," Pei Yuchen quipped, his tone teasing as he looked at the man.


    A flicker of embarrassment crossed Ye Jingzhan''s cold face as he said tly, "I still need to settle the score with you for what your grandmother said when she returned."


    Pei Yuchenughed lightly, "That was a misunderstanding. When my grandmother saw Ms. Jist time, I introduced her, but I told the olddy to keep it a secret first."


    Ye Jingzhan massaged his temples. When his family learned he had a girlfriend, they had all been in an uproar.


    He had promised to bring her home after some time, and that''s when they finally calmed down. But recently, when he returned to the old residence, the shows on TV were all dramas starring Ji Nian, piquing his family''s curiosity.


    However, it was strange that Ji Nian had met Pei''s grandmother. Ye Jingzhan''s eyes shed with a hint of coldness. It seemed this woman''s target was not him, but the people around him.


    "Keep what a secret?" Shen Shuyao asked curiously.


    "Ms. Ji will have to tell you about that," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    Shen Shuyao looked at the gentle, warm-mannered man, then at the cold, aloof person next to her, wondering how two people with such different personalities became friends.


    "Heh heh," Ji Nian forced augh, feeling self-conscious as she avoided the antagonist''s gaze. She smiled at the female lead, "It''s nothing, I''ll tell youter."


    Shen Shuyao nodded obediently, "Okay."


    At that moment, the waiters brought over the dishes, first serving some small appetizers before cing the steaks on the table.


    Ji Nian, who hadn''t eaten all evening, was already famished. Her stomach growled as she looked at the food in front of her.


    "Xiao Nian, the steaks here are quite good. Give it a try," Shen Shuyao said with a smile.


    "Okay." Ji Nian saw that everyone had started eating, so she cut off a piece and tasted it. Whether it was because she was too hungry or not, she was truly amazed by the steak.


    Everyone ate in rtive silence. The male lead didn''t speak, but Shen Shuyao, worried her friend might feel ufortable, would asionally ce some appetizers in Ji Nian''s bowl.


    Seeing the female lead''s thoughtfulness, Ji Nian smiled, "I can serve myself, it''s okay."


    Shen Shuyao yfully blinked and said, "These few appetizers are delicious, and the ingredients are low in calories too."


    Hearing the words ''low in calories,'' Ji Nian inwardly sighed. Even though the original body''s weight and figure were perfectly fine, she still had to diet...


    About half an hourter, everyone had mostly finished eating when Shen Shuyao received a call saying she had to go out of town for a shoot the next day, with her flight leaving that night.


    Ye Jingzhan frowned, though not too pleased, he instructed his driver to take her to the airport.


    Ji Nian had thought the female lead would be free that day, but she didn''t expect her to have to rush off for a shoot that night. "What about your luggage? Do you need to go back and pack?"


    Shen Shuyao shook her head, "Hao Yi just helped pack everything from the vi. I''ll go straight to the airport, and I need toe back for another shoot tomorrow afternoon."


    "That''s quite rushed," Ji Nian was surprised.


    "I''m sorry, Xiao Nian," Shen Shuyao looked apologetic. "I was supposed to keep youpany tonight."


    "It''s okay, just be safe," Ji Nian smiled.


    "Ah Zhan, if you have timeter, could you please send Xiao Nian home?" Shen Shuyao asked, feeling concerned.


    "Ah Zhan lives in the opposite direction. It would be more convenient for Ms. Ji to ride with me since I also live at Pin Residence," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    Upon hearing this, Ji Nian stiffened. Ride in the antagonist''s car again? No way!


    "Thank you, Dr. Pei," Shen Shuyao said gratefully. Then, turning to the man beside her, she said, "Ah Zhan, I''ll get going then."


    Ye Jingzhan was displeased. Having to rush off for a shoot sote at night: did his woman really need the money that badly?


    "Mm," he responded curtly despite his displeasure.


    "Then I''ll have to trouble you, Dr. Pei. Goodbye." With that, Shen Shuyao hurriedly left.


    Seeing her leave, Ye Jingzhan, no longer in the mood to stay, also left with a stony expression.


    Now, in the private dining room, only Ji Nian and the antagonist remained, facing each other awkwardly.

 Chapter 78: Time to Move Out

    <h4>Chapter 78</h4>


    "I remember Miss Ji Nian saidst time..."


    "Heh, that Dr. Pei, I have something to attend to, I''ll go first." Ji Nian didn''t even wait for the man to finish before quickly standing up and smiling awkwardly.


    Pei Yuchen also stood up at this time, buttoning up his shirt casually.


    "Is Dr. Pei... also leaving for some business?" Ji Nian asked.


    Pei Yuchen let out augh and said, "Miss Ji Nian is so forgetful, didn''t I just say in front of Miss Shen that I would send you home?"


    "Dr. Pei is too kind, but actually I have other matters to attend to, we''re not going the same way, not going the same way." Ji Nian smiled awkwardly.


    "Where are you going? I''ll drive you," said Pei Yuchen with a slight upturn of his lips, looking very gentlemanly.


    Oh brother, please spare me, Ji Nian regretted this to death. How could she have been so stupid? She shouldn''t have had any contact with him from the start.


    "No need, no need, we''re not going the same way, how can I trouble Dr. Pei?" Ji Nian felt like crying but had no tears.


    Pei Yuchen found it amusing, the upturned arc of his lips became more pronounced. He couldn''t help but want to tease her, saying, "That won''t do, I just promised Miss Shen. Besides, it''ste at night, it''s not safe for you to be alone."


    You''re the one who''s not safe! Ji Nian screamed inwardly, but what could she do? This fellow put on a gentlemanly and refined appearance, but his heart was pitch ck. Since he had said this much, how could she refuse? What if he held a grudge?


    "Heh heh..." Ji Nianughed dryly, then with a look of resignation, she said, "Then I''ll have to trouble Dr. Pei."


    Pei Yuchen smiled and nodded, looking at the petite woman who only reached his shoulder. Her slim figure was further entuated by the loose ck T-shirt she wore. Was she trying to lose more weight even though she was already so skinny? He couldn''t help but frown.


    After getting into the car, Ji Nian shrank meekly into the passenger seat, trying her best to lower her presence.


    Pei Yuchen also got into the car. Seeing the woman sitting motionless, he leaned over towards her.


    Ji Nian held her breath. What was he going to do? What was he going to do? As he came closer and closer, she stared at him wide-eyed, not daring to move.


    It wasn''t until the man gently helped her fasten her seatbelt that Ji Nian came back to her senses, feeling a bit awkward as she said, "Thank you..."


    A hint of amusement shed in Pei Yuchen''s eyes as he asked, "What were you thinking about just now that made you space out for so long?"


    "Nothing..." Ji Nian replied awkwardly.


    Pei Yuchen smiled and nodded. He turned the steering wheel, preparing to leave the parking lot. After reaching the exit and paying the parking fee, he drove onto the street.


    The night in Jingdu was beautiful. As soon as darkness fell, the neon lights lit up, their vibrant colors shining brilliantly.


    If she wasn''t sitting in the viin''s car at the moment, Ji Nian could have leisurely enjoyed the prosperity of the big city.


    "Miss Ji Nian, don''t you want to exin why, on our second meeting, you called me Dr. Pei?" Pei Yuchen stopped at a red light and turned to look at the woman.


    Ji Nian''s heart skipped a beat. She knew this question was inevitable and couldn''t be avoided forever.


    Seeing the woman remain silent, a hint of darkness shed in Pei Yuchen''s eyes as he asked, "What''s wrong?"


    This was the viin... with an extremely high IQ, how should she gloss over this? Ji Nian was so nervous that her hands were trembling slightly.


    "The light''s green..." she said weakly, pointing at the traffic light ahead.


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow. Was she trying to change the subject again with the same old trick? He slowed the car and smiled, "Does Miss Ji Nian not want to say? Or are you thinking of what excuse to use to lie to me again?"


    Ji Nian, who was just considering excuses, was startled again. Was this man a devil? How could he so easily guess what she was thinking?


    "Dr. Pei, I think you might have misunderstood me..." Ji Nian smiled dryly.


    "I''m just very curious," said Pei Yuchen, his face still wearing a gentle smile, but a hint of coldness shed in his eyes. "Did Miss Ji Nian investigate me?"


    "No! No, don''t misunderstand!" Ji Nian immediately defended herself. This was going too far.


    Pei Yuchen turned towards her, the corners of his lips slightly upturned, his whole demeanor appearing gentle. But if one looked closely, there was a coldness in his eyes behind the gold-rimmed sses.


    Ji Nian''s mind went nk. She was flustered by how this viin kept harping on this point and wouldn''t let go. She was really fed up.


    "Or perhaps, you wanted to get close to me?" Pei Yuchen''s long fingers were still resting on the steering wheel as he smiled gently.


    What did he mean? Ji Nian was still pondering the viin''s words. Did he think she wanted to find a rich boyfriend? So she investigated him and then tried to get close to him for that reason?


    Ji Nian''s mind was full of questions. Was he a bit sick or something? Couldn''t he see that she would rather avoid him? The corners of her mouth twitched. Now that she thought about it, this excuse did seem quite usible.


    "Heh heh..." Ji Nianughed dryly without saying a word, letting the viin misunderstand. After all, she couldn''te up with a legitimate excuse to gloss over this right now.


    Pei Yuchen didn''t speak. He hadn''t intentionally looked into this woman''s background, but her calling him "Dr. Pei" had piqued his interest in her.


    People who lived at the bottom rungs of society would always want to climb up at the slightest opportunity, just like his stepmother.


    And this Ji Nian actually had some skills. On the surface, she seemed indifferent, but she had put in quite an effort to investigate his background.


    What was even moreughable was that he was actually looking forward to seeing what this woman would do next.


    The rest of the ride was silent. When they arrived at Pin Residence, Ji Nian got out of the car and politely smiled at the man, "Thank you, Dr. Pei."


    Pei Yuchen still had a gentle smile on his face as he nodded in response.


    After returning to the vi, Ji Nian recalled the encounter earlier that day. Looking at the empty house, she suddenly felt a bit dazed.


    Although luxurious, it was not her own home. Plus, there was the ticking time bomb that was the viin. She felt that it was time for her to move out.


    She was still renting a ce in the suburbs outside of Jingdu. She had a few thousand yuan on hand, and the 50,000 yuan from the variety show had just been issued. In total, she now had over 50,000 yuan.


    Once she received the payment for filming the drama, paying off her debts would only be a matter of time. She could just rent an apartment in the city center, finding an ordinary single''s apartment wouldn''t be bad.


    "Yes, I need to find time to look for a ce," Ji Nian nodded to herself as she thought it over. Grabbing her sleepwear, she headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

 Chapter 79: Abs Are Soft

    <h4>Chapter 79</h4>


    The next day, Ji Nian was woken up early by Xiao Tang''s phone call. She hurriedly got ready and rushed to the filming location.


    Since Shen Shuyao was still away on another shoot and hadn''t returned, Ji Nian''s scenes were filmed first in the morning.


    Today went quite smoothly, as yesterday Yu Luobai had given her another acting lesson. Overall, her mindset was much betterpared to yesterday, and she wasn''t as nervous at least.


    "Xiao Nian, you did well today," the Director said with a smile. Although her acting was average, with her stunning looks alone, she could captivate the audience for a long time.


    Ji Nian was pleased to be praised, her efforts had finally paid off a little bit. "Thank you, Director. I''ll keep working hard!" she said.


    The Director nodded in satisfaction. "Young people should have that drive." With that, he left.


    Meanwhile, Cheng Liran walked by emotionlessly, picked up a bottle of water from the table, and started drinking it.


    Ji Nian nced at the man, wondering why the original host''s mind hadn''t been hurting recently. After two days of filming, it seemed her body wasn''t experiencing any abnormalities.


    Could it be because they had been seeing each other frequently these past few days? Had the original host''s consciousness be immune?


    Nevermind, she couldn''t be bothered to overthink it. It was noon now, and she was nning to go to thepany to rehearse with Yu Luobai again and persuade him to give her another acting lesson if he had time.


    Then Ji Nian suddenly remembered the matter of renting a house. She took out her phone and texted He Yi.


    Ji Nian: I want to rent a ce in the city.


    He Yi: You''re nning to move out?


    Ji Nian: Of course, I can''t keep staying at Shuyao''s house.


    He Yi: That''s true, but I remember thepany usually provides amodation for artists.


    Ji Nian: Why didn''t you tell me earlier?


    He Yi: I might have forgotten before.


    Ji Nian: If they provide amodation, then where would I stay? Does this mean I can save some money?


    He Yi: Your poprity is doing well now, and your future prospects seem promising if nothing unexpected happens. Let me check with thepany about where they can arrange for you to stay.


    Ji Nian: Love you~ *sending hearts*


    He Yi: Sis, does Shuyao know you''re nning to move out?


    Ji Nian: I''ll tell her when she''s back.


    He Yi: Okay, we''re about to board the ne.


    Ji Nian: Got it.


    After discussing the moving matter, Ji Nian headed to thepany. She left the filming location, put on her standard face mask, and got in the car.


    Upon arriving at thepany, Ji Nian went straight to the rehearsal room. Just like yesterday, the dance studio door was open, and she peeked inside, hearing the music ying.


    They were so handsome, Ji Nian''s heart started fluttering as she stared at the group of good-looking guys, her eyes sparkling.


    As the center, Yu Luobai was wearing a ck T-shirt, hip-hop pants, and white sneakers, moving to the music.


    "Wow," Ji Nian whispered in awe. Yu Luobai lookedpletely different when dancing, so captivating.


    When rehearsal ended and everyone was getting ready to leave, Yu Luobai had already noticed the fluffy head peeking from the doorway. His eyes crinkled with amusement, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.


    Ji Nian saw that everyone had left and entered, giving the man a thumbs up. "Teacher Yu is so handsome!"


    Yu Luobai casually picked up a bottle of water. Seeing that the woman was only carrying a file bag, he asked with a smile, "No homemade lunch today?"


    Ji Nian looked at the script in her hand, took off her mask and put it in the file bag, then lifted her head with a smile. "Nope, I''m going to mooch off your lunch today."


    Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, grinning. "Feel free to mooch."


    Ji Nian studied the man''s casual outfit today. Although it was simple and ordinary, it looked incredibly good on him, giving off a campus heartthrob vibe - a roguish charm.


    It was a pity, though, that the T-shirt covered his abspletely. Ji Nian couldn''t help but nce down at the man''s stomach area as the thought crossed her mind.


    Yu Luobai had just finished drinking when he noticed the woman staring at him intently. He couldn''t help butugh. "What''s up? Where are you looking?"


    Ji Nian had spent enough time with Yu Luobai to feel less reserved. Realizing her little thought had been exposed, sheughed it off without embarrassment.


    Yu Luobai noticed that the woman had put on some makeup today, probably because she was filming. It made her face look more exquisite.


    "I told you to try feeling it yesterday, but you didn''t," Yu Luobai joked.


    Ji Nian was quite tempted too. Rounding it off, she had lived almost two lifetimes but had never experienced the sensation of abs before.


    She blinked her bright eyes at the man and said with a smile, "I wouldn''t dare take advantage of Teacher Yu."


    Yu Luobai found her endearing expression amusing. That exquisitely beautiful face carried an air of allure, yet her smile made her seem almost naive.


    He raised his eyebrows. "It''s fine, I don''t mind."


    As soon as the words left his mouth, Ji Nian extended a finger and gently poked his stomach. In an instant, he froze, his mind going nk.


    Ji Nian poked tentatively at first, her expression filled with wonder. Then she poked harder, her bright eyes clouded with confusion as she asked, "Teacher Yu, why are your abs soft?"


    Yu Luobai was stunned, feeling as if an electric current had passed through his body, sending a tingling sensation all over. His heartbeat quickened.


    Ji Nian saw the man''s silence and looked up at him quizzically, blinking herrge eyes. "Teacher Yu?"


    Yu Luobai snapped out of it and stared at the woman, his gaze darkening slightly as he said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Xiao Nian, you''re quite bold."


    Ji Nian felt a little embarrassed. Just now, she didn''t know what had gotten into her. She had simply thought about it, but before she could react, she had unconsciously reached out her hand...


    "Oh, Teacher Yu, I only used one finger to poke you," she said with a yful blink of her eyes.


    Yu Luobai felt exasperated by her words. He pushed aside the strange thoughts in his mind, ruffled the woman''s hair, and said with a smile, "Let''s go, I''ll take you to the music room."


    "Aren''t you going to take a shower?" Ji Nian asked as she followed him.


    Yu Luobai stopped in his tracks, causing the woman behind him to bump into him. Hearing her yelp in pain, the curve of his smile deepened.


    "Do you find my sweat smell unpleasant?" Yu Luobai turned around and asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian rubbed her forehead where she had bumped into him. After a moment''s thought, she gave a ttering smile. "Not at all, even when Teacher Yu sweats, it smells nice."


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud. He didn''t know why, but every time he met her, his mood became exceptionally pleasant and rxed.


    "You''re quite good at ttery," Yu Luobai said, his eyes crinkling with amusement.


    Ji Nian looked at him with bright eyes and smiled, "Of course, I still need Teacher Yu''s help with my acting skills."


    Meanwhile, Peng He had already arranged for their lunch in the music room. Yesterday, he had noticed the woman eyeing Yu Luobai''s meat, so today he had prepared two portions.


    As soon as Ji Nian entered, she greeted Peng He politely, "Good afternoon."


    Peng He turned to see that the woman hadn''t brought her own food today and said with a smile, "You''re here, good timing. I just prepared your lunch, afraid you wouldn''t have any meat to eat."


    "Haha, thank you, I didn''t bring anything today," Ji Nian said with a smile.

 Chapter 80: Like it

    <h4>Chapter 80</h4>


    After finishing lunch, everyone started rehearsing. As a guest performer, Ji Nian also needed to sing on stage.


    Coincidentally, Yu Luobai had adapted his song "The Ordinary Path" a bit, making the whole song more infectious and prating.


    For the main melody part, she needed to y the kettledrum as an apaniment, so she had been learning the kettledrum recently. To be honest, it was quite simple. After practicing for two days, she could basically follow the rhythm and beat it without any difficulty.


    For the song "Fairy Tale," she needed to provide piano apaniment, which was her forte, so there wasn''t much of a problem. The main thing was to practice more to avoid getting nervous and forgetting the score.


    The new song "Prague Square" was a duet, so they needed to rehearse it more.


    Throughout the concert, she would appear on stage three times, which was considered a high visibility rate. Moreover, she was told she would receive a performance fee, so she had to take it more seriously. This was an opportunity to make money.


    Yu Luobai truly lived up to his reputation as the king of entertainment. He was an all-round, high-quality idol: not only was he a great actor, but he also excelled at singing and dancing. His voice was phenomenal. Ji Nian secretly developed a crush on him several times today.


    After the rehearsal ended around four in the afternoon, everyone took a rest on the sofas.


    Ji Nian took the water handed to her by Peng He and looked at the man beside her, asking, "Teacher Yu, is the ce where you''re staying arranged by thepany or your own?"


    Yu Luobai turned to her, unsure why she asked that, and answered, "It''s arranged by thepany. Why?"


    Ji Nian was puzzled. Shouldn''t a superstar like him have his own ce to live?


    "Where is the ce arranged by thepany?" Ji Nian asked curiously.


    Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows and said, "Why?"


    "It''s like this, I''m currently living with Shu Yao," Ji Nian frowned. "But it''s not good to keep staying at her ce, so I thought I should rent a ce for myself. I heard that thepany provides amodation for artists, so I''m just asking."


    "So you don''t have a ce to stay right now?" Peng He asked in surprise.


    Ji Nian nodded, then shook her head. "No, I''m still renting that house in the suburbs, but it''s too far away from where I work in the city."


    Yu Luobai recalled the small room in the suburbs he had seen in the woman''s video, and he couldn''t help but frown. "Thepany has arranged amodations. I''ll have them arrange something for you."


    "No need to trouble Teacher Yu," Ji Nian was startled. "How could I bother you with my own affairs? What if thepany has any objections?"


    "We''re so close already. Why are you still being so polite with me?" Yu Luobai smiled.


    "No, no, it''s just that... it''s not appropriate for you to help me with this," Ji Nian looked bewildered.


    Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows. He knew what the woman meant: she wanted to avoid any potential issues. However, as a shareholder of Huayu Entertainment, he was fully entitled to make such arrangements.


    "What kind of ce would you like to live in?" Yu Luobai asked casually.


    Upon hearing the question, Ji Nian thought for a moment. She wasn''t picky about her living arrangements. A single-person apartment would be fine. "It''s alright," she answered. "I''m not picky. I''ll live wherever thepany arranges for me."


    Yu Luobai nodded without saying anything further, but Peng He, who was watching his artist, became more certain of his own thoughts.


    "Now that we''ve rested, let''s talk about your drama," Yu Luobai picked up the script from his file bag and asked with concern, "How was the filming today?"


    Ji Nian''s face lit up when she talked about this topic. "Thanks to your coaching yesterday, the director praised me today."


    Seeing the woman''s satisfied expression, Yu Luobai''s lips curved up. "That''s not bad. Keep up the good work."


    Ji Nian nodded and smiled. "Definitely! Teacher Yu, let''s have a lesson!"


    At five in the afternoon, Ji Nian reviewed the scenes she needed to act out tomorrow, said goodbye to them, and prepared to leave.


    Yu Luobai watched the woman''s departing figure, lost in thought for a long time before saying, "I remember the apartment downstairs is vacant, isn''t it?"


    Peng He was startled and asked in confusion, "What are you going to do?"


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud, turned to look at him, and said, "Ji Nian happens to need a ce to stay, doesn''t she? Since we''re coborating recently, it would be more convenient if she lived nearby."


    "That''s ame excuse. You might as well save it to fool others," Peng He rolled his eyes and asked seriously, "Tell me the truth, are you interested in her?"


    Yu Luobai was caught off guard, as he had never considered that question before. "What are you thinking?" he said.


    "Don''t think I can''t see it. Whenever other women approached you before, you were always very restrained," Peng He recalled their interactions during this period. "But with Ji Nian, you don''t avoid her at all. If you don''t like her, what is it?"


    After hearing this, Yu Luobai felt a moment of confusion. He didn''t know if he liked her or not, but he definitely feltfortable being around her, and he couldn''t help but want to get closer to her.


    "It''s not that you can''t date, we''re pursuing the path of real talent," Peng He said seriously. "But I don''t think Ji Nian will necessarily like you."


    Yu Luobai was puzzled. "Why not?"


    Peng He took out his phone, opened the Douyin app, and searched for a video clip edited by others, titled "Fairy Crying."


    "Here, take a look," he said.


    Yu Luobai took the man''s phone and watched the content of the video, seeing the woman''s sorrowful gaze and her forced smile as she cried. An unusual emotion stirred within him.


    "Ji Nian''s rtionship with Cheng Liran is well-known. Thest time they appeared together, during the Q&A session, Ji Nian was asked a question that made her cry."


    Peng He suddenly felt some sympathy for this woman. Every day, she appeared cheerful and happy, but in reality, her breakup hadn''t been long ago.


    On top of that, in the TV drama she was currently acting in, her ex-boyfriend was the male lead. Facing him every day must have been difficult for her, even if she didn''t show it.


    "When did this happen? I had no idea," Yu Luobai frowned.


    Peng He thought for a moment and said, "It hasn''t been long since this happened. And with how busy you''ve been, always working on the concert, when would you have had time to go online and see these things?"


    "You''re overthinking it. She and I are just friends," Yu Luobai said calmly, suppressing the uneasiness in his heart.


    "Yeah, right, I believe you," Peng He said sarcastically. "Looks like I need to start preparing PR statements in advance, just in case they''re caught by paparazzi. That way, I''ll be ready to handle it."


    Yu Luobai didn''t want to entertain the chattering person beside him any longer. He stood up and prepared to leave.


    Peng He looked at the man''s retreating figure helplessly and shook his head with a sigh. "Sigh, his wings have hardened."


    Yu Luobai''s heart was actually in turmoil. Images of the woman''s smile kept shing through his mind. He took out his phone and started searching online for information about Cheng Liran''s rtionship.


    Although the news had spread throughout the industry before, he didn''t understand it very well. After seeing that video just now, he couldn''t help but feel uneasy no matter how he thought about it.

 Chapter 81: Two Cell Phones

    <h4>Chapter 81</h4>


    "Little Nian, you''re going to move out?" Shen Shuyao looked surprised, then pouted and said with a wronged expression, "No way! You promised you''d stay with me."


    Ji Nian had just gotten home when she saw the female lead looking unhappy, so she asked, "Did He Yi tell you about it?"


    Shen Shuyao was sulking. Although she was rarely home because of filming, she had gotten used to the girl living with her. Suddenly being told one day that Ji Nian was moving out made her heart feel empty.


    "Today I identally overheard He Yi calling thepany about the amodation for artists," Shen Shuyao pouted in reply.


    Ji Nian looked at the cute pout on the female lead''s face, and taking advantage of her taller stature, she patted Shen Shuyao''s head and said with a smile, "But this is Director Ye''s house. It''s not right for me to keep living here every day."


    Shen Shuyao wasn''t happy and swatted Ji Nian''s hand away, puffing out her cheeks as she said, "But we''ve been living here for so long, and he''s onlye to stay once!"


    "Anyway, you''re rarely home. If I move out, you can juste to my ce when you''re free," Ji Nian said with a smile.


    Shen Shuyao paused, feeling that made some sense, but she had a disgruntled look on her face as she said in a spoiled manner, "Even so, I won''t forgive you. If I hadn''t overheard He Yi''s call today, I wouldn''t have known about this at all."


    "Then I''ve been wronged," Ji Nian said. "I was nning to discuss it with you when I got back, but you found out early."


    "Really?" Shen Shuyao looked unconvinced.


    "More true than pearls!" Ji Nian coaxed.


    "Hmph, I''ll forgive you this time," Shen Shuyao said haughtily as she sat on the sofa.


    Ji Nian smiled and went over to her, saying, "I knew you were the best."


    It was already the next day when they were filming, and it was the supporting actors'' scenes. The lead actors were taking a break on set for the time being.


    He Yi came over with an excited look and said, "Sister, guess what great news I got?"


    Ji Nian was rehearsing lines with Shen Shuyao. She looked over puzzled and asked, "Hmm? Good news?"


    He Yi sat down happily and said, "Yesterday when I called thepany about amodation, you won''t believe it - they were so generous and said there''s a vacant unit in Ming Zhu Garden that you can stay in temporarily."


    "Ming Zhu Garden?" Shen Shuyao eximed. "The houses there are so expensive!"


    He Yi nodded and smiled, "In the capital, everyone knows that the vis in Jade Orchid Residence are outrageously expensive. Simrly, Ming Zhu Garden is also a famous upscale residential area with great security. I heard many big names in the industry live there."


    "That''s incredible?" Ji Nian had been in this world for quite a while, but she hadn''t paid much attention to such trivial matters.


    "You''re so lucky! Ming Zhu Garden is a dreame true for so many people. Thepany directly arranged for you to stay there!" He Yi seemed excited.


    Ji Nian didn''t understand. She didn''t think she was that famous. Why would thepany give her such a great amodation?


    "It doesn''t make sense. Why would thepany treat this small fry so well?" Ji Nian asked.


    He Yi didn''t understand either. After thinking about it, she said, "You''re coborating with Yu Luobai, and the higher-ups all know about it. Maybe they think there''s some mystery behind you, so they want to pull you over to their side?"


    Ji Nian was startled. So there''s no such thing as a free lunch. "But it''s no use trying to pull me over. The mystery definitely won''t show itself."


    "Little Nian, you should just go and stay there first. As for the mystery, I''ve heard He Yi mention it a bit. If thepany forces you, I''ll get A Zhan to help," Shen Shuyao chimed in from the side.


    Look at that, this was the benefit of clinging to the female lead. Ji Nian looked at Shen Shuyao gratefully. At critical moments, that halo was useful. With Shen Shuyao around, she didn''t need to worry.


    "Then it''s a deal. Book Shuyao, you have to protect me," Ji Nian looked at her pitifully.


    Seeing Ji Nian''s expression, Shen Shuyao found it amusing and said, "Don''t worry, we''re the best of friends."


    "Absolutely, best sisters!" Ji Nian decided she really needed to cling to the female lead tightly.


    "Book Shuyao, Little Nian, it''s your scene next," the director called from the other side.


    The two of them were called, and they got up in sync, ready to go over.


    "Little Nian, in today''s scene, you''re portraying arrogance and brashness towards the female lead Luo Luo," the director came over to go through the scene with them.


    "Okay, Director," Ji Nian replied.


    Shen Shuyao winked cutely and said, "Go get ''em, Little Nian."


    After filming the morning scenes, the afternoon scenes were all the female lead''s. As a woman of action, Ji Nian was definitive about moving out.


    She immediately asked Yu Luobai for a day off, saying she wouldn''t be rehearsing today because she needed to move out.


    In case she needed to do some cleaning when she got there, she''d have to work on it for a while.


    Meanwhile, He Yi came to help as well. In fact, there wasn''t much to move since Ji Nian had been living at Shen Shuyao''s ce all along and using her clothes.


    The female lead had plenty of clothes, with endorsement brands often sending over new items. Since Shen Shuyao couldn''t wear them all, she told Ji Nian to just pick and wear whatever she liked and take anything she wanted.


    Ji Nian didn''t stand on ceremony and took a few outfits and pairs of shoes, borrowing one of Shen Shuyao''s suitcases to pack up her simple belongings - and that was moving out.


    When they arrived at Ming Zhu Garden, Ji Nian was stunned by thevish house as soon as she entered.


    "Wow!" He Yi eximed as she walked in. "This interior design is on par with the vi at Jade Orchid Residence, just a difference in size."


    Ji Nian was taken aback. Was thepany really that extravagant? Giving her such a luxurious ce to stay?


    Although it was an apartment in a residential area, the house was quite spacious with three bedrooms, two living rooms, and arge balcony. Surprisingly, there was even a separate study and an exercise area - amazing.


    "I thought we''d need to do some cleaning, but this ce is spotless. Looks like someone must havee to clean it already," He Yi said as she touched the sofa and coffee table.


    "I had too small a mindset," Ji Nian said dazedly.


    "Sister, bring your luggage over. I''ll help you put it in the room," He Yi reached out to take Ji Nian''s suitcase and dragged it into the master bedroom.


    Ji Nian followed behind, and when she entered the master bedroom, theyout amazed her again. She couldn''t help but marvel at the perks of being a celebrity.


    "The room even connects to a walk-in closet?" He Yi eximed in surprise as she pushed open the ss door and walked in. "Let me help you hang up your clothes."


    "I''ll join you," Ji Nian said as she went over.


    He Yi opened the suitcase and took out the clothes to hang them up. As she was about to stand up, her phone identally slipped out of her pocket.


    Ji Nian heard the sound and looked at the phone that had fallen at her feet. She quickly picked it up and froze, saying, "The screen is cracked."


    He Yi was stunned too. She had dropped her phone several times before, but it had never cracked.


    "Let me see," she took the phone and pressed the screen, only to find it was badly shattered and had gone ck.


    "I remember you had a phone case before," Ji Nian said.


    It was only then that He Yi realized: her phone had gotten hot earlier, so she had taken off the case. No wonder the screen cracked when it fell.


    "It''s ck now. What should I do?" She frowned, worried that thepany might need to contact her but wouldn''t be able to reach her.


    "I''ll buy you a new one," Ji Nian had some spare cash on hand, and since He Yi''s phone got broken while helping her move, she wanted topensate her.


    "Sister, I know you''ve got money now, but you don''t have to spend it like that. I''ll just get it repaired," He Yi refused, then suddenly remembered something. "Actually, don''t you have two phones? Let me borrow one of yours for a couple of days, and I''ll return it to you once this one is fixed."


    Ji Nian was puzzled. "Two phones?" she asked in confusion.

 Chapter 82: Thought I’d hit China

    <h4>Chapter 82</h4>


    "Indeed, you used to be inseparable from your two phones before, didn''t you?" He Yi looked at the bewildered expression on the woman''s face and asked curiously, "That''s right, howe I haven''t seen you with your other phely?"


    Ji Nian paused briefly, thenughed it off and pretended toment, "The other phone... I think it went missing when we were moving house..."


    "What?" He Yi''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Your phone is a valuable item, and you lost it?"


    "Well, you know how I recently had a near-death experience. When I came back, my mind was a bit hazy," Ji Nian made one excuse after another.


    He Yi suddenly recalled the woman''s foolish act not long ago. Seeing her cheerful demeanor now, it was hard to believe she was someone who would attempt suicide over love.


    "As for the other phone, it might still be in the vi you rented before, but after so long, it''s probably impossible to find it now," He Yi said regretfully.


    "Should we contact thendlord and ask?" Ji Nian tentatively suggested.


    "Forget it. Thendlord won''t have time for that, and it''s been so long that agents, cleaningdies, and property management have all been in and out of the vi."


    He Yi pondered for a moment and felt the chances of retrieving it were slim. "When my phone is fixed, I''ll help you call and ask."


    "Alright," Ji Nian felt uneasy. Did the original owner have another phone? Could there be some secret?


    "By the way, is there anything on your phone?" He Yi asked.


    Ji Nian felt awkward and shook her head. "Probably... nothing, I guess..."


    He Yi nodded in agreement. "You didn''t have any work or a social life before, so there probably won''t be any scandals."


    "Heh heh," Ji Nian felt puzzled. If the original owner had two phones, did she have some secret?


    Due to a cracked phone screen, He Yi had to leave in a hurry to get it fixed.


    Ji Nian looked around the luxurious house, which should have put her in a good mood, but she couldn''t stop thinking about the original owner''s affairs.


    It was strange that in all this time, none of the original owner''s family members had contacted her. Why?


    Pondering this, she immediately took out her ID card and examined the information carefully. The address listed was a street in a small county.


    Before she could process this, an overwhelming wave of pain caused Ji Nian to copse. She clutched her chest as the original owner''s consciousness became more intense, and the despair from the depths of her heart consumed her entire mind.


    Ji Nian struggled to stand, leaning against the wall. This reaction felt different, the first time she had ever felt like she couldn''t endure it. Her entire body felt like it was being torn apart.


    Ji Nian pounded her chest, her strong survival instinct prompting her to go to the hospital. She stumbled into the elevator and leaned against the wall, her mind buzzing incessantly.


    She vaguely heard the elevator "ding" before everything went ck. Ji Nian felt like she had crashed into someone and lost consciousness.


    At the hospital¡ª


    Pei Yuchen, dressed in an impably tailored suit, sat expressionless at the bedside, gazing at the pale woman lost in thought.


    Suddenly recalling what the doctor had said earlier, he stared at the woman''s wrist, the gruesome scar causing him to frown.


    Ji Nian gradually regained consciousness, feeling an unusual heaviness in her body. She opened her eyes groggily and looked around in a daze until her gaze fell upon a certain person, immediately sobering her!


    "Dr. Pei?" Ji Nian asked hoarsely, shocked. What happened? Why was the antagonist here?


    Pei Yuchen smiled politely. "I didn''t expect to see you again in such a way."


    Ji Nian remembered passing out in the elevator, so waking up in the hospital made sense. But...


    "Are you the doctor in charge of treating me, Dr. Pei?" Ji Nian asked, bewildered.


    Pei Yuchen nodded in affirmation. "That''s a reasonable exnation, but... I''m not a doctor anymore."


    "Ah?" Ji Nian was even more puzzled.


    "Two hours ago, I was waiting for the elevator. When the doors opened, a woman suddenly crashed into me and passed out," Pei Yuchen said calmly. "I thought someone was trying to scam me."


    "Heh heh," Ji Nian felt awkward. She struggled to sit up but felt powerless.


    Pei Yuchen noticed and slowly stood, gently helping her up and arranging pillows behind her back to make her morefortable.


    Ji Nian stared at the antagonist''s actions, almost fooled by his gentle side if she hadn''t read the original novel.


    "I don''t have Miss Shen''s number," Pei Yuchen poured her a ss of warm water and handed it to her with a smile. "I called Zhan, but he didn''t answer, so I could only wait here for you to wake up."


    "Thank you," Ji Nian took the water, realizing she was extremely thirsty, and drank half the ss before speaking. "I won''t forget Dr. Pei''s lifesaving grace."


    Pei Yuchenughed. "How will you repay me?"


    Ji Nian paused, confused. Repay? She was just being polite...


    She looked perplexed. "It seems Dr. Peicks for nothing..."


    Pei Yuchen pondered and agreed with a smile. "Then let this favor remain an outstanding debt for now."


    Ji Nian blinked her big eyes and nodded obediently. "Okay."


    "The doctor said your fainting was a symptom of excessive blood loss, leading to insufficient blood supply in your body," Pei Yuchen met her gaze as he spoke.


    If only it were that simple. She fainted because the original owner''s consciousness had impacted her.


    Ji Nian sighed lightly, unsure what the original owner was still obsessing over. She was already dead, yet she still tormented the one left to clean up the mess.


    "Why did you attempt suicide?" Pei Yuchen asked with a hint of icy coldness in his smile, clearly displeased.


    Ji Nian froze and looked at him awkwardly. "Heh heh, I was probably just... young and foolish..."


    "I didn''t take Miss Ji for that kind of person," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    Of course she wasn''t that kind of person! Ji Nian thought. There were thousands of good men out there. Even if heartbroken, one shouldn''t harm oneself.


    Moreover, how painful must it have been? Recalling the bathtub full of blood when she first transmigrated and the gruesome wound, she wouldn''t have been able to do it herself. The original owner must have been determined to die to go that far.

 Chapter 83: The main actor selected (The author has something to say)

    <h4>Chapter 83</h4>


    (Author''s note: 2022.6.18: This preface was written on 2022.3.11, and after some time, the male lead was confirmed to be Yu Luobai. You can skip this chapter or take a look.)


    Ah, the familiar recipe and familiar process - this is the second time I''m writing this preface.


    Hellodies, I am the author Shen Piaopiao (~£þ¨Œ£þ~)~


    First of all, let me introduce myself. I''m not actually a professional novelist; some of my older fans may have known me from my first book, ''The Legitimate Daughter''.


    My journey into writing novels was purely by chance. One day, I read a time-travel romance novel set in ancient times, and that indulgent story got me hooked. That night, as Iy in bed, a thought suddenly urred to me: what kind of story would it be if the female lead failed to achieve her revenge even after being reborn?


    That''s how ''The Legitimate Daughter Wants to Be a cker After Rebirth'' came into being, marking my transition from a reader to a 28th-tier obscure online writer.


    Since I have a day job that requires me to work even on weekends, being able to maintain a pace of one chapter per day is already my best effort.


    Habits are truly terrifying. When I was nearing the end of my first book, my mind was already getting restless, and I decided to write a second book.


    Initially, I didn''t take it too seriously. After writing ''The Legitimate Daughter'' for half a year, I had simply gotten used to writing every night.


    So this book, ''The Supporting Female Lead'', was written rather casually by me.


    I don''t use outlines for my writing; I only need a central theme, and I make up the rest as I go along.


    The initial inspiration for ''The Supporting Female Lead'' was the idea of the supporting female character clinging tightly to the main female lead''s thigh. That was the central theme of this book.


    With that as the starting point, I wrote about everything that happened, so even as the author, I didn''t really understand where theter plot would go.


    It seems like the male lead and I have some sort of "ipatible destiny".


    For my first book, eighty percent of thements demanded that I change the male lead.


    Simrly, for this second book, eighty percent of thements also demanded that I change the male lead.


    As for the currently popr character named Yu Luobai, he was actually just someone I wrote about casually when I was at a loss for words.


    Even his name wasn''t given much thought; I just came up with it randomly since he was initially just meant to be an extra character who appeared to buy something (a modest path) and give money to the female lead to drive the plot forward.


    But fate works in mysterious ways. As the story progressed, I somehow ended up deviating more and more, and Yu Luobai unexpectedly became the second male lead in this book.


    The readers have also started quietly shipping this couple, and the author is also on board, haha.


    As you all know, I''m an active author who responds to almost everyment when I have time, and I''ve read your "bloody books" ments demanding changes).


    Regarding the suggestion that many of you want Yu Luobai to be the male lead, I''ll give you a response today.


    First: This book has only reached 170,000 words, and the framework isn''t mature enough yet.


    Second: Since I write casually, I don''t know how theter development will unfold.


    Third: The original male lead was meant to be Pei Doctor, with an antagonistic role, but he hasn''t had many opportunities to appear, so his presence is limited.


    I know everyone likes Yu Luobai, but I can''t give a definite answer because during my first book, I promised to change the male lead for the readers, but it ended up being a messter on.


    And an author''s thoughts tend to change frequently. To avoid a repeat of the past, let''s not argue about this for now.


    I''ll just keep writing, and from now on, the male lead is undecided. You can treat it like opening a blind box - whoever ends up being the final lead, that''s who it is. It all depends on my moodter on, hahaha.


    Those of you who like Yu Luobai still have a chance, and the same goes for Pei Doctor.


    Just enjoy reading the book and ship whichever couple you like. If there''s anything, we''ll discuss itter (?>¡ó<?)


    Love you all~

 Chapter 84: Occupational Disease

    <h4>Chapter 84</h4>


    After the IV drip was finished, the doctor also notified Ji Nian that she could go home, and also instructed her to eat more foods that nourish the blood and qi, as well as precautions to take in daily life.


    As the doctor spoke, he also cast an odd nce towards the man beside her, saying: "It''s normal for couples to have conflicts, but you''re both adults now. Don''t joke around with your lives and do anything rash."


    Ji Nian was stunned, was this a misunderstanding? She hurriedly shook her head and said, "No, doctor..."


    "Alright, we''ll be careful." Before the woman could finish speaking, Pei Yuchen cut her off, appearing to listen seriously to the doctor''s advice.


    Ji Nian stared nkly as the doctor finished giving instructions and left. She turned to the anti-hero and said, "Dr. Pei... what I wanted to exin earlier..."


    Pei Yuchen smiled at her and said, "What''s the use of exining? Besides, the doctor is right, we''re all adults, don''t joke around with your life."


    Ji Nian heard the implication in his words and was surprised. Was he trying to counsel her?


    Strange, could it be because the anti-hero hadn''t turned evil yet, so he was considered a good person now?


    "Heh heh." Ji Nian nodded awkwardly, then changed the subject and asked, "How did Dr. Pei end up at Mingzhu Garden?"


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow and said, "I should be the one asking you that."


    Ji Nian blinked her big innocent eyes and answered, "I just moved in today."


    Pei Yuchen''s eyes shed with surprise, then he smiled, "Me too."


    "Oh, is that so." Ji Nian nodded absent-mindedly, then her whole body went stiff as she asked in disbelief, "You said what? You too!"


    "I own many properties," Pei Yuchen saw the woman''s shocked expression and his lips curved up into a smile as he said, "Mingzhu Garden is closer to thepany."


    After hearing the anti-hero''s words, Ji Nian''s mind raced as she tried hard to recall the plot from the book, but to be honest, she had forgotten most of it. Apany? Wasn''t he a doctor?


    That''s right,ter on the anti-hero turned evil because he couldn''t get the female lead.


    Combined with the pressure from his family, he then inherited thepany and started causing trouble, even almost bankrupting the male lead''s family. Was the plot progressing ahead of schedule?


    No way, he hadn''t even met Shen Shuyao many times yet, was he already in love with her? That clearly didn''t make much sense.


    "So... has Dr. Pei changed careers?" Ji Nian asked tentatively.


    Pei Yuchen smiled and said, "Something like that."


    Ji Nian was inwardly startled. Should she probe the anti-hero to see if he liked the female lead? Or should she go ask Shen Shuyao first...


    "Let''s go, I''ll give you a ride home," Pei Yuchen said.


    Ji Nian came back to her senses, realizing that she didn''t have her phone or any money on her. Even if she didn''t want to take his car, she couldn''t, so she obediently replied, "Thanks again for the trouble, Dr. Pei."


    "It''s on the way," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    When they got in the car, Ji Nian made sure to fasten her seatbelt first, then tried her best to keep a low profile. She felt more and more puzzled about how the plot was developing.


    Putting aside the anti-hero''s matters for now, since he would inevitably be no match for the main character anyway. But this original owner''s experience was also a mystery. Ji Nian wanted to investigate, but didn''t know where to start.


    If anyone knew Ji Xiaonian the best, it would definitely be He Yi. He Yi would certainly have some clues, but Ji Nian didn''t dare ask, afraid of giving herself away and having trouble exining.


    "Sigh, what a hassle," Ji Nian murmured absentmindedly, her thoughts a jumbled mess.


    As Pei Yuchen drove, he heard the woman beside him mumbling and smiled, "Does Miss Ji have something on her mind?"


    Ji Nian turned to look at him. The evening sun shone through the car window, casting a glow on the man''s profile. He was already elegant in his demeanor, but seen this way, it was as if his whole being was bathed in a golden light, making him seem even more gentle.


    "Why are you staring at me?" After a while of Ji Nian not saying anything, Pei Yuchen turned his head and asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian snapped out of it and answered, "No, I just felt bad for taking up Dr. Pei''s entire afternoon."


    This level of looks was deadly, Ji Nian couldn''t help but admire. His appearance waspletely her type - schrly and restrained, with a gentle and refined temperament. It was just that hidden yandere attribute that made people apprehensive about getting too close.


    "It was indeed an imposition." An hint of mischief shed through Pei Yuchen''s eyes as the corners of his mouth curved up slightly, "Just as I entered Mingzhu Garden, before even getting to the elevator, I had to turn back out again."


    Ji Nian felt awkward, blinking her big eyes. Surely the anti-hero wouldn''t hold a grudge over something so trivial?


    "It''s six o''clock now, are you hungry?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, but before she could answer, her stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the tranquility in the car.


    Pei Yuchen burst outughing, somehow finding this woman''s naivety quite amusing.


    "Um... I am a little hungry..." Ji Nian didn''t feel too embarrassed, just a bit surprised that the anti-hero could be so considerate.


    "I''m hungry too, let''s go eat something." After saying that, Pei Yuchen turned the car in a different direction.


    Throughout the drive, Ji Nian was in a daze, wondering if she had misunderstood. Why did she get the feeling that this man didn''t seem dangerous at all right now?


    When they arrived at the restaurant, a sh of surprise showed in Ji Nian''s eyes. She had expected wealthy people to prefer Western restaurants, but he actually brought her to a Chinese restaurant.


    Ji Nian walked in and saw an interior filled with an old-fashioned charm. The overall vibe was very tranquil, with a traditional Chineseyout that exuded simplicity and ssical elegance. It wasn''t overly mboyant, yet felt unique and refined.


    They entered a private room, and when ordering, Ji Nian watched as the man casually pointed to a few dishes on the menu. After seeing this, the server simply gave a slight bow and left.


    Ji Nian blinked her innocent wide eyes and asked, "What dishes did Dr. Pei order?"


    Pei Yuchen smiled at the woman across from him and answered, "I ordered some light dishes. Your body still needs to recover, so you shouldn''t go on a diet. Eat something more nourishing."


    "Actually, I''m quite healthy..." Ji Nian felt awkward.


    "You were lucky this time that I got you to the hospital." Pei Yuchen picked up the teapot on the table and poured her a cup, saying, "If you had fainted somewhere else next time, no one might be able to help you."


    Ji Nian''s face showed utter bewilderment as she asked cautiously, "Dr. Pei... are you... concerned about me?"


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow, looking at the woman whoseplexion had recovered, her fair skin now tinged with a rosy glow, nothing like her appearance that afternoon in the hospital.


    "upational habit," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    At this time, the servers knocked on the door and entered, pushing a service cart to orderly ce all the dishes on the table.


    It had been a long time since Ji Nian had eaten a proper meal. Previously, she had only been eating sds, boiled eggs, chicken breast - food with hardly any taste, just enough to sustain her daily life.


    Seeing the steaming hot dishes on the table, their aroma continuously wafting into her nose, Ji Nian couldn''t help but swallow. For someone who had been eating grass for so long, this spread seemed too sumptuous.


    Not only were there main dishes on the table, but also several tes of small bites and desserts, exquisitely presented under special serving dishes.


    Seeing the woman''s hungry expression, a hint of amusement shed through Pei Yuchen''s eyes. He spooned some chicken soup into a bowl and handed it to her with a smile, "Have some soup first to start your appetite."


    Ji Nian epted the bowl the man passed to her, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. The anti-hero really knew how to take care of people - first sending her home, then taking her out for a meal, and now serving her chicken soup.


    Wuwuwu, how gentlemanly, what should she do... Ji Nian was almost smitten, momentarily forgetting that this was the anti-hero who would eventually turn evil, with a yandere character setting.

 Chapter 85: Kinship

    <h4>Chapter 85</h4>


    When Ji Nian returned to Bright Pearl Garden, it was already 7:30 in the evening. Pei Yuchen parked the car, and the two of them took the elevator together.


    "Which floor?" Pei Yuchen asked.


    Ji Nian suddenly froze, which floor was it again? She had only been here once before and couldn''t remember the floor number, nor did she recall which button she had pressed for the elevator...


    "I think... I''ve forgotten," Ji Nian said, perplexed.


    "Huh?" Pei Yuchen was taken aback. Did he hear that right? How could she forget that?


    Ji Nian felt disoriented. She had not been in this world for long and realized she hadn''t even memorized her own apartment number. Her phone was also not with her at the moment...


    "Well, it''s my first time here today, and I didn''t really get familiar with the ce before rushing to the hospital... you know," Ji Nian said awkwardly.


    Pei Yuchen shook his head in resignation and chuckled, "Miss Ji is quite the talent."


    Ji Nian could hear the sarcasm in his words, and innocently suggested, "Why don''t you call Miss Shen Shuyao and ask her assistant to give me the password and floor number over the phone..."


    Pei Yuchen considered it and realized that was the only option. He raised his eyebrows and took out his phone to make the call.


    At that moment, the elevator dinged, indicating someone had pressed the button outside.


    Ji Nian looked at the person who entered and, although he was wearing a mask, she still recognized him. Her eyes widened in surprise as she eximed happily, "Mr. Yu! What are you doing here?"


    Yu Luobai had been looking anxious moments ago, but upon seeing the people before him, the uneasiness in his heart instantly dissipated. He asked, "Where were you today?"


    Ji Nian was momentarily confused but answered, "Didn''t I... take a leave of absence from you to move houses today..."


    "Your phone wasn''t going through," Pei Yuchenmented from the side, ncing at the man before them and finding him somewhat familiar.


    Yu Luobai noticed the other person in the elevator, briefly stunned and looking surprised, he said, "Brother Yuchen? You''re back in the country?"


    Pei Yuchen then recognized who it was, smiling and nodding, "I''ve been back for a while."


    "Brother Yuchen?" Ji Nian was puzzled again. What did that mean? Did these two know each other?


    Yu Luobai then realized the situation and also looked bewildered. Ji Nian knew him?


    "You two know each other?" Ji Nian asked, perplexed.


    Her mind raced. Previously, when she apanied Shen Shuyao to sign the contract, she noticed that Yu Luobai and the male lead, Ye Jingzhan, seemed to have an unusual rtionship, and now Yu Luobai was calling the antagonist "Brother"?


    "Yes," Yu Luobai nodded and exined, "He and my cousin are good friends. We yed together when we were young."


    What aplicated rtionship! Ji Nian was even more confused, "Your cousin?"


    "It''s Ah Zhan," Pei Yuchen answered from the side.


    So Ye Jingzhan was Yu Luobai''s cousin! Ji Nian couldn''t believe it. This wasn''t written in the original novel! She tried to recall when she apanied Shen Shuyao to sign the contract before.


    It seemed like Yu Luobai had said something to the male lead like, "Did my mother go looking for you again?"


    "Oh my god," Ji Nian couldn''t help but mutter. The plot was getting more and more confusing. It didn''t seem like this hidden character rtionship was written in the original book.


    Yu Luobai was also surprised, asking, "Little Nian, how do you know Brother Yuchen?"


    Ji Nian felt she needed to process this carefully. She had known that Yu Luobai and the male lead had a good rtionship, but she never expected it to be a cousin rtionship.


    "Haha, we just happened to meet..." Ji Nian said awkwardly.


    Pei Yuchen stood by and asked the woman who was barely chin-high to him, "No one is answering the phone, what should we do now?"


    Right, the topic was back to the main issue - which floor was her apartment on?!


    "Mr. Yu? Do you have thepany''s number? Can you help me call," Ji Nian asked the man.


    "Why call thepany?" Yu Luobai asked.


    "You might not believe it, but I forgot which floor I live on," Ji Nian said sheepishly.


    Yu Luobai paused, thenughed out loud, naturally reaching out to ruffle the woman''s hair, "How can you be so silly?"


    Ji Nian felt indignant at being called silly, "It''s normal to forget since this is only my first time here today."


    Pei Yuchen didn''t know why, but seeing that hand on the woman''s head felt somehow irritating.


    Yu Luobai chuckled and nodded, "No need to call. It''s on the 20th floor, right below mine."


    Ji Nian froze, suddenly realizing that she shouldn''t have been surprised at thepany''s generosity in providing such a nice ce.


    It turned out that the reason she could live in such a nice apartment was all thanks to Yu Luobai''s help.


    Yu Luobai extended his slender hand and pressed the button for the 20th floor. Then, looking at the man beside him, he said in surprise, "Oh, I just remembered, Brother Yuchen, you also have an apartment on the 20th floor, right?"


    "Yes, the 20th," Pei Yuchen replied calmly.


    Ji Nian suddenly froze. What luck was this? What karma! Back when they were in the Pinnd Vi Area, they lived close by, and now after moving, they ended up as neighbors again? The workings of fate...


    They soon reached the 20th floor, and Ji Nian and Yu Luobai stepped out of the elevator. Pei Yuchen also exited.


    "Goodbye, Dr. Pei," Ji Nian smiled awkwardly but politely.


    Pei Yuchen nodded in response, then turned and walked towards his apartment door, pressed his fingerprint lock, and went inside.


    As soon as he entered, his usually elegant demeanor instantly became somewhat stern. It was strange, seeing the woman''s intimate gestures with another man made him feel an uncharacteristic sense of irritation.


    Meanwhile, after seeing Pei Yuchen close his door, Ji Nian turned to the person beside her and said sheepishly, "Mr. Yu, it doesn''t really matter where I live. You didn''t have to..."


    Yu Luobai looked at the woman''s disheveled hair from being ruffled earlier and smiled slightly, "The environment here is morefortable to live in."


    Ji Nian paused, lowering her head in embarrassment, "Thank you, Mr. Yu."


    "Thepany''s initial password should be the same for everyone. Let me open the door for you first, and if you want to change itter, you can do it yourself," Yu Luobai said with a smile.


    Ji Nian obediently nodded, "Okay."


    As he spoke, the man''s slender hand entered the password on the lock, and soon, with a twist of the doorknob, the door opened.


    Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, "There you go, go on in."


    Ji Nian felt a bit awkward, as if she was troubling him too much, "Thank you."


    "We''re so familiar with each other now, why are you being so polite?" Yu Luobaiughed.


    "Then I''ll go in first. Goodbye, Mr. Yu," Ji Nian smiled.


    "Okay," Yu Luobai reached out and ruffled the woman''s hair again, finding that her hair felt quite nice to the touch.


    After closing the door, Ji Nian sighed and tidied her slightly disheveled hair. Looking around the empty apartment, it was luxurious but still an unfamiliar ce, and she would need some time to get used to it.


    Walking into the bedroom, she picked up the phone she had dropped earlier. To her surprise, she had quite a few missed calls.


    There were also many messages on WeChat, all from the same person. She opened the app and called them back.


    The person on the other end quickly answered, teasing, "What''s this? We just saw each other, and you miss me already?"


    Ji Nian knew he was joking, "Mr. Yu, I went out without my phone this afternoon, and I just realized you had called me so many times. Was there something urgent you needed me for today?"


    "These days, who still goes out without their phone?" Yu Luobaiughed through the phone.


    "Special circumstances call for special measures. Let''s not get into the details," Ji Nian awkwardly changed the subject.


    "I originally wanted to ask how your move went, but you never replied to my messages," Yu Luobai said, his tone bing slightly stern. "I was worried about you, and since you weren''t answering my calls, I rushed back as soon as I was done with work to see if you were home."


    "I''m sorry..." Ji Nian felt more embarrassed, not expecting Yu Luobai to care so much about her, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.

 Chapter 86: Autographed Photo

    <h4>Chapter 86</h4>


    The next morning, Ji Nian went to the film crew at the crack of dawn, rehearsing the script with Shen Shuyao in a daze, her eyes drowsy and yawning repeatedly.


    "Were you up to no goodst night?" He Yi brought over a ss of iced water.


    Ji Nian took it, rubbing her eyes with an absent look, "I just moved, so I couldn''t sleep well in the unfamiliar ce."


    Shen Shuyao looked at her with concern, "Why don''t you ask the director for the day off and go back to rest?"


    "That''s not necessary, I don''t have many scenes today anyway, and I need to rehearse in the afternoon for the concert next week," Ji Nian shook her head.


    Upon hearing about the concert, Shen Shuyao''s eyes lit up, whispering, "I couldn''t get tickets online, Ji Nian, can you get me one?"


    Ji Nian was stunned, she seemed to have forgotten to get the autographed photo for the lead actress. Yu Luobai probably still had some tickets, she should ask him in the afternoon.


    "I''ll ask your idol this afternoon to see if there are any tickets left, and I''ll bring you the autographed photo too," Ji Nian smiled.


    "Love you~" Shen Shuyao''s eyes twinkled, "Ji Nian, I''m so looking forward to seeing you on stage."


    "But I''ll be performing with Yu Luobai, aren''t you jealous?" Ji Nian joked.


    "What''s there to be jealous about, it''s not like we''re rivals," Shen Shuyaoughed, then froze, asking carefully, "Or... are we rivals?"


    Ji Nian shook her head vigorously, almost spitting out the iced water she''d just drunk, "What are you thinking? Master Yu isn''t someone I can casually covet."


    "Ji Nian is a good person, but..." Shen Shuyao blinked her big eyes, looking conflicted, then resolute, "If you two really... then I''ll ept it..."


    Ji Nian was exasperated, tapping her forehead, "You''re talking nonsense again."


    "Sis, you better not set your sights on that superstar, his fans will burn you alive, I''m telling you," He Yi thought about her previous rtionship with Cheng Liran and how they were bashed until now, "You and him are working together, but it hasn''t been announced yet. You''re going to be a surprise guest, but Yu Luobai''s massive fan base might not ept you."


    "Will I get hate?" Ji Nian was stunned.


    He Yi said impatiently, "Of course you''ll get hate. You''re popr now, but you don''t have any major works yet. Plus, everyone thinks you have no real talent, so once you coborate with Yu Luobai, people will just think you''re aiming too high."


    "It doesn''t matter if I get hate or not, I''ll still get paid for the performance," Ji Nian thought about it: earning money was the most important thing.


    Online opinions didn''t affect her much, she had a good mindset, mainly because she had transmigrated into this novel, so she always felt like an outside observer without much personal involvement.


    "But getting hate is still publicity. Coborating with Yu Luobai, whether his fans ept you or not, your poprity will only rise, and then a lot ofpanies will want to work with you," He Yi had been in this industry for a while and understood these things.


    "That''s not important, as long as I can be stuck to Shuyao every day," Ji Nian yfully winked at the lead actress.


    Shen Shuyao blushed and smiled, "I want to work with you every day too."


    He Yi watched the two lovebirds being affectionate and turned away feeling dejected. She used to worry that they might fight over resources, but it seemed she was overthinking it.


    After finishing the morning''s scenes, Ji Nian went to rehearse at thepany as usual in the afternoon. But as soon as she got into the elevator, she froze, then lowered her head and quietly walked into the corner.


    Pei Yuchen looked at the woman ignoring him and slightly raised an eyebrow.


    He was wearing a dark suit, sses with a golden frame, and looked schrly and elegant, making people look at him twice.


    Ji Nian was wearing a ck mask, curled up in the elevator corner, silently praying he would pretend not to see her.


    Pei Yuchen noticed the woman in the loose T-shirt and jeans, looking more and more familiar. A glimpse of her lively eyes caught his attention, and he was mildly surprised: it must be her.


    "Miss Ji is pretending not to know me?" Pei Yuchen turned and smiled as he asked.


    There was a high-level executive in the elevator who was startled: the new shareholder was talking to a small-time artist?


    Social death on the spot, Ji Nian was speechless. She then pretended to look surprised, "Oh, it''s Doctor Pei! What a coincidence, I didn''t notice you just now."


    Pei Yuchenughed at her poor acting skills, "What a coincidence indeed."


    "What brings Doctor Pei here?" Ji Nian asked in confusion.


    "Doctor Pei?" The executive beside them looked puzzled: wasn''t he their leader? How did he be a doctor?


    "I''m here to see how thepany is managed since I''m a shareholder," Pei Yuchen raised his eyebrows and smiled.


    "A shareholder?" Ji Nian was dumbfounded. Oh no, she had forgotten: in the original novel, this viin was indeed a shareholder and had interacted with the lead actress at thepany a few times, developing an obsession with her...


    "I''ll be here for a while," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    Ji Nian forced a dryugh, feeling uneasy. She lived next door to him and now they worked at the samepany too? Was the heavens ying a joke on her?


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Why didn''t he just inherit his own family''spany instead of causing trouble here?


    At that moment, the elevator dinged and the doors slowly opened. The executive spoke up, "President Pei, this is our floor."


    Pei Yuchen nodded, ncing at the woman before walking out of the elevator.


    Ji Nian smiled awkwardly and waved goodbye.


    When she arrived at the rehearsal room, she saw that the dance studio was empty except for a man wiping the sweat off his forehead with a white towel.


    His muscr arms, sturdy physique: Ji Nian''s eyes were glued to him, her foul mood instantly cured as she silently marveled at his impressive body.


    "You''re a bitte today, I''ve already finished practicing," Yu Luobai grabbed a water bottle and handed one to her.


    Ji Nian took the water, eyes drawn to the beads of sweat trailing from his neck down to his exposed corbone. She couldn''t help but admire how alluring he looked.


    "Ji Xiao Nian?" Yu Luobai flicked her forehead, "What''s with that dazed look?"


    Feeling the sting on her forehead, Ji Nian snapped out of it and smiled sheepishly, "Just stunned by Master Yu''s beauty once again today."


    Yu Luobai shook his head helplessly, the corners of his mouth curling up, "You have a glib tongue."


    "Hehe," Ji Nian''s eyes crinkled with amusement, then she suddenly remembered her real purpose today.


    "Master Yu, could you give me some of your autographed photos? And a ticket to your concert if possible? Just one is fine~"


    "Peng He still has a few VIP tickets left," Yu Luobai raised an eyebrow and smiled, "But the autographed photo? You want one?"


    Ji Nian''s eyes lit up at the mention of tickets, smiling, "Shuyao is your little fangirl and couldn''t get tickets online, so I''m asking on her behalf. The autographed photo is for her too."


    Yu Luobai paused, only then recalling that the woman in front of him was the best friend of the popr young actress Shen Shuyao. He said helplessly, "Alright, I''ll give them to youter."


    "Yay, love you Master Yu~" Ji Nian yfully made a heart shape with her hands.


    Yu Luobai suddenly felt his heart skip a beat, stunned as the sunlight from the window illuminated the woman''s exquisite face.


    Her bright eyes sparkled with a lively smile. At that moment, it felt like a small crack had quietly opened in his heart.

 Chapter 87: Angel’s Wings

    <h4>Chapter 87</h4>


    After rehearsing, Ji Nian blinked her big eyes and asked, "Teacher Yu, I have a question."


    Yu Luobai looked at the woman and said, "Hmm?"


    "If I coborate with you, will your fans attack me?" Ji Nian remembered what He Yi said earlier today.


    Yu Luobai was momentarily stunned. In fact, he had already considered this issue and had Peng He prepare for public rtions. He patted the woman''s head and said, "Don''t worry about that."


    Ji Nian looked utterly bewildered. What did he mean by "don''t worry"? Would she be attacked or not?


    "Will I end up implicating you? After all, I don''t have a good reputation online. It doesn''t matter if they attack me, but I''m worried that you might get..."


    "It won''t happen, listen, don''t overthink it," Yu Luobai interrupted her before she could finish, feeling an inexplicable pang of sympathy for her.


    Seeing his confident tone and seemingly unconcerned demeanor, Ji Nian obediently answered, "Okay."


    "I may not have time to tutor you today," Yu Luobai pondered, "But I''ll be home early tonight. We can rehearse lines at my ce around 8 pm if you don''t mind."


    "Sure, no problem," Ji Nian responded readily.


    It was Yu Luobai who hesitated, turning his head and asking uncertainly, "You don''t mind?"


    "Why would I mind going to your ce? We know each other so well," Ji Nian smiled.


    Upon hearing this, a hint of amusement shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up as he ruffled the woman''s hair again.


    "You''re messing up my hair!" Ji Nian said exasperatedly.


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud, "It''s fine, you look good even with messy hair."


    Ji Nian brushed the man''s hand away and tidied her hair, giving him a resentful look, "Don''t touch my head next time, or I''ll charge you."


    Yu Luobai raised an eyebrow, "How much?"


    "Three hundred for a touch," Ji Nian blurted out.


    Peng He, who had juste in from outside, stumbled upon hearing the woman''s words and identally bumped into a chair nearby, causing a loud noise.


    Ji Nian was startled and turned around. Seeing the neer, she blinked her innocent big eyes and asked with concern, "Are you okay?"


    Peng He pretended to beposed, feeling slightly awkward, "I''m fine, fine... Ji Nian, Yu Luobai and I need to go take care of something..."


    "Okay, then I''ll head back too." Ji Nian stood up and turned to the man, "Goodbye, Teacher Yu."


    "Goodbye," Yu Luobai smiled and nodded.


    Watching her departing figure, Peng He finally walked over in a daze, recalling her earlier words, "Three hundred for a touch."


    "You two are going that far already?"


    Yu Luobai knew what he meant and said impatiently, "Get your mind out of the gutter."


    When Ji Nian returned home, she noticed a suitcase and a guitar in the living room that weren''t there before.


    She then remembered that a couple of days ago, she had asked Xiao Tang to go to her suburban house when he had time, help her move out, and bring back her belongings. She didn''t need the pots and pans, so he just packed her clothes and guitar.


    Since it was a short-notice move-out, the deposit was non-refundable, but it was a one-month deposit and one-month rent, so the loss wasn''t too significant.


    After simply organizing her belongings, Ji Nian lounged on the leather sofa in the living room, idly ying with her phone.


    Having not browsed Weibo for several days, she suddenly came across a popr post on the trending list.


    Ji Nian was surprised to see this post, which also mentioned her song.


    The post read: "I''m 26 years old this year, and I''ve been dating my college girlfriend for many years. In fact, we were already married.


    Butst month, on our wedding day, a car ident took her away forever.


    I''mpletely devastated. Every day, I can''t sleep and just drift aimlessly.


    I''m actually very sad, but it seems like I can''t cry. Now, I don''t work every day, and I don''t sleep at home either. I often space out, and sometimes I mechanically scroll through my phone, but I can''t really focus on anything. I just don''t know what to do.


    Recently, when I was sorting through her belongings, I listened to the songs saved on her phone. She rarely listened to music, and there were only a few songs in her collection, but half of them were by a singer named Ji Xiao Nian.


    I remember before we got married, those songs were really popr, and she would listen to them every day. We even discussed the song ''(Guest)'' at length.


    She said the song made her feel regretful yet happy, and she jokingly told me how fortunate we were to have made it from campus to the wedding dress.


    She never followed celebrities, but that day sheughed and told me that if Ji Xiao Nian held a concert, she would splurge and insisted that I go with her to support the artist.


    I don''t know what the purpose of this post is, but maybe I just want to find an outlet to vent. Right now, I''m like a lost child, and the future seems so dark.


    I really miss her. Sometimes at night, when the sadness bes overwhelming, I think about whether I should just join her.


    But then I can''t, because I still have my elderly parents and her parents. What would they do if I left too?


    ..."


    Most of thements below the post were words of advice and encouragement for him, but asionally there would be a few trolls, always standing out.


    "How much advertising fee did Ji Xiao Nian pay you? I''ll give you double."


    "Haha, Ji Xiao Nian is just this? Just this?"


    "Hey guys above, I advise you to be kind. This is a true story, watch your words."


    "Who would joke about their wife''s death?"


    "The guy''s wife was a Ji Xiao Nian fan, what does it have to do with you?"


    "This is a real person and a real event. Check out the OP''s Weibo, there are even photos from when they were dating and going out."


    "He lives in our building. Such an incident happened on their wedding day, and everyone in the neighborhood has heard about it."


    "Those anti-fans, please watch your words and actions."


    "In one''s life, there are always stops and starts, and you never know what might happen next. So what we need to do is cherish the present."


    Ji Nian stared nkly for a long time after reading the post. She had been lost and confused herself in the past, with her parents'' divorce shuttling her back and forth like a shuttlecock, and she became listless for a long time after her grandparents passed away.


    At this moment, a song shed through her mind, "Angel''s Wings." Ji Nian felt that perhaps she could encourage this person.


    She picked up the guitar nearby, positioned her phone, and began ying the intro.


    After recording and editing it, adding lyrics and writing a caption, she sent it out.


    "Silly, your wife hasn''t left you. In the not-too-distant future, she will be another angel and reunite with you.


    For now, what you need to do is sleep well, eat on time, work hard, and live your life well. We all believe you will get better and better. Stay strong."


    After clicking send, Ji Nian sighed and lost her mood. She exited Weibo and dozed off on the sofa.

 Chapter 88: White Skin

    <h4>Chapter 88</h4>


    At this moment, the quiet house was suddenly pierced by the shrill ring of a telephone.


    Ji Nian, lying on the couch in a daze, rolled over, only to tumble onto the floor, identally bumping her forehead against the table leg. She winced in pain.


    Ji Nian sat up, disoriented, in the now pitch-ck room, with only the relentless ringing beside her. She picked up her phone and answered.


    "Sis, why didn''t you tell me you posted on Weibo?" He Yi asked urgently on the other end.


    Ji Nian yawnedzily, "You never cared when I posted before, why the sudden interest?"


    He Yi heard the woman''s just-woken-up voice and eximed excitedly, "You''re trending again!"


    Ji Nian blinked her bleary eyes, looking nonchnt, "When don''t I trend whenever I post? I''m used to it, no big deal."


    "Thepany saw the trend today and came asking me, but I didn''t know about it, and they berated me. From now on, let me know when you post, luckily this time it''s positive." He Yi said, displeased.


    Ji Nian was surprised, "Thepany cares about that?"


    "Of course, your poprity is high now, even though you don''t have a major work." He Yi was still busy on set, eating a boxed meal, "With your concert next week, you can''t have any scandals."


    "I see, okay, I''ll let you know next time I post." Ji Nian rubbed her forehead where she had bumped it and got up to turn on the lights.


    He Yi rolled her eyes, "Sis, not just let me know, you need my approval, or what if you get attacked online?"


    "Okay, okay, I''ll get your approval." Ji Nian poured a ss of water.


    "Alright, I''m busy now." He Yi was about to hang up.


    "Bye." Ji Nian hung up and looked at the time, it was already 8:30 PM, she waste for her rehearsal with Yu Luobai!


    Thinking of this, she hurried out the door, waited for the elevator, and when she got to the 21st floor, she realized she had forgotten to let Yu Luobai know.


    Oh well, since she was already here,st time she said her home was right below his, theyout should be the same, right? It must be this door on the left.


    Ji Nian walked over and rang the doorbell a few times, but after waiting a few minutes with no response from inside, she rang it again, puzzled.


    Wrong door? Ji Nian was perplexed, she was about to call and ask.


    Meanwhile, Yu Luobai had just stepped out of the shower and heard the doorbell, thinking it was his manager, he grabbed a towel and walked over to open the door while drying his hair.


    Ji Nian heard the door open and froze, seeing the man''s fresh-from-the-shower look.


    His lower half was wrapped in a towel, his upper body bare, revealing an impable eight-pack, with a few stray water droplets still visible.


    Yu Luobai was startled to see who it was and quickly shut the door, his face flushing red, heart suddenly racing. He hurried to his room to change clothes.


    "Wow." Ji Nian stood at the door, reying that chiseled physique in her mind. Who could resist that? The muscles were one thing, but his skin was so fair too, ooh...


    When the door opened again five minutester, Yu Luobai had put on a casual outfit, his hair half-dried and tousled.


    Ji Nian noticed the man had gotten dressed, and her gaze couldn''t help but drift downwards, thinking what a pity, she didn''t get a good look at that fair, eight-pack earlier.


    "Ahem." Yu Luobai''s ears were slightly red, he looked away awkwardly pretending to beposed, "It''s 8:30, I thought you weren''ting, so I went to take a shower first."


    Ji Nian feltfortable enough with him by now to not find it too awkward, sheughed, "Sorry, I overslept."


    "Come in." Yu Luobai''s heart raced again recalling the earlier scene.


    "Okay." Ji Nian nodded obediently, then asked, "Do I need to take off my shoes?"


    Yu Luobai looked down to see the woman wearing pink slippers, "No need, did you bring the script?"


    "Yep."


    Ji Nian walked in and sat on the couch, her eyes roving around theyout of this apartment. The decor waspletely different, the whole ce gave off a veryfortable vibe despite the cool color palette.


    Yu Luobai sat beside her, "How did you know I live here?"


    Ji Nian blinked her big eyes at him, still able to smell the man''s body wash. His hair was damp, probably not styled yet, giving him a more casual, approachable look than usual despite his innate elegance.


    "I guessed." Ji Nian replied proudly, "You said before that I live below you, so I figured we must be in the same direction, I didn''t expect to guess right, aren''t I smart?"


    Yu Luobai shook his head helplessly, then turned serious, "Don''t do that again, what if you guessed wrong and knocked on the wrong door? It''s dangerous."


    Ji Nian was taken aback, she hadn''t considered that, but obediently nodded, "Okay."


    Yu Luobai picked up the kettle and poured her a ss of water.


    Ji Nian took it, noticing his fairplexion, she blurted out, "Teacher Yu, I noticed you have really fair skin."


    Yu Luobai had just taken a sip of water and spat it out, coughing loudly, his ears reddening again. He turned to see the woman''s innocent wide eyes looking at him.


    "Ji Xiaonian." Yu Luobai shook his head, "Forget what you just saw."


    Ji Nian was taken aback, feeling a little embarrassed, "Teacher Yu, well, I didn''t really get a good look... I was just saying, you have really fair skin..."


    "Stop." Yu Luobai couldn''t listen anymore, his face felt hot, "Let''s start rehearsing."


    "Does Teacher Yu have a girlfriend?" Ji Nian blinked her bright eyes.


    Yu Luobai was puzzled, not sure why, but hearing the woman ask that, he felt an inexplicable sense of anticipation.


    "No, why are you asking?"


    "Wow." Ji Nian''s eyes sparkled, thinking how envious his future girlfriend would be, able to touch that fair eight-pack anytime.


    "What''s with that look?" Yu Luobai felt a little self-conscious.


    "Hehe, nothing." Ji Nian smiled.


    Yu Luobai was helpless, he was already 28 years old, yet a young girl could still make his face flush and heart race, he couldn''t help but feel a tinge of dissatisfaction in his heart.


    Ji Nian picked up the script, about to open to tomorrow''s scene, but suddenly noticed the man leaning closer.


    "You still haven''t answered, why did you ask if I have a girlfriend?" Yu Luobai smiled, then raised an eyebrow, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?"


    Ji Nian looked at the breathtakingly handsome face so close to her own, she couldn''t help but swallow hard, her heart suddenly racing. Don''t tease her, she couldn''t handle it.


    "I... wouldn''t dare covet Teacher Yu." Ji Nian''s words came out stuttered.


    "What if I allowed you to covet me?" Yu Luobai noticed the nervousness in the woman''s eyes, the corners of his mouth curved up as he gazed into them with a smile.


    Ji Nian''s mind went nk, the words tumbled out before she could stop them, "Then wouldn''t I get to touch those abs every day?" Only after saying it did she realize she had spoken too hastily.


    Yu Luobai was stunned, never expecting her mind to take such a leap, he had been so obvious with his implication, yet the first thing she thought of was touching his abs?


    "Ow." Ji Nian rubbed her forehead, giving him an aggrieved look, she had bumped it when falling off the couch earlier, and now he had flicked it too.


    Yu Luobai didn''t know whether tough or be upset, feeling utterly helpless, he said impatiently, "Let''s focus on rehearsing."

 Chapter 89: The Future can be hoped for

    <h4>Chapter 89</h4>


    The next day, Ji Nian woke up full of confidence and went to the film set. However, she felt a bit bewildered seeing the crew members and young actors asionally staring at her.


    "Ji Nian, hello, I... I am your fan... My name is Xiao Ye..." a chubby girl walked over and said nervously.


    Ji Nian was stunned for a moment. Wasn''t this girl just an extra in the crew? Yet she was her fan? Her eyes lit up and she smiled, "Hello, Xiao Ye."


    Hearing the reply, Xiao Ye looked surprised first, then delighted, eximing, "Ji Nian, I really like you. I love listening to your songs. You''ve been in the crew for so long, but I didn''t dare talk to you."


    Seeing her excited look, Ji Nian''s eyes smiled as she said, "What''s there to be afraid of? Afraid I''ll eat you?"


    "No, no," Xiao Ye shook her head, "It''s just that you seem unapproachable. I didn''t mean anything bad. I... I just..."


    Xiao Ye became more and more flustered, feeling anxious. She hadn''t expected the actress to be so approachable since everyone thought she looked aloof before and didn''t dare approach her.


    "It''s okay, I understand what you mean," Ji Nian smiled and winked, "Actually, I''m quite approachable."


    Xiao Ye blushed and eximed excitedly, "Ji Nian, there are actually many of your fans here. They all are." She then pointed to a group of people watching from a distance.


    Ji Nian looked over and saw several girls dressed in ancient costumes waving at her. She smiled and nodded in response.


    Seeing their idol respond, they excitedly called out and all gathered around her.


    Looking at the five or six people in front of her, Ji Nian was truly dumbfounded. Previously on the set, apart from filming, she had only stuck with He Yishen and Shen Shuyao.


    She rarely talked to the crew, let alone chat with supporting actors. She hadn''t expected to have fans on the set too. It felt quite strange.


    "Ji Nian, we just came to the set a few days ago. Can we take a group photo with you?" a girl asked excitedly.


    "Me too, me too," several people chimed in.


    Ji Nian blinked her innocent big eyes and said, "Don''t rush, I''m right here. One by one."


    They came over with their phones to take pictures together. These little fans were quite cute. Ji Nian patiently took selfies with all of them.


    "Ji Nian, ''Angel''s Wings'' is so beautiful. I listened to it all night yesterday," Xiao Ye admired.


    "That person replied to you. I was so touched. Was that song made especially for him?" another girl asked excitedly.


    "Ji Nian, it was because of the Weibo post you made yesterday that I liked you. Is it toote to be your fan now?" another little fan asked nervously.


    "Thank you," Ji Nian replied. It was the first time she encountered such enthusiasm. Even with just five or six people, she felt overwhelmed by their passion.


    "Ahem," the director came over and coughed lightly. Everyone immediately fell silent, like mice facing a cat. They said goodbye shyly and dispersed.


    Ji Nian smiled at them as they left.


    "''Angel''s Wings'' is a nice song," the director nodded and smiled.


    Ji Nian looked surprised and asked, "Director, you read Weibo too?"


    "Of course, we''re all in the same circle," the director smiled. "Alright, hurry up and get ready. Shen Shuyao should be done with makeup soon. It''s your confrontation scene next."


    "Okay!" Ji Nian happily grabbed the script and ran to her usual spot.


    Suddenly recalling what the little fan had said earlier, she took out her phone and checked the content on her Weibo.


    "Wow..." Ji Nian''s eyes widened as she scrolled through thements under her Weibo post. The likes had soared to one million, with over a hundred thousand fanments.


    "This song is amazing!"


    "No need to guess, it''s obviously written by Mysterious."


    "This post just came out two days ago, and Mysterious has already given Ji Nian a new song. So cool."


    "What a heavenly girl, she even writes songs for fans. Wuwuwu, that''s so great."


    "To rify, the song was written by Mysterious..."


    "I will find an angel to love you for me."


    "So touching, wuwuwu."


    "Even if I''m not by your side, I''ll be like an invisible angel, always with you, protecting you, loving you forever."


    "Listening to this song reminds me of myte family members. Maybe they''re silently protecting me too."


    "Heartbroken for the families."


    "From today on, I''m a fan of Ji Nian."


    "You''re still here, never leaving... Listened all night, feeling deeply touched."


    Ji Nian read thements and was surprised to see no negative ones. Strange, where were those fierce anti-fans?


    But it was good to have no haters for once. Ji Nian smiled and opened the Weibo post of the original poster from yesterday. She saw that he had @-ed her ount and posted another reply.


    "Hello everyone, I''m the OP of this post. First, thank you all for your concern and encouragement. Listening to this song all night, I cried all night.


    I''m surprised that this incident even prompted Ji Nian herself to respond. I think if she were still alive, she would be very happy.


    I will try to move on. We had been together for many years, living every aspect of life side by side. But suddenly one day she left, leaving an empty hole in my heart, as if a part of it was carved out.


    Thank you for the song ''Angel''s Wings''. I''m touched. Also, thank you Ji Nian for the encouragement. I will live well. You should too. Let''s keep going."


    After reading it, Ji Nian felt that this man might need a long time to let go.


    But once he decides to start over, that will be a new beginning. She silently gave his post a like and left ament.


    (For the days you can''t get through, keep yourself busy. For the days you miss someone, look at the morning sun. All that has passed is but a prelude, and all that is toe holds promise. Keep going.)


    "Ji Nian, get ready to start," the director called out to her while discussing the scene with the lead actors.


    Hearing the director call her, Ji Nian quickly put down her phone and hurried over in small steps.


    Cheng Liran looked at the approaching woman, a hint ofplexity shing in his eyes. Recalling yesterday''s viral post and the new song, he suddenly felt like he didn''t know her at all, or perhaps he had never really understood her.


    "Ji Nian, as the vicious supporting character, you''ll need to p the female lead in the uing scene. It will be a real p, so try to get it right in one take," the director said.


    "A real p!" Ji Nian looked stunned. They were really going for it in this scene? She had to p Shen Shuyao?


    Shen Shuyao noticed the woman''s shocked expression and reassured her, "It''s okay, Ji Nian. I''m not afraid of pain."


    "No, no, wouldn''t this be out of frame?" Ji Nian asked nkly.


    "I''ve considered that, but if the camera is too far away, it won''t have the desired effect. This scene needs to be shot up close, so it will be a real p this time. You need to put some force into it," the director exined.


    "Okay... I guess..." Ji Nian looked utterly bewildered.

 Chapter 90: Being Told Off

    <h4>Chapter 90</h4>


    At this time, on the Inte, everyone started debating fervently because of Ji Nian''s poignant words, and a fan topic directly topped the charts as the number one hot search.


    "Oh my, what a warm-hearted treasure of a girl."


    "On days when you can''t get through, keep yourself busy, and on days when you miss someone, look at the morning sun."


    "Everything in the past is but a prelude, and there''s hope for all that lies ahead. I''m motivated."


    "This reply is incredible, I''m gulping down this bowl of chicken soup!"


    "Actually, to be honest, she doesn''t really have any scandals. It''s just that her acting isn''t great, and she caused a scene at Cheng Liran''spany after their breakup, which is why she got sted."


    "It''s quite pitiful. Back on Happy Camp, that line ''I don''t love you anymore'' really broke her, and the moment she shed tears was stunningly beautiful."


    "I''ve noticed this girl has principles. Look, after the breakup, she never leaked any of Cheng Liran''s scandals. She was ordered to pay him 600,000 and didn''t utter a word or make any statements."


    "Plus one to thement above. If it were me, I''d definitely spill all the beans and make a huge mess, haha."


    "Is it possible that Cheng Liran doesn''t have any scandals?"


    "Leaving aside whether he has scandals or not, after that whole scene, she just quieted down. Although she continued her normal work, she never used the rtionship for publicity."


    "Doesn''t singing love songs for her count as publicity? I''mughing."


    "Singing love songs counts as publicity? Speechless."


    "I heard that when their rtionship was exposed, Cheng Liran''s fan club president hasn''t posted a single update since then. That whole incident caused quite an uproar for a while."


    "I''ve heard about that too. The fan club president must have felt utterly heartbroken."


    "Hey sisters, aren''t we getting off track here? How did we end up talking about their rtionship?"


    While the online chatter was heating up, the person at the center of the debate, Ji Nian, was struggling on set, having to re-shoot the scene numerous times, causing even the director to look anxious.


    "Ji Nian, this won''t do. You need to really strike her, do you understand?" the director said helplessly.


    Ji Nian felt embarrassed too, but she just couldn''t bring herself to do it. She had resolved to give the female lead a hard p, but when it came to actually hitting her face, she hesitated and ended up just lightly brushing past.


    "Sorry, sorry director," Ji Nian immediately apologized.


    "Ji Nian, it''s okay, you need to get into character," Shen Shuyao consoled her from the side.


    Cheng Liran, expressionless, spoke up, "Ji Xiao Nian."


    Everyone turned their attention to the male lead when he spoke.


    Ji Nian looked toward the man, who wore a cold, impatient look on his face.


    "This is a film set, not just any random ce. You''ve NG''d four times now. I don''t care how good your personal rtionship is, but this is work, and I hope you''ll have the right attitude. You''ve already wasted a lot of time." Cheng Liran stared into the woman''s eyes, his tone carrying a warning.


    Ji Nian stiffened at the reprimand, not knowing if it was her own emotion or that of the character she was portraying, but her nose tingled and her eyes instantly welled up with tears.


    "Hold those tears back," Cheng Liran said, raising his voice when he saw the woman about to cry. "I''m just asking if you can do it this time or not."


    Ji Nian knew she was in the wrong, but being scolded by the man in front of her still left her feeling wronged. Defiantly, she said, "I can!"


    Shen Shuyao looked at the man disapprovingly, her heart aching for Ji Nian. Then she consoled, "Don''t cry, Ji Nian. Just ignore me and get into character. Hit me hard, it''ll be fine."


    Shen Shuyao''s words only made Ji Nian want to cry more, and big teardrops started rolling down her cheeks. She tried her best to adjust her state of mind, reminding herself that it would be okay, and that she could definitely do it this time.


    Shen Shuyao felt bad and helped wipe Ji Nian''s tears, saying, "It''s okay, it''s okay. We''ll just try again."


    Ji Nian nodded, using her sleeve to wipe away her tears. With a sullen look, she thought to herself that the director hadn''t even scolded her, yet this man was so fierce. The original owner of this body must have been blinded to like such a man with no grace at all.


    "Ji Nian, it''s alright, we''ll try again. Quickly adjust your state of mind and try to get it in one take," the director said, also stunned by Cheng Liran''s reprimand.


    "Crew, quickly do some touch-ups on the actors'' makeup," an assistant director called out.


    Ji Nian wiped away her tears and took a few deep breaths. Calm down, calm down, it''s just giving a p, she could do it.


    Although it was just acting, she had truly never hit anyone in her life, so it was hard for her to bring herself to do it.


    "Alright, actors take your positions," the director said, watching the camera. "Start!"


    "What are you?" Ji Nian''s red eyes from crying earlier added to the effect of the line, making her seem very angry.


    "No, you can''t bully me like this!" Shen Shuyao took on a frail look, stubbornly kneeling on the ground.


    Ji Nian knew it was time to strike, so she steeled her heart and forcefullynded a p, the sound ringing out clearly as five fingerprints instantly appeared on the woman''s reddened face.


    Shen Shuyao staggered from the impact before falling down as scripted, putting on a look of shock despite the stinging pain on her face as tears streamed down.


    "You don''t deserve to be a celestial disciple!" Ji Nian said viciously after a momentary look of surprise, quickly getting back into character.


    "Cut!" The director was exhrated, liking the momentary flicker of surprise on the woman''s face in thatst shot. That micro-expression was great.


    The moment she heard "cut," Ji Nian rxed and immediately helped the female lead up, looking at the fingerprints her p had left and feeling guilty as her eyes reddened again, not expecting to have hit so hard.


    For Shen Shuyao, it was her first time filming such a realistic pping scene, and her face stung, but seeing Ji Nian''s remorseful expression, she consoled her, "It''s okay, it doesn''t hurt."


    "Don''t say that! It''s already swollen," Ji Nian said self-reproachfully before quickly grabbing the ice pack a crew member handed over and gently applying it, apologizing, "Later on when I have scenes where I get beaten, you can really let me have it. Don''t hold back at all."


    Shen Shuyaoughed out loud, seeing the serious look on Ji Nian''s face as she carefully held the ice pack. "I wouldn''t be able to bring myself to hit you either."


    "You''re not angry?" Ji Nian looked at the female lead gratefully, tears welling up again. "I hit you so hard just now."


    Shen Shuyao shook her head with a smile. "If it were you, I wouldn''t get angry."


    Ji Nian was so touched, she was about to burst into tears. "I knew you were the best. I love you the most."


    He Yi was already used to their sharine disys, but the crew members on set were utterly stunned.


    In other productions, the actresses were always engaged in overt or covert conflicts, but the atmosphere on this crew seemed quite good. Although there wereplicated rtionships between the actors, including an ex-couple, they still managed to get along peacefully.


    "Shuyao, good work," the director walked over with a smile. "Injuries are unavoidable when filming. Your face will be swollen today, so you can go rest first. We''ll film just the male lead and other actors'' scenes this afternoon."


    "Thank you, director," Shen Shuyao said obediently.


    "Ji Nian, keep working hard," the director said with a smile toward the other woman. Although this new actress''s acting skills weren''t great, she was obedient and willing to work hard and learn, which he appreciated.


    "Yes," Ji Nian replied with a smile, encouraged by his words. "Director, you''ve worked hard too."

 Chapter 91: Investor Scout

    <h4>Chapter 91</h4>


    "Director, the investors havee to visit the set." A staff member came running over.


    The director was startled, surprised. "Investors? No way, no one called to notify me today."


    "They''re already here. They say they just want to take a look," the staff member replied.


    "Okay." The director looked serious, then said to the two people in front of him, "Shen Shuyao, Ji Nian, the investors are here, so you''ll have to wait a bit."


    Shen Shuyao nodded obediently, "Alright, we''ll wait here. You go ahead."


    After the director hurriedly left with his assistant, Ji Nian remained nonchnt, as it didn''t concern her.


    "The big boss is here?" Ji Nian asked curiously while helping the lead actress ice her face.


    "It must be the biggest investor. Otherwise, why would there be such a fuss, with the director going out to greet them?" Shen Shuyao looked in the mirror, seeing the swelling on her face had subsided a little.


    "Wow, the biggest investor? How much did they invest?" Ji Nian asked.


    Shen Shuyao wasn''t too sure either, shaking her head. "I don''t know, maybe a few million?"


    "One billion," He Yi quietly spoke up from the side.


    "One... billion?" Ji Nian was stunned. Which rich buddy had that kind of money?


    But thinking about it, she felt for the big boss, investing in Shen Shuyao''s drama was definitely a safe bet that would make a profit.


    "How did you know?" Shen Shuyao asked curiously.


    "This big IP adaptation of a famous fantasy novel has manypanies investing in it. I overheard the director mention itst time," He Yi answered.


    "So the biggest investor must be..." Ji Nian blinked, suddenly realizing that ever since the lead actress met the male lead, everything had been smooth sailing for her. It must be because the male lead had been secretly funding her.


    As she spoke, the director came in with a group of people. Shen Shuyao looked at the neers and clearly froze for a moment.


    The crew members began whispering when they saw the capitalists arrive, and a few minor actors were even fangirling.


    "I thought investors would be chubby old men."


    "This is the most handsome investor I''ve ever seen."


    "Wow, isn''t that... that famous young master...?"


    As Ye Jingzhan entered, he saw the stunned faces and a hint of tenderness shed in his eyes as he walked straight towards that direction.


    The director was stunned, following behind, and only introduced them slowly once the man stopped, "Mr. Ye, this is our female lead for this drama, Shen Shuyao, who is also considered quite famous in the industry."


    "What happened to her face?" Ye Jingzhan saw the woman''s swollen, reddened face, his eyes coldly narrowing as he frowned in askance.


    Seeing the male lead''s dark expression, Ji Nian meekly raised her hand and weakly answered, "I... hit her..."


    "Mr. Ye, it was like this - we were filming a scene that required close-range actual fighting just now," the director exined from the side.


    Puzzled, he wondered if Shen Shuyao and the investor knew each other? The originally cast lead actress had been reced due to a scandal, causing the original investors to withdraw funding. Later, a new major investor hade on board. Could it be...?


    "Ah Zhan, you''re the investor?" Shen Shuyao''s eyes shone with happy surprise.


    "Let me take a look." Ye Jingzhan gently touched her face, giving the people beside them a displeased look.


    Was he really holding a grudge? Ji Nian felt uneasy, wondering if she should make an excuse.


    "It''s okay, it was just for the scene today. Ji Nian didn''t mean it," Shen Shuyao said gently.


    Seeing the lead actress speak up for her, Ji Nian quickly nodded to show her innocence.


    "So this is how the crew operates." Another voice came over, and everyone looked towards it.


    A man wearing gold-rimmed sses had a cultured, curious expression as he looked around.


    Just when one wave settled, another rose. Ji Nian stiffened as she saw the antagonist approach.


    "Miss Ji?" Pei Yuchen''s eyes flickered with surprise when he saw her.


    "Haha, what a coincidence," Ji Nian forced augh.


    "We do seem to have a connection. We''re from the samepany, neighbors, and now even on a project I invested in," Pei Yuchen smiled warmly.


    Yeah, you wish we had a connection. This was purely malicious fate, Ji Nian muttered inwardly.


    Ye Jingzhan was surprised too. What an uncanny coincidence? Shen Shuyao also found it amazing that Ji Nian''s new neighbor turned out to be Dr. Pei.


    By now, the crew was quite bewildered. The female lead seemed too intimate with the investors. And the second female lead also seemed to know them quite well...


    Seeing the neer, Cheng Liran''s expression remained calm. Wasn''t this the new CEO who had taken over theirpany?


    Ba Ge hurriedly went over to greet the executive, "Mr. Pei, hello."


    Pei Yuchen looked over, smiling and nodding in acknowledgment. He had taken over his family''s entertainmentpany, and was also a shareholder of Hua Entertainment, so he currently oversaw bothpanies.


    His gaze fell on the man in ancient costume sitting to the side, and Pei Yuchen raised his brows slightly.


    "Are you from the Cheng family?" This was the person his stepsister wanted to form a marriage alliance with?


    Being from the same circle, everyone knew each other. Cheng Liran stood up, a distant smile on his face as he answered, "Yes."


    Ji Nian waspletely lost. What were these weird rtionships? The antagonist knew Cheng Liran?


    "Are you all done?" Ye Jingzhan asked.


    Shen Shuyao nodded obediently, "Yes, the director said I can rest this afternoon."


    "Then go back with my car." Ye Jingzhan nodded, still displeased as he looked at her swollen face.


    "Okay," Shen Shuyao agreed.


    Ye Jingzhan''s main purpose foring today was actually to visit the set, and also to bring the neer Pei Yuchen to get acquainted with some of thepany''s invested projects.


    "I''ll head back first." Ye Jingzhan naturally took the woman''s hand, casually telling the other man.


    Pei Yuchen nodded, "Sure, I''ve got a good understanding of things now."


    The director was stunned, asking, "Won''t Mr. Ye stay for some tea before leaving?"


    Ye Jingzhan''s face was cold as he said, "No need, we just came to take a quick look today."


    "Oh, okay." The director finally understood. So the female lead of his drama had such strong backers, yet strangely, no one seemed to know about it.


    After speaking, Ye Jingzhan pulled the woman along as they left. Shen Shuyao turned back to wave goodbye to Ji Nian.


    Pei Yuchen looked at the woman and smiled, "Miss Ji, would you like to head back? We''re going the same way."


    "No need, no need. How can I trouble Dr. Pei again? My car is waiting at the main entrance," Ji Nian quickly refused with a smile.


    The previously unnoticeable He Yi suddenly seemed to remember something and said, "I forgot earlier... I asked Xiao Tang to go somewhere else, so he''s probably still on his way back..."


    Ji Nian froze, staring at her in shock and blinking herrge eyes. "When did this happen?"


    "Two hours ago," He Yi said innocently.


    "Director, do I still have scenes this afternoon?" Ji Nian turned to ask the director.


    The director looked puzzled. "This afternoon is for Liran and some of the supporting actors'' scenes. Most of your scenes are scheduled for the morning, Ji Nian, so it''s fine if you have something to take care of."


    Ji Nian inwardly wanted to cry, forcing a smile as she said, "I see, I was just asking."

 Chapter 92: The Destination

    <h4>Chapter 92</h4>


    Pei Yuchen curved his lips, his eyes gleaming with delight. He knew the woman wanted to find an excuse to refuse him, but strangely, the more she acted this way, the more he wanted to tease her.


    "Let''s go, I''ll drive you," Pei Yuchen said with a smile.


    Ji Nian looked at the man before her, dressed in a suit, polite and graceful, with a golden-framed pair of sses that made him look even more schrly. Truth be told, this man''s appearance matched her taste very well.


    "Then... I''ll trouble Dr. Pei again..." Ji Nian said awkwardly, mainly because she didn''t know how to refuse him. In public, what if she caused the viin to lose face and bear a grudge?


    "It''s not the first time, no need to be so courteous," Pei Yuchen raised his eyebrows and smiled.


    Ji Nian felt miserable. After bidding a simple farewell to He Yijian and the director, she left with the viin - this damned "taking the same way."


    After they left, the crew members seemed to explode with chatter.


    "Is Shen Shuyao in a rtionship with the investor?"


    "I doubt it, she''s been very low-key in the crew and easy-going. Doesn''t seem to have any backing at all."


    "Yeah, she seems like a good person, not conceited. Didn''t expect her to have such a big backer."


    "The investor is Mr. Ye, a figure often covered in financial reports."


    "The prince of Jingdu, who doesn''t know him?"


    "And who is that Mr. Pei?"


    "He''s an old acquaintance of the Ye family, the Pei family keeps a low profile."


    "Wow, you even know that."


    "Mr. Pei and Ji Nian are acquainted, they seem to have a good rtionship."


    "She and Shen Shuyao are best friends, and since Shuyao has a special rtionship with Mr. Ye, she must know Mr. Pei too. They''re all in the same circle."


    The director noticed the crew members and actors discussing, and with a nce, signaled his assistant to resolve the situation and prevent any rumors from spreading.


    "I thought Ji Nian wouldn''te to bother you anymore, turns out she''s clinging to an even bigger thigh," Eighth Older Brother said with disdain.


    Cheng Liran, however, remained indifferent. He never liked her anyway, so it didn''t matter to him who she dated after their breakup.


    "She can do whatever she wants, it''s none of my business," Cheng Liran said tly.


    "Women are all the same. She was begging you not to break up before, and now she''s moved on so quickly," Eighth Older Brother raised his eyebrows.


    Cheng Liran didn''t want to engage with him and walked away with the script in hand.


    Eighth Older Brother shrugged helplessly, indicating he wouldn''t say anything else.


    In the car, Ji Nian had just fastened her seatbelt when she noticed the man''s lips curved slightly, as if he was in a good mood. She pursed her lips.


    "Are you feeling better?" Pei Yuchen was about to reverse out, ncing in the rearview mirror as he asked.


    Ji Nian blinked her big eyes, surprised that the viin was quite caring. "I''m feeling alright."


    "You had symptoms from excessive blood loss, you''ll need to take better care of yourself," Pei Yuchen smiled.


    "Heh, thank you for your concern, Dr. Pei," Ji Nian was taken aback, suddenly recalling that the first time she met him, he wasn''t wearing sses. Curious, she asked, "Is Dr. Pei nearsighted?"


    Pei Yuchen nodded. "Not too bad, I wear sses when needed."


    It''s true, with the sses on, he looked more like a schrly viin. Remembering the incident on set, she asked, "Does Dr. Pei know Cheng Liran?"


    Pei Yuchen turned his head, his gaze falling on the woman''s wrist as he recalled seeing it on Weibo before. He smiled, "I do. Wasn''t it because of him that Miss Ji attempted suicide?"


    Ji Nian was stunned. "You know about that?" The viin had investigated her?


    "It was all over the inte," Pei Yuchen smiled. "But honestly, was that man really worth Miss Ji risking her life for?"


    Of course not, that was the original host being stupid, not her. Ji Nian thought to herself. Speaking of which, the original host had poor taste. Cheng Liran was just mediocre, and he was even rude to her today. Hmph, she held a grudge now.


    "Young and naive," Ji Nian snorted in response.


    "Haven''t had lunch yet, shall we go together?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian considered for a moment. Since refusing would be futile, she might as well mooch a meal. "Sure, Dr. Pei is treating."


    Pei Yuchen chuckled, surprised that she didn''t try to find an excuse to refuse this time. "Of course, a gentleman would never let ady pay."


    The man was indeed quite gentlemanly. Ji Nian nced at him. For now, the viin seemed quite promising - the kind of man young girls would fancy.


    "Dr. Pei is so gentlemanly, your girlfriend must be quite fortunate," Ji Nian put on a professional smile, trying to probe him.


    Pei Yuchen raised his eyebrows. "Or perhaps you want to be my girlfriend?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback. What was that about? When did this happen? She had no idea.


    "Wasn''t Miss Ji trying to get close to me? You even looked into my background before, and initially called me Dr. Pei," Pei Yuchen''s eyes held a meaningful look.


    Ji Nian froze, suddenly realizing he was referring to the time she went to a restaurant with Shen Shuyao.


    Back then, she rode in his car, and because she knew his profession, she couldn''t find a reasonable excuse to throw him off, so she let him stay under that misunderstanding. She didn''t expect... she had been too careless...


    "And I recall, you told me your name was Ji Nian," Pei Yuchen looked at the woman and smiled.


    Ji Nian suddenly felt a pang. When did she slip up? She racked her brain but couldn''t seem to remember. Feigning innocence, she said, "Heh, Ji Nian is a name I changed for myself, just wanting a fresh start, since Dr. Pei knows I attempted suicide over a rtionship."


    Pei Yuchen nodded, that exnation made sense. "Ji Nian is more pleasing to the ear than Ji Xiaonian."


    Hearing her true name beingplimented, Ji Nian was taken aback, feeling a strange emotion inside. After transmigrating for some time, everyone had been calling her by the original host''s name.


    She never expected the viin to call her by her real name. Suddenly, she felt a tinge of sorrow. Perhaps she wouldn''t be able to return to her original world. The name Ji Nian, no one might ever know it was the real her.


    After transmigrating, her identity and appearance had changed drastically. Perhaps she became more beautiful, or perhaps she became wealthy. But that real, existing self of hers...


    That ordinary, unremarkable person who still strived to live her life, seemed to have disappeared.


    Vanished into another space-time, while in this realm, she was beginning a new journey in a daze.


    For a moment, Ji Nian felt lost. No matter which life she lived, it seemed like she never had a ce she could call home. In the past or present, she always felt like a child without a home...

 Chapter 93: Company Food

    <h4>Chapter 93</h4>


    The stillness inside the car was shattered by a ringing phone. Ji Nian saw that it was Yu Luobai calling and froze for a moment, realizing she had forgotten about the rehearsal.


    "Ji Nian, where are you? I have your lunch ready over here," Yu Luobai had been waiting for a long time at thepany without seeing her.


    Hearing the pleasant voice on the other end, Ji Nian felt a little awkward as she nced at Pei Yuchen and replied, "Sorry, Teacher Yu. I''ll be there soon, you can eat first."


    "What''s going on? Does the crew have something else scheduled today? If you''re busy, we can rehearse tonight instead. I''m free this evening," Yu Luobai chuckled over the phone.


    Although she hadn''t put the call on speakerphone, his voice was still quite loud, and Ji Nian figured Pei Yuchen could probably hear every word clearly.


    "No need, Teacher Yu, I''ll be there in a bit," Ji Nian hurriedly said.


    "Okay, I''ll wait for you."


    "See you soon." Ji Nian hung up after saying that.


    Pei Yuchen heard the male voice on the phone and her referring to him as Teacher Yu, so he didn''t need to guess further to know it was Yu Luobai.


    Recalling the time in the elevator when Yu Luobai had intimately patted her head, Pei Yuchen felt an unpleasant feeling in his heart.


    "Was that Luobai?" Pei Yuchen asked with a gentle smile.


    Ji Nian blinked herrge eyes, feeling a bit awkward. "Yes, sorry about that, Dr. Pei. Why don''t you just drop me off at thepany? You still have work to do..."


    "What work? Not even eating?" A hint of coldness shed in Pei Yuchen''s eyes.


    "Thepany has food..." Ji Nian sensed that Pei Yuchen seemed a little unhappy.


    Pei Yuchen didn''t respond, making a turn that changed their direction. He said calmly, "I remember thepany has a cafeteria. Since you''re busy, we''ll make do with their food today. I''ll treat you to something better next time."


    Ji Nian was puzzled by Pei Yuchen''s insistence on having a meal together.


    "Really, there''s no need to trouble yourself. I can eat anything. Just drop me off at thepany, Dr. Pei," Ji Nian quickly shook her head.


    Pei Yuchen turned to her, arching an eyebrow with a smile. "Has Miss Ji forgotten? I need to go to the office as well."


    Ji Nian blinked her innocent eyes, only then realizing she had overthought it - Pei Yuchen had to go to thepany in the afternoon too...


    "Haha, I almost forgot you''re my boss..." Ji Nianughed dryly.


    "I''m no longer a doctor," Pei Yuchen''s lips curved upward.


    "Then... Mr. Pei?" Ji Nian used a different address.


    "We''ve known each other for some time now. I think we can consider ourselves friends, Miss Ji," A hint of amusement shed in Pei Yuchen''s eyes.


    Yeah right, like we''re friends, Ji Nian''s lips twitched as she replied, "Mr. Pei is joking..."


    "Calling me Mr. Pei seems a bit too formal," Pei Yuchen teased her again.


    Formal? This man was really a double standard - didn''t he call her Miss Ji as well?


    "Mr. Pei calling me Miss Ji is also formal," Ji Nian muttered.


    "Ji Nian," Pei Yuchen turned to her, his eyes gentle as he lightly called her name.


    Ji Nian was stunned, captivated for a moment by his graceful demeanor. Her name sounded unexpectedly pleasanting from his lips.


    "We''re here," Pei Yuchen drove into thepany''s underground parking lot.


    Ji Nian didn''t say a word, silently unbuckling her seatbelt and getting out of the car. The two of them then took the elevator up together.


    "I believe the cafeteria is on the 10th floor," Pei Yuchen''s slender hand pressed the button, and he turned to the woman, asking, "Have you eaten there before?"


    Ji Nian shook her head. "No, my meals are mostly arranged by my manager."


    "I haven''t eaten there either. Let''s try it out today," Pei Yuchen smiled faintly.


    As they entered the cafeteria on the 10th floor, they immediately drew the attention of many employees.


    "Mr. Pei," an employee passing by called out.


    Pei Yuchen nodded with a smile in response, while Ji Nian felt a little self-conscious under everyone''s gaze, reminiscent of thest time she had been publicly embarrassed when she forgot to wear a mask on the subway.


    The employees downstairs were also whispering among themselves, all looking in their direction.


    "Wow, it''s Ji Nian. Even though we''re in the same building, this is the first time I''ve seen her."


    "Yeah, my first time seeing Ji Nian too."


    "The guy next to her is the new Mr. Pei, one of the major shareholders, right? He''s having lunch at thepany cafeteria with Ji Nian?"


    "It''s really unbelievable that a leader woulde to the cafeteria to eat."


    When they reached the ordering area, Pei Yuchen turned to Ji Nian and asked, "What would you like?"


    Ji Nian silently pointed at the picture of a sd on the wall. "This..."


    Although she really didn''t want to eat grass, her manager had recentlymented that her on-camera face didn''t look slim enough, and she needed to lose weight again...


    Pei Yuchen nodded, pointing at the chicken leg rice dish next to the sd and telling the staff, "One chicken leg rice, one beef rice bowl, two small cakes, and one chicken soup."


    Ji Nian was puzzled and quickly shook her head. "Mr. Pei, no, I want the sd..."


    Pei Yuchen turned to her, arching an eyebrow. "You want to pass out again? You''re already in a weak condition, and you still want to eat that in food."


    Seeing the man walk to an empty table and take a seat, Ji Nian hurried after him, whispering, "Mr. Pei, you''ve misunderstood. I''m in good health."


    Pei Yuchen smiled at her. "I''ll only believe what I see with my own eyes."


    "Alright..." Ji Nian blinked, realizing this meal wasn''t of her own volition - she had wanted to eat vegetarian, but Pei Yuchen wouldn''t allow it.


    But why did she feel a tinge of delight in her heart? When she had seen the picture of the chicken leg rice earlier, it had indeed looked quite appetizing...


    Soon, the food was brought over by a server, along with two small cakes.


    "Have the soup first," Pei Yuchen gently reminded her.


    Ji Nian had been reaching for the cake but withdrew her hand after his words, silently picking up the soup spoon and taking a few sips.


    Seeing the woman obey, Pei Yuchen''s eyes crinkled with amusement. Looking at the beef rice bowl on his own te, he suddenly felt it wasn''t so bad after all.


    After a few spoonfuls of soup, Ji Nian reached for the small cakes again, taking a bite. She feltpletely satisfied, as it had been a long time since she''d had anything sweet.


    At that moment, someone in the cafeteria was secretly taking photos with their phone and sharing them in the work group chat.


    "Oh my god, girls, the new Mr. Pei actually came to the 10th floor cafeteria for lunch."


    "His looks and presence are so stunning."


    "I feel like this Mr. Pei is even more handsome than our Yu Luobai!"


    "No way, Luobai is still number one."


    "Does Ji Nian really know the higher-ups that well?"


    "Not sure, but they seemed quite friendly with each other."


    "Could they be dating?"


    Pei Yuchen tended to be a picky eater and found thepany''s food just average, but watching the woman eat with such relish, he put down his chopsticks and observed her curiously.


    Ji Nian was overwhelmed with emotion. Every time she encountered Pei Yuchen, she got to eat meat, something she hadn''t had for so long. The only two times she had been able to eat meat heartily were when Pei Yuchen treated her. Sob...


    Ji Nian ate with focus, her left hand wearing a disposable glove as she held therge chicken leg from her bowl, her right hand using a spoon. She alternated between bites of rice and meat, silently marveling at how delicious it was.


    The onlookers watching quietly were stunned, unable to believe that even beauties could have such an unmorous side.

 Chapter 94: What’s Your Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 94</h4>


    This side, someone had already secretly recorded a small video, and upon getting the news, more people came over. Almost every spot on the tenth floor was upied.


    Yet the empty seats near Pei Yuchen''s surroundings were left untouched, as no one dared to sit close to him, forming an obvious contrast.


    Ji Nian''s eating manner wasn''t unpleasant, but since she hadn''t eaten meat for several days, her face now carried a satisfied expression as she enjoyed gnawing on the chicken leg.


    Pei Yuchen chuckled, watching the woman devour her food without any care for her appearance, finding her behavior highly amusing.


    "Is it delicious?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian nodded honestly, saying, "Not bad." This was truly what eating a meal should be like, as the usual sds and boiled vegetables were simply a torture.


    In the work groups of severalpany departments, many people had shared the video of the woman eating.


    "Oh man, I''ve had chicken leg rice too, but why didn''t it taste that good for me?"


    "Oh my, I''m a Ji Nian fan! I want to go and meet her by chance!"


    "Can we stay calm? There are so many celebrities in thispany, and it''s not like we''ve never seen them before."


    "I really haven''t seen them before... our departments are too far apart..."


    "Haha, true, it''s quite rare. Even though we''re in the same building, we might only run into them in the elevator asionally, but we work on different floors."


    "Many celebrities tend to be haughty and wrapped up tightly, but Ji Nian truly doesn''t treat us like outsiders."


    After Ji Nian finished her meal and a few bites of cake, she drank the chicken soup, feeling satisfied.


    Pei Yuchen couldn''t help but want tough, as the woman seemed to find immense pleasure in these simple foods.


    Ji Nian had been focused on eating, so she didn''t pay much attention to her surroundings. Now that she looked around, she froze, realizing there were many more people in the restaurant.


    "Mr. Pei... can we leave now..." Ji Nian felt embarrassed.


    Pei Yuchen knew people were secretly taking photos, so he had already sent a message to thepany''s management personnel, asking them to handle it and prevent the leakage of the photos.


    "Sure, didn''t you say you had to go for rehearsal?" Pei Yuchen smiled.


    Ji Nian stood up, not daring to look at the people around her, and said with an awkwardugh, "Yes, I should get going."


    "Alright, I need to go upstairs too, let''s go together." Pei Yuchen stood up and casually buttoned up his open suit jacket.


    At this time, Peng He''s side kept receiving notifications from the work group, and when he opened it, he was stunned.


    "Yu Luobai... Ji Nian is at thepany..." Peng He said.


    Yu Luobai, who had been looking forward to the womaning for rehearsaltely for some reason, perked up upon hearing she was at thepany and asked, "She''s here?"


    "She must have been here for a while..." Peng He wore a confused expression and handed his phone over.


    Yu Luobai took the phone and opened it, only to see the video of the woman eating ravenously, holding a chicken leg in one hand and a spoon in the other, with a leisurely demeanor.


    He also saw the man sitting opposite her, and his gaze darkened as he murmured, "Yuchen ge?"


    Last time in the elevator, he had seen the two of them together, and now they were having lunch as well, looking quite familiar with each other. For some reason, he felt a sense of displeasure in his heart.


    *Knock knock*


    Ji Nian knocked on the door, opening a small gap and poking her head in. Seeing everyone inside, she smiled and said, "I''m here!"


    Upon hearing her voice, Yu Luobai immediately turned off the phone''s screen, tossed it to Peng He, turned around, and his mood instantly brightened as he smiled, "We''ve been waiting for you."


    "Sorry about that, Teacher Yu. I was just having lunch," Ji Nian walked in and sat on the couch, pouring herself a ss of water.


    Yu Luobai''s gaze darkened slightly as he said, "I just saw you having lunch at thepany."


    Ji Nian''s hand holding the cup paused, and she asked in confusion, "You went to the tenth floor too?"


    "You were so conspicuous that many employees recorded videos and shared them in the work groups," Yu Luobai said resignedly.


    "The videos won''t be leaked outside, right?" Ji Nian widened her eyes in surprise.


    "No, they won''t. The most basic professional ethics for employees at an entertainmentpany is not to leak videos of their artists. Someone will handle it," Yu Luobai smiled.


    "That''s good." Ji Nian wasn''t worried about the video itself, but more concerned about the antagonist''s presence in it.


    "What''s your rtionship with Yuchen ge?" Yu Luobai asked casually.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, not understanding why he would ask such a question, and replied, "We don''t have any rtionship."


    "Then...st time in the elevator, were you going home together?" Yu Luobai''s gaze was serious.


    Ji Nian blinked and nodded, "Um... I guess so..."


    "And today you had lunch together..." Yu Luobai felt a tightness in his heart, unsure why he felt this way.


    "Mr. Pei is an investor, you know. He happened to visit the crew on location, and then he brought me to thepany on his way..." Ji Nian had no choice, as the antagonist was the big boss, and she couldn''t offend him.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes shed with an indiscernible emotion. On his way? That didn''t seem like something Pei Yuchen would do.


    "Alright, let''s start rehearsing," Yu Luobai regained hisposure and smiled.


    Ji Nian nodded, "Okay."


    "We don''t have much time left, with the concert this Saturday," Peng He chimed in.


    "I''m suddenly feeling nervous," Ji Nian said, as it was a concert with tens of thousands of people.


    "It''ll be fine, I''ll be there with you. It''s better for two of us to be on stage together," Yu Luobai''s eyes shed with a hint of tenderness.


    Ji Nian nodded pitifully, "You have a point, it''s better than being awkward alone."


    Yu Luobai found it amusing and ruffled the woman''s hair, "Let''s begin."


    Meanwhile, He Yi suddenly remembered that she had said she would call the previous vindlord to ask if they had found a lost phone.


    But she had been so busy these past few days that she had forgotten about it. Thinking about it, she immediately made the call.


    "Hello, this is He Yi."


    "Oh, it''s you. What''s up?" Thendlord answered, sounding surprised.


    "It''s like this, we lost a phone when we were moving out. Did you happen to find it when you were checking the house?" He Yi asked.


    "A lost phone? Oh my dear, it''s been so long since then. I remember letting the property management handle everything afterward, and they didn''t mention anything about finding a phone," thendlord replied.


    "I see. Can you give me the property management''s contact number?" He Yi nodded, thinking they probably wouldn''t be able to find the phone anyway.


    "Sure, I''ll send the number to your pher," thendlord readily agreed.


    "Alright, thank you," He Yi said before hanging up.

 Chapter 95: Just be Happy

    <h4>Chapter 95</h4>


    This side, Ji Nian had been rehearsing for several days in an orderly manner, and soon it was time for the concert. This weekend was destined to be an extraordinary one.


    Half a month before the concert, Yu Luobai''s team had already begun warming up online. The tickets were sold out, leaving no seats avable, and those who didn''t get tickets were eagerly anticipating the online and TV livestreams on the day itself.


    As a god-like existence in the entertainment industry, Yu Luobai''s fans spanned various age groups. Since he debuted as a child star, he had mom fans, girlfriend fans, and all kinds of fans.


    As a top-tier celebrity in the domestic entertainment industry, he currently has the most Weibo followers among actors, with a staggering 160 million fans, far surpassing other celebrities.


    Ji Nian arrived early at the film set this morning, and the young Shen Shuyao was overjoyed, beaming with happiness all morning and whispering in her ear.


    "Little Nian, you''re amazing! These are VIP seats, the closest to your idol," Shen Shuyao eximed, having found a ce to keep her ticket and autograph safe after obtaining themst time, afraid of creasing them.


    A single ticket made the female lead that excited for so long. If she interacted with Yu Luobai every day, wouldn''t she be so thrilled that she''d faint?


    Ji Nian looked helpless and said, "President Ye is Yu Luobai''s cousin, so they''re rtives."


    Shen Shuyao looked stunned, her eyes filled with disbelief. "This... Azhen never mentioned it..."


    "Maybe you didn''t ask," Ji Nian said with a smile.


    "Ahhhhhhh!" Shen Shuyao eximed excitedly, then quickly covered her mouth when she noticed people looking over, and whispered as she leaned closer, "Little Nian, I''m so happy!"


    "You might even be rtives in the future," Ji Nian teased with a mischievous look. "I''ll have to call you sister-inw, hahaha."


    Shen Shuyao''s face turned red, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Alright, enough. I need to read the script."


    Ji Nian knew the female lead was shy, so she smiled, "Remember to ask for leave tonight to go to the concert. I need to go for rehearsals first."


    "Go ahead," Shen Shuyao waved her hand.


    Since Ji Nian didn''t have many scenes today, she left early after informing the director, hurrying to thepany.


    Upon arrival at thepany, she saw Yu Luobai''s team rushing to pack clothes, props, and other items.


    Ji Nian noticed Yu Luobai standing not far away, looking serious as he spoke to several people.


    "Mr. Yu," Ji Nian called out softly.


    Yu Luobai noticed her and a hint of warmth shed in his eyes. "Today we''re going to the venue for a run-through. We''ll take the same carter."


    Ji Nian looked puzzled. "We''re going to the stadium now?"


    Yu Luobai smiled as he looked at her dazed expression and reached out to ruffle her hair. "Yes."


    "Do I need to prepare anything?" Ji Nian looked confused, as no one had mentioned anything about makeup or outfits, and she hadn''t thought about it either.


    "Juste along. Your outfits and makeup have already been prepared," Yu Luobai smiled. "I personally picked out the clothes. I think they''ll suit you very well."


    So that was it. Ji Nian suddenly felt too clueless, unaware of everything, and felt a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, Mr. Yu."


    "Let''s go," Peng He urged, sweating profusely from the rush.


    "Okay," Yu Luobai nodded.


    An assistant handed over a ck cap and mask, and the man put them on. Though his handsome face was covered, his demeanor exuded a sense of mystery, coolness, and nobility.


    After getting himself ready, Yu Luobai naturally picked up a pink duck-billed cap and helped the woman put it on.


    Ji Nian felt a shiver as he gently arranged her hair. She didn''t know why, but there was a subtle feeling within her.


    After helping her with the cap, Yu Luobai also helped her put on the mask. Once done, he patted her head with satisfaction and smiled, "There, no one can tell it''s you now."


    Ji Nian looked into the man''s smiling eyes, blinking her innocent big eyes. A peculiar feeling arose in her heart. Was Mr. Yu being a bit too good to her?


    The staff nearby looked surprised, while Peng He turned away helplessly, unable to bear watching such tant behavior.


    Since they were going to the same ce, Yu Luobai asked her to ride in the same car. Ji Nian instructed Xiao Tang to return to the set first, in case they needed a car.


    In the car, Peng He handed them two sandwiches. "Time is tight today, so have these diet sandwiches first to line your stomachs."


    Ji Nian took one and opened it curiously. "Wow, these are lettuce-wrapped sandwiches?"


    Peng He looked proud. "How does it look? Not bad, right? Since bread has too many calories, we reced it with lettuce. There are also tomatoes, cucumber slices, steak, fried eggs, and pork floss inside, providing bnced nutrition without making you gain weight."


    "Impressive!" Ji Nian gave him a thumbs up.


    Yu Luobai lowered his mask, the corners of his mouth curved into a smile. "After we''re done today, I''ll take you out for something good to eat tomorrow."


    Ji Nian was hungry, so she took big bites of the sandwich without hesitation and asked curiously, "What good food?"


    "What would you like to eat? I''ll treat you," Yu Luobai asked, amused.


    "Then I''ll make you pay for the most expensive," Ji Nian teased mischievously.


    Yu Luobai shook his head helplessly. "The most expensive doesn''t necessarily mean the best."


    "Is Mr. Yu being stingy now?" Ji Nian joked.


    Yu Luobai tapped her head. "Don''t worry about the food. I''ll make the arrangements."


    Ji Nian was patted on the head again affectionately and froze for a moment. Then she looked at the man, who seemedpletely natural about it.


    She blinked her eyes. Although she had some thoughts initially, she suddenly felt that she must have been overthinking it.


    When they arrived at the stadium, they saw crowds of people around, with fans holding support banners and a bunch of reporters standing at the entrance.


    Peng He, seeing the situation, quickly instructed the driver to take a detour to the underground parking lot.


    "So many people?" Ji Nian looked bewildered.


    "Some fanse to show their support early, and some who couldn''t get tickets will wait outside the concert venue to listen," Yu Luobai patiently exined.


    "And then they''re hoping to run into you, right? Just in case?" Ji Nian pondered for a moment and asked.


    Yu Luobai nodded with a smile. "Yes."


    "Wow, I envy you, Mr. Yu. You have so many fans," Ji Nian eximed in admiration. No wonder he was the king of celebrities - even before the concert started, fans were already waiting in droves outside.


    "Little Nian, you''ll have many fans in the future too," Peng He said from the back with a smile.


    "I don''t really care about that," Ji Nian smiled cheerfully. "Whether I''m famous or not doesn''t matter to me. As long as I have work and money to spend, a stable life - that''s my life goal."


    A glint of amusement shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes. After spending so much time with her, he had already noticed her easygoing nature. She did things at her own pace and didn''t care much for fame or fortune, always appearing carefree and happy.


    "So you''re quite easily satisfied," Peng He said with a smile.


    "As long as I''m happy, that''s all that matters, right, Mr. Yu?" Ji Nian smiled, ncing at the man.


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved into a smile as he nodded in agreement. "Just focus on being happy."

 Chapter 96: I Don’t Know

    <h4>Chapter 96</h4>


    When they arrived at the recording venue, Ji Nian looked at the vast sports arena in awe. With so many seats, and so many peopleing tonight, she was already feeling anxious even before the event began.


    The stage was already set up, with lighting and other equipment being adjusted by a busy crew. There was also a person in charge overseeing therge screens on the stage.


    "There''s a rising tform at the center of the stage, Ji Nian. You''lle up from there with a grand piano," Peng He pointed towards the stage.


    "Wow," Ji Nian marveled at the scene, which was on apletely different level from the school performances she was used to.


    "Let''s head backstage first. We''ll rehearse the order of entrance through the backstage passage," Yu Luobai said with a smile.


    "The concert order is simr to previous years. We''ve done this several times already," Peng He seemed rxed, adding with a smile, "Ji Nian, this is your first time, so stay calm."


    Ji Nian nodded obediently, though she was inwardly panicking. She might just be the most inept among those who had crossed over.


    "We don''t have much time left. It''s already afternoon. Let''s get through the rehearsal quickly. You still need to get your makeup and costume done," Peng He urged after ncing at his watch.


    Time flew by, and after the afternoon rehearsal, Ji Nian was ushered to get her makeup and costume ready. The crew members also took their positions, checking the instruments, cameras, and sound equipment.


    He Yi rushed over backstage, with Shen Shuyao tagging along.


    Ji Nian sat nervously in her seat. Her performance was scheduled for the middle and the finale. The opening act was Yu Luobai''s own album, a very rousing rock song.


    "Sister, how''s it going?" He Yi handed Ji Nian a bottle of water.


    Ji Nian took a deep breath and clutched Shen Shuyao''s hand, saying, "It''s over. I just peeked at the stage, and there are already so many people in the audience."


    Shen Shuyao, on the other hand, looked excited. After all, it was her idol''s concert, and her best friend would be performing on stage too.


    "Ji Nian, you can do it! You''ve practiced so much!" Shen Shuyao cheered her on.


    "Yes, we believe in you," He Yi added with a smile.


    The backstage monitor showed a live feed of the stage. Ji Nian watched as the camera panned over the sea of people, some holding light-up signs in support.


    "Oh, it''s starting soon. I''ll head back to my seat," Shen Shuyao said, checking the time.


    "Be careful. Make sure to wear your mask and cap, so no one recognizes you," He Yi cautioned.


    Shen Shuyao nodded, waved goodbye to Ji Nian, and scurried out.


    Backstage was now upied only by the bustling crew members and the dazed Ji Nian.


    Yu Luobai was about to go on stage when he made a detour to Ji Nian''s makeup room. He found her in a deep blue, star-studded, strapless evening gown.


    Her exquisite makeup and voluminous wavy hair, coupled with her vivid red lips, made her look like a captivating rose blooming in the night.


    Yu Luobai froze for a moment, taken aback by her carefully done-up appearance: the first time he had seen her so dolled up. He found himself momentarily entranced.


    Ji Nian, noticing the man, eximed in surprise, "Teacher Yu, why did youe here?"


    Yu Luobai snapped out of his trance, approached her, and said, "You look beautiful today."


    Ji Nian was stunned for a moment before shyly lowering her head. "Teacher Yu, you look very dashing today too!"


    Yu Luobai let out a warmugh. "I came to tell you that we''re about to start. I''ll be going on stage first. You can stay backstage and rest. Don''t be too nervous."


    Ji Nian obediently nodded, but her trembling hands betrayed her inner state of anxiety.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes twinkled with amusement as he gently patted her head before turning to leave.


    He Yi, who had witnessed the interaction, was wide-eyed in surprise. She whispered, "What''s going on between you two?"


    Ji Nian looked bewildered. "What do you mean?"


    He Yi leaned closer, a mischievous look on her face. "Are you two dating?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback and immediately shook her head. "Are you crazy, or am I?"


    "The way Teacher Yu looked at you seemed... off," He Yi pondered.


    Ji Nian froze for a moment, a flicker ofplexity in her eyes. "Off in what way?"


    He Yi raised her eyebrows teasingly. "Are you pretending not to understand?"


    Even with Ji Nian''s low emotional intelligence, she could grasp what He Yi was implying.


    "Does Yu Luobai like you?" He Yi bluntly stated.


    "No! Don''t say such nonsense!" Ji Nian panicked.


    "Come on, we''re all adults here. Can''t you tell? Do you think I''m stupid, or are you the one who''s an idiot?" He Yi rolled her eyes in exasperation.


    Ji Nian was stunned. She had always thought their rtionship was just friendly.


    But today, with him helping her put on her mask and cap, and recalling the little details from their previous interactions, she had already started to suspect something, though she wasn''t entirely sure.


    "I don''t know..."


    He Yi shook her head in disbelief. "First an ex-top idol, then a top actor, and now you''re going for the king of the entertainment industry."


    Ji Nian hurriedly covered He Yi''s mouth. "Don''t say such nonsense. We''re innocent."


    He Yi gave her a knowing look and nodded. "Take it slow, sister. If thepany finds out, they definitely won''t approve."


    "Teacher Yu is just being kind-hearted. Besides, he hasn''t said... that he likes me or anything. Let''s not make assumptions and make things awkward," Ji Nian said uncertainly.


    "Do you like him, then?" He Yi whispered.


    Ji Nian was stumped by the question. She had never been in a rtionship before. With her ordinary looks andck of social skills, no one had ever pursued her.


    While she enjoyed admiring attractive men and fantasizing about six-pack abs, it had never gone beyond mere daydreaming.


    "I don''t know..." Ji Nian was at a loss. She admitted that she felt veryfortable around Yu Luobai.


    She had always seen him as a friend, which was why she had been so casual and unguarded around him. But now, the realization that this man might actually like her left her feeling bewildered.


    "Forget it, you don''t know anything," He Yi scoffed in disdain. "Never mind, let''s not worry about that for now. You need to focus on your performance."


    Ji Nian nodded in agreement. Now was not the time to dwell on other matters.


    "The host has started already," He Yi remarked, ncing at the screen.


    Ji Nian instantly snapped out of the previous conversation and felt her anxiety about the concert resurface.

 Chapter 97: Concert 01

    <h4>Chapter 97</h4>


    The host finished speaking and announced the start of the concert. In the stadium, nearly 80,000 audience members cheered loudly, their voices deafening.


    The performance was simultaneously broadcast online and on television, reaching nearly 200 million viewers, withments flooding the screen.


    Yu Luobai appeared on stage, dressed in a ck outfit, holding the microphone and dancing to the rhythm of a rock song with street dance moves. The entire venue was set aze, with the audience roaring in excitement.


    Shen Shuyao, seated in the VIP section, waved her fan banner, cheering excitedly along with a group of fans.


    At this moment, viewers watching the online livestream began leavingments:


    "I''m so jealous of the people there!!!"


    "Ah ah ah ah, the brother is so handsome!"


    "I can''t take it anymore!! Husband, I love you!"


    "That physique!! The open cor, the sexy corbone!! Ah ah ah ah ah!"


    "Hey, that''s my husband, thank you!"


    "If he hadn''t exined it to me for two hours in bed, I would''ve believed it!"


    "Mommy loves you!!!"


    Ji Nian, watching the scene on the screen, was struck by the moment. Although she had seen him dance during rehearsals, the sight before her now made him seem like the brightest star in the universe.


    "So handsome!!" He Yi eximed.


    Ji Nian couldn''t help but swoon, despite being around him every day recently. How could she ever get tired of looking at that face? On stage, he seemed to glow, making one helplessly fall for him.


    After the song ended, the audience''s voices were hoarse, and their glow sticks hadn''t stopped waving.


    Ji Nian observed the audience captured by the cameras. In her two lifetimesbined, she had never seen so many people, making her even more nervous.


    After waiting nearly half an hour backstage, it was soon her turn. She heard a staff member hurriedly call for her.


    Ji Nian was startled, quickly standing up, and He Yi helped her follow the staff member to the location of the rising stage tform.


    "Little Nian, you''ll sit here at the piano. When the tform rises, just do as you rehearsed today," the staff member smiled.


    Ji Nian''s heart was in a flutter, but she followed the instructions and took her seat.


    Since she was below the stage, she could clearly hear the sounds from above.


    Yu Luobai had already changed into a deep blue suit adorned with sparkling star patterns. His handsome features and graceful, radiant demeanor exuded a gentle warmth.


    "Today, I''ve invited someone here," Yu Luobai spoke into the microphone, his eyes smiling at the audience below. "I''m really looking forward to our coboration on a new song, ''Fairy Tale,'' which I dedicate to you all!"


    As he finished speaking, the lights in the stadium suddenly dimmed. A spotlight shone on the center of the stage, revealing a rising tform with a grand white piano.


    The tform rotated, directing the camera''s focus onto the woman!


    The stadium, previously filled with deafening cheers, fell silent in an instant.


    The online viewers were equally stunned.


    On the screen, a stunningly beautiful woman sat at the piano, wearing a strapless star-patterned dress. Her wavy curled hair made her appear seductive and alluring, her fair skin entuating her bold red lips.


    Hearing the silence in the venue, Ji Nian took a deep breath, reassuring herself. Remain calm, she thought, I''m just apanying on the piano, just y as I usually do.


    Yu Luobai walked to the front of the piano, smiling at the woman, signaling her to begin.


    Ji Nian nodded slightly, her hands naturally resting on the keys. A beautiful prelude filled the stadium, enhanced by the sound effects.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes twinkled with amusement as he raised the microphone and tenderly sang the lyrics in time with the piano.


    "I''ve forgotten how long it''s been since Ist heard you


    Tell me your favorite story


    I thought about it for so long, I started to panic..."


    The production crew had already disyed the lyrics on the screen backstage. The live audience was captivated by the beautiful melody and moving lyrics, quietly appreciating the music.


    However, the online livestream erupted withments:


    "Did you all see that? The mysteriousposer!!"


    "Oh my god, the mysteriousposer wrote the song, and Ji Nian is the guest performer!!"


    "I have a bold idea! Could it be that our brother bought in Road?!!"


    "Didn''t anyone notice? As a professional piano arts student, Ji Nian''s ying shows real skill, not fake!"


    "Oh my god, Ji Nian is so beautiful, ah ah ah ah ah ah, I''m her fan for her looks!"


    "How dare she perform alongside our king??"


    "A 28th-tier small-time actress, I''m gonna puke!"


    "Does Yu Luobai not have any resources left? He needs to rely on Ji Nian for a new song?"


    "Surely these aren''t our White''s fans, who among our fan group has such poor manners?"


    "White must have his reasons for whatever he does! Do you have any right to criticize?"


    "Exactly, even though I''m not pleased that Ji Nian, with her fame level, can perform alongside my husband, I''ll support whatever my husband does!"


    "Floor above +1."


    "+2."


    As the song ended, the live audience remained silent for a moment before bursting into apuse.


    Seizing the opportunity, the female host stepped forward to energize the crowd, smiling, "Wow, this new song left me lingering in emotions."


    After her performance, Ji Nian followed Yu Luobai''s nce, and the two walked to the center of the stage together.


    Yu Luobai smiled, "I really like this song too, and I''m so fortunate to have received such a wonderful piece."


    The male host nodded with a smile, "This is Little Nian''s first time at our concert. Why don''t you greet the audience?"


    Ji Nian was puzzled, as this wasn''t part of the rehearsal flow. She was supposed to leave the stage after ying. When was this added?


    Uncertain, she pointed at herself, her eyes filled with confusion as she looked up at the much taller Yu Luobai, mouthing, "Do I need to speak?"


    Seeing her adorable expression, Yu Luobai couldn''t help butugh out loud. He nodded, indicating that she needed to say a few words.


    Ji Nian took the microphone and looked out at the audience, her mind nk. She swallowed and said in a dazed, cute manner, "Hello."


    Yu Luobai smiled, shaking his head as he looked down at the woman. He then took the microphone and addressed the audience, "Little Nian is a bit shy, but our fish fans find her quite adorable, don''t you?"


    Seeing this, the audience found it endearing. Since their idol had spoken, the fans obliged, shouting, "Yes!"


    Ji Nian had been worried about being attacked by Yu Luobai''s fans, but upon hearing their loud "yes," she looked up at the man with a delighted, sparkling gaze.


    "Thank you all, my name is Ji Nian. I''m so happy to be here at the concert and perform alongside your male god. The new song is great! I hope you''ll all show your support!" Ji Nian, no longer nervous, smiled as she promoted the new song.


    After all, the more popr the new song, the more money she would make...

 Chapter 98: Concert 02

    <h4>Chapter 98</h4>


    At this time on the inte, the news that Ji Xiaonian was a guest performer at Yu Luobai''s concert went straight to the top of Weibo''s hot topics.


    People started leavingments, both positive and negative, while fans from Ji Xiaonian''s official fan club started promoting videos of their idol''s performance.


    Shen Shuyao''s fans were no exception, eagerly sharing videos of Ji Xiaonian ying the piano, even iming her as "one of us."


    "Wow, I''m starting to ship them, what''s happening?"


    "Although it''s probably not appropriate, has anyone else noticed that Ji Xiaonian''s dress and Yu Luobai''s suit are in the same color scheme, both with stars?"


    "Couple outfits!!!"


    "No way, don''t spread rumors guys, it''s just a stage effect."


    "Come on! Ji Xiaonian is with Shen Shuyao right? Who''s pairing them up? I''ll report you!"


    "Hahaha, really, did you see the way Ji Xiaonian looked up at Yu Luobai with shining eyes? And the way Yu Luobai gently looked down at Ji Xiaonian?"


    "I can''t take it anymore, I''m already imagining an idol drama!"


    "Shut up! The JiShen couple can never be broken up!"


    "Yes! JiShen is forever the god couple!"


    "Hahahahaha."


    Ji Xiaonian had already left the stage and was preparing to change clothes. Her next performance was a duet of one of Jay Chou''s songs, and her nervous heart was still pounding. It had to be said, Yu Luobai truly deserved his king of pop status, his mental fortitude was remarkable.


    He Yi rushed over, and a makeup artist hurriedly came to touch up her makeup. At this time, the concert was still ongoing, with Yu Luobai singing one of his ownpositions.


    "Sister is amazing!" He Yi eximed as she helped Ji Xiaonian take off her dress, giving her a thumbs up.


    Ji Xiaonian removed her dress, only her high-waisted leggings and bra remaining, revealing her stunning figure.


    At this moment, there were only three people in the changing room: He Yi, a makeup artist, and herself. She wasn''t shy, as they were all women, and she didn''t mind being seen.


    "Hurry! Are you ready?" Someone knocked on the door urgently. "It''s time to go on!"


    He Yi helped her adjust her clothes, and the makeup artist tied her hair into a high ponytail. Ji Xiaonian looked gorgeous and innocent in her new outfit, leaving people in awe.


    "She has great versatility!" the makeup artist praised.


    "Quick!" He Yi pulled the woman along, following the staff.


    When they arrived at the entrance to the stage, the lights had dimmed again. Ji Xiaonian took this opportunity to run to the center of the stage.


    As the lights came back on, a musical apaniment began ying. Ji Xiaonian looked at the man not far from her, who was also wearing a white stage outfit.


    Following the man''s deep rap vocals, the audience cheered along.


    Ji Xiaonian picked up the microphone, and although her heart was pounding, she remained calm as she sang the following lyrics.


    The online stream''s viewership skyrocketed, nearly causing the system to crash. Thepany executives were amazed by the click rate, setting a new record, whileizens continued to leavements.


    "Oh my god, what a heavenly duo, this song is too good!"


    "Ji Xiaonian''s vocal condition is superb, she harmonizes perfectly with Yu Luobai!"


    "Wow, their outfits are so coordinated, and she looks amazing in that high ponytail!"


    "I''m done, she''s turned me into a fan!"


    "No way! My Yu Luobai, mommy doesn''t allow you to date!"


    "He''s mine!!!"


    "This song is incredible! The more I listen, the better it gets!"


    The live audience was thrilled, even Shen Shuyao was waving her glow stick excitedly.


    Towards the end of the song, the male rap and female lead vocalsbined in perfect harmony, leaving the audience in awe when the performance concluded.


    Yu Luobai naturally walked closer to Ji Xiaonian, and the two shared a smile before bowing to the audience.


    After leaving the stage, Ji Xiaonian finally let out a sigh of relief. It was too nerve-wracking, she had sung mechanically throughout, without a chance to think.


    At this point, the concert was nearing its end, and Yu Luobai, still on stage, performed another new song, ''Night Song,'' once again sending the fans and audience into a frenzy.


    Preparing for the finale, Ji Xiaonian was set to y the drums as the closing act. Her high ponytail remained, but she changed into a spaghetti strap hot pants outfit, paired with ck knee-high boots, transforming her into a sexy diva.


    The staff hurriedly led her to the rising tform, and Ji Xiaonian sat behind the drum set, taking a deep breath.


    This concert was exhausting, constantly changing outfits without even a chance to drink water before being rushed back on stage.


    "For thest song of the concert, I''m going to perform a new song for you all, and I believe you can guess what it is," Yu Luobai said, still catching his breath after his previous performance. He then asked the audience loudly, "Tell me, what''s the name of this song?"


    The audience unanimously shouted in excitement, "The Ordinary Road!!!"


    Under the lights, Yu Luobai''s eyes sparkled as he smiled. "Very good, you all guessed it. Here is ''The Ordinary Road'' for you!"


    Amidst the cheers of the fans, the lights dimmed again, and a beautiful intro began to y. A sexy yet slightly masculine woman appeared on the rising tform.


    Yu Luobai smiled at the audience, and his deep, melodious voice began to sing.


    Ji Xiaonian watched for her cue, then began apanying the music on the drums. As soon as she started ying, her cool demeanor elicited screams from the fans.


    This was a song destined for greatness, sometimes gentle and moving, sometimes mncholic and sad, but mostly filled with passionate intensity.


    In that moment, the melody and lyrics resonated deeply within their hearts. The climax had been rearranged into a rock style, leaving the audience in awe and their blood boiling with excitement.


    At that moment, the online viewership soared to over 300 million, breaking the all-time record for domestic entertainment. The four new songs, ''Fairy Tale,'' ''Prague Square,'' ''Night Song,'' and ''The Ordinary Road,'' would go on to top the charts at number one.

 Chapter 99: Do You Like Me

    <h4>Chapter 99</h4>


    "Indeed, Ji Xiaonian didn''t lie to me! The male voice in Ordinary Road sounds even better! With our amazing voicesbined, we''re simply unbeatable!"


    "Ordinary Road was released a while ago, and I was wondering who bought it. Didn''t expect it to be, haha!"


    "This mysterious person is impressive. The new releases today - (Fairy Tale), (Prague Square), and (Nocturne) - are all phenomenal."


    "Theposition styles differ, so who is this mysterious person?"


    "Do you think Superstar Yu has met the mysterious person?"


    After the concert, the online discussion continued fervently. But just as everyone was engrossed in the heated debate, the Weibo system suddenly crashed, preventingizens from essing it.


    Meanwhile, a programmer who had just gotten off work was on his way home when his boss called, summoning him back to the office to work overtime.


    On the other side, Ji Xiaonian had just finished her performance and was being pulled into media interviews. She looked bewildered, squinting her eyes from the shing cameras surrounding her.


    "Ji Xiaonian, was the mysterious person present at today''s event?" a reporter asked.


    "Those few songs were from the mysterious person. Why did they give them to you?"


    Ji Xiaonian had changed into her casual outfit - a loose T-shirt and jeans. Her hairstyle remained the same high ponytail from her stage look,plemented by delicate makeup, giving her a campus goddess vibe.


    "Um... the mysterious person wasn''t there," Ji Xiaonian replied, looking perplexed at the reporters below.


    "Then who will the mysterious person give their next songs to?"


    "Miss Ji, is it because of this mysterious person that you got the chance to coborate with Superstar Yu?"


    "Superstar Yu has never worked with female celebrities before. Are you two in a romantic rtionship?"


    Ji Xiaonian was stunned by the questions, unsure which one to answer first. Before she could respond, Yu Luobai stepped forward and pulled her behind him.


    "I''m sorry, but our interviews are over for today," Yu Luobai politely addressed the reporters.


    Ji Xiaonian looked surprised as the man grabbed her wrist and led her away from the scene.


    At that moment, the reporters became excited, snapping photos left and right, their headlines already forming in their minds.


    Once they reached the backstage area, the man released her hand and smiled, "Next time you encounter reporters who keep digging, just ignore them."


    It was Ji Xiaonian''s first time doing an interview, so she obediently nodded, "Okay."


    Shen Shuyao, who was also backstage, spotted her idol Yu Luobai approaching. Her face flushed with excitement as she hurried over and stood beside Ji Xiaonian.


    "Hello, Mr. Yu..."


    Yu Luobai recognized her as his cousin''s girlfriend and nodded with a smile, "Hello, Miss Shen."


    Shen Shuyao, thrilled to receive a response, gazed at him adoringly and eximed, "Can we take a picture together?"


    Yu Luobai smiled and agreed, finding Ji Xiaonian and Shen Shuyao''s innocence refreshing andforting.


    "Sure," he replied.


    Shen Shuyao immediately handed her phone to He Yi, saying, "Help us take a couple of pictures."


    Ji Xiaonian smiled, finding the female lead''s fangirl behavior endearing, and moved aside to let Shen Shuyao take a photo with Yu Luobai.


    He Yi took several shots, and when Shen Shuyao noticed Ji Xiaonian, she promptly pulled her over, "Xiaonian, let''s take one together."


    After the group photos were taken, they were mostly done for the day, leaving the equipment and cleanup to the staff.


    "We live in the same building, so Ji Xiaonian can ride with me," Yu Luobai told He Yi.


    He Yi was momentarily taken aback but quickly understood, giving Ji Xiaonian a teasing look and wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.


    Ji Xiaonian felt awkward, recalling what He Yi had said earlier and bing increasingly certain that Yu Luobai harbored feelings for her...


    "Is that okay with you, Xiaonian?" He Yi probed.


    Peng He chimed in with augh, "Xiaonian rode with us earlier, so it''s no problem. We''ll make sure she gets home safe."


    Well, they''ve already made their point, what else could she say? Ji Xiaonian thought helplessly.


    "Alright, we''ll head out first," He Yi said with a smile.


    "Goodbye, Mr. Yu," Shen Shuyao said reluctantly, wishing she could admire her idol a little longer.


    After everyone had finished packing up, Ji Xiaonian followed Yu Luobai to the underground parking lot.


    "Xiaonian, you''re not taking this car," Peng He spoke up.


    Ji Xiaonian paused, recognizing the vehicle as the one they had arrived in earlier.


    "I had my assistant bring my personal car over. Peng He can take this one back," Yu Luobai exined with a smile.


    "I see..." Ji Xiaonian responded absentmindedly.


    "We''ll go ahead. Bye, Xiaonian," Peng He said as he got into the car.


    Once everyone else had left, Ji Xiaonian turned to Yu Luobai, slightly dazed, and asked, "It''s just the two of us?"


    Yu Luobai smiled and patted her head, taking out his car keys as he walked towards a ck Rolls-Royce. "We live in the same building, don''t we? Who else would it be?"


    Ji Xiaonian nodded and climbed into the passenger seat, slowly fastening her seatbelt.


    Yu Luobai drove out, noticing the crowd gathered near the stadium entrance, and took a detour to avoid the fans and reporters.


    "Are you tired from today?" Yu Luobai asked with a smile.


    "It''s alright. I think you''re more tired since you didn''t get any breaks," Ji Xiaonian recalled the chaotic backstage scene.


    "I''m used to it. The first time I held a concert, it was also a frantic mess," Yu Luobai said as he stopped at a red light and turned to face her.


    Ji Xiaonian felt self-conscious under his direct gaze and turned her head away. She wanted to ask if he liked her, but the question seemed too blunt to voice...


    "How''s your recent filming going?" Yu Luobai asked, his long fingers resting on the steering wheel.


    Ji Xiaonian nodded and smiled, "It''s going quite smoothly. The director even praised me."


    A hint of darkness shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes as he casually inquired, "What''s it like working with Cheng Liran?"


    Ji Xiaonian froze, surprised by the sudden mention of that scumbag. Come to think of it, the original host''s consciousness had been appearing less frequentlytely. Facing Cheng Liran daily, she no longer felt the inexplicable heartache, suggesting the original host might have left.


    "It''s alright, I guess..." Ji Xiaonian didn''t know how to respond.


    "Do you still like him?" Yu Luobai asked, unsure why the sight of that man had been particrly irksometely. The thought of him and Ji Xiaonian''s past rtionship left a sour taste in his mouth.


    "I don''t think so," Ji Xiaonian replied. She had never liked Cheng Liran, and with the original host rarely surfacing nowadays, she assumed her feelings had faded too.


    Hearing her uncertain tone, Yu Luobai felt a pang of disappointment but maintained hisposure, turning to her with a smile. "Although his acting skills and abilities are decent, I think you can find someone better."


    Someone better? Ji Xiaonian paused, wondering if he was hinting at something.


    There was no doubt that Yu Luobai liked her, and while he appeared calm andposed, his words carried an amusing quality.


    "Pfft," Ji Xiaonian giggled, her eyes dancing with amusement as she asked, "Who would be better?"


    Yu Luobai felt slightly flustered under her gaze and turned away, countering, "Who do you think would be better?"


    Ji Xiaonian studied the man before her, wondering if she was imagining it, but she seemed to detect a hint of shyness and insecurity in his demeanor.


    By now, they had arrived at the residentialplex''s parking area. Ji Xiaonian looked at him intently and said, "Mr. Yu, I''d like to ask you something."


    Yu Luobai''s hand, which had been unbuckling his seatbelt, froze. For some reason, his heart raced as he met her gaze and replied, "What is it?"


    "Mr. Yu, do you like me?" Ji Xiaonian asked.

 Chapter 100: Can I Hold You

    <h4>Chapter 100</h4>


    Yu Luobai''s heart trembled violently, as if he couldn''t believe he would hear those words. Seeing the serious expression on the woman''s face, he becameposed instead.


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud, shaking his head helplessly, saying, "Suddenly, I don''t know how to answer you."


    Ji Nian looked at him, feeling a little regretful, wondering if she had been too impulsive.


    Yu Luobai unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned closer to the woman, a gentle smile on his face, "Little Nian, you''re too direct."


    Ji Nian scratched her head a little embarrassedly, saying, "Sorry, Teacher Yu, I can''t hide what''s in my heart. I just say whatever''s on my mind."


    Yu Luobai looked at her tenderly, smiling as he patted the woman''s head, "Why would you say I like you?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback, did she misjudge? She answered, "Because I feel that Teacher Yu treats me too well, not like a friend, more like a..."


    Yu Luobai looked at her as she trailed off, smiling as he asked, "More like what?"


    "Like a lover." Ji Nian stared into his eyes.


    "Yes, I like you." Yu Luobai looked at her seriously, meeting her gaze.


    Ji Nian heard the answer, although she had anticipated it, hearing it from the man''s mouth still made her face instantly redden and her heart race.


    Seeing him approach, Ji Nian stiffened, her heart in a panic, until her seatbelt was unbuckled, allowing her to rx. She couldn''t help but grumble inwardly, "Geez, this seatbelt again!"


    "What about you, do you like me?" Yu Luobai''s heart raced as he looked at the woman and asked.


    Ji Nian suddenly calmed down. She didn''t know, as an outsider who had transmigrated into the book, she had always been free of desire.


    Because she owed debts, she wanted to work hard to earn money. Because she knew the female lead had a halo, she wanted to take advantage of her luck. But suddenly one day, the paper man in the book said he liked her, and she was perplexed.


    "Perhaps I can''t give you an answer now." Ji Nian was dazed.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes darkened, his heart suddenly aching a little, but he pretended to be natural and asked, "Why?"


    Why? Ji Nian couldn''t exin, because she might need to think it over, and just a moment ago, she had actually wanted to run away, to escape...


    "Because of Cheng Liran?" Yu Luobai asked.


    Ji Nian lowered her head, suddenly feeling a little guilty, "Teacher Yu, it''s because of me. My mind is a bit of a mess..."


    "I know you just broke up not long ago, and perhaps you don''t want to enter another rtionship so soon." Yu Luobai''s tone was gentle, but his heart was utterly dejected.


    "I''ll go back first." Ji Nian hurriedly opened the door and got out of the car. Her thoughts were in chaos, her mind nk, not knowing what she was thinking.


    The two went up the elevator in silence. Yu Luobai looked at the woman who was only as tall as his shoulder, his heartplex. This was the first time in his life he had confessed his feelings, and he had failed.


    When they reached the 20th floor, Ji Nian fled hastily out of the elevator, but suddenly heard the man say something.


    "Little Nian, can I hug you?" Yu Luobai stood behind her, his voice hoarse.


    Ji Nian paused, turning to look at him, not knowing what to say.


    "A hug between friends." Yu Luobai had a smile on his face, but his pretense of nonchnce was easily seen through.


    Ji Nian didn''t refuse, readily reaching out to hug him, her hands on his waist, feeling the warmth of his body, which made her momentarily dazed.


    Yu Luobai stiffened, thinking this unreasonable request would be rejected, but seeing her response, his eyes flickered with pleasant surprise. He forcefully hugged the woman back, his arms tight around her. In this moment, the world seemed to stand still.


    Ji Nian felt the man''s chin resting on her head, his embrace so tight she could hardly breathe.


    "Teacher Yu." Ji Nian called out, indicating they could separate now. It was summer after all, and she was getting a bit hot...


    Yu Luobai gently released the woman, noticing her hair was a little disheveled. He carefully fixed it, saying, "Good night."


    Ji Nian nodded, feeling an unusual emotion in her heart. She turned in a panic, quickly entered the password, and closed the door.


    Yu Luobai stood there for a long time, staring at that door, his eyes dim. Perhaps he had been too hasty, and that''s why he had frightened her.


    On Ji Nian''s side, she had returned home. Looking at the time, it was past 11 PM. She removed her makeup, took a shower, her eyes struggling to stay open from fatigue.


    Although she had experienced the confession incident today, it wouldn''t affect her sleep. Ji Nian had justid down when she quickly fell into a daze.


    The next day, after the crashed Weibo was restored, a photo of a man holding a woman''s hand quickly topped the hot search, with the eye-catching title: "Yu Luobai and Ji Xiaonian Suspected to be Dating."


    This news spread across the inte. Netizens divided into two camps, while some of Yu Luobai''s most extreme fans began posting all kinds of messages online.


    Online public opinion spun out of control. Everyone was attacking the woman, even leavingments on Cheng Liran''s Weibo.


    "She just broke up, and she''s already with another guy?"


    "Ji Xiaonian is awesome, her ex was a top star, now she''s with the Celestial King Yu. What luck?"


    "I used to like her, but now, pfft."


    "What right does Ji Xiaonian have to date the Celestial King?"


    "I believe in Baibai''s choice. There''s been no official statement yet, so don''t get worked up."


    "That woman should stay far away."


    "She just broke up, and now she''s in another rtionship? Is this why Cheng Liran broke up with her, because he knew she was this kind of woman?"


    "One word: disgraceful."


    Yu Luobai, who hadn''t slept all night, saw Peng He anxiously enter his home early in the morning.


    "Ancestors! The inte has exploded!" Peng He came in, turning and startled to see someone sitting on the couch. "You scared me!"


    Yu Luobai''s mood was a little low. He had thought all night about whether Ji Nian really didn''t like him.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Peng He, seeing the man''s haggard appearance, asked with concern.


    But the man didn''t answer. Peng He hurriedly spoke again, "Never mind, don''t talk about it. Today there are rumors about you two being in a rtionship. Weibo has crashed. Think quickly about how to respond."


    "Are there any haters?" Yu Luobai asked.


    "Of course, and they''re all attacking Ji Nian, saying really nasty things," Peng He said.


    "Have thepany find inte mercenaries and some marketing ounts to suppress public opinion. Pay Weibo officials to screen and block those malicious posts," Yu Luobai took out his phone, frowning as he saw the posts from the haters.


    "What does that mean? Not making any statement? Just letting it blow over like that?" Peng He was puzzled. He had already prepared a response, just waiting for someone to make a statement.


    "She rejected me," Yu Luobai said tly.


    Peng He heard this and was utterly shocked. After a while, he slowly said, "Expected, yet unexpected."


    "I was too hasty," Yu Luobai said dejectedly.


    "Ji Nian is a pretty good girl. Don''t be too impatient. You''re the Celestial King, believe in your own charm," Peng He thought it was inappropriate at the moment, but still wanted tough. The arrogant artist he managed had actually failed at confessing! Hahaha.


    "Don''t hold it in, I know you want tough," Yu Luobai gave him a cold look, finding him utterly annoying.

 Chapter 101: Containment

    <h4>Chapter 101</h4>


    Ji Nian came to the crew early in the morning, but as soon as she got off the car at the gate of the film city, she was surrounded by reporters. Seeing the congested traffic and the crowd of reporters approaching, she widened her eyes and stood there stunned.


    "May I ask if you''re dating Yu Luobai?"


    "Fans online are discussing that you''re dating Luo Bai because of your mystery appeal. What do you think about that?"


    "The whole inte is against you two dating. What''s your response, Ms. Ji?"


    "I remember previously on Happy Big Show, Ms. Ji still couldn''t let go of her feelings for Cheng Liran. Have you moved on now?"


    Xiao Tang acted swiftly and shielded her from the crowd, but they were still stuck and unable to move forward.


    Meanwhile, He Yi and Shen Shuyao heard the news and rushed over in a panic, but there were too many people blocking the way, and He Yi couldn''t push through.


    At this moment, Cheng Liran also arrived at the crew. He saw the woman in the distance, looking flustered and surrounded by reporters.


    For some reason, it reminded him of the time she caused a ruckus at thepany, when she had the same helpless expression.


    "Cheng Liran is here!" A reporter shouted.


    In an instant, everyone fell silent, almost instinctively making way for him.


    Ji Nian watched as the man strode over, grabbed her wrist calmly, and led her out of that ce.


    Once they entered the film city, people around them finally snapped out of it and started taking pictures frantically.


    Ji Nian looked at the man releasing her wrist with an indifferent face. She was stunned for a moment, then said nkly, "Thank you."


    Cheng Liran nced at her and said tly, "I just didn''t want to dy the filming."


    Ji Nian didn''t say anything and followed him into the set.


    He Yi rushed over and asked, "Sister, are you okay? So many people surrounded you."


    Shen Shuyao also came over with concern, calling out, "Xiao Nian."


    Actually, Ji Nian was still in a daze. What did the reporters say earlier? Her and Yu Luobai were dating? When did that happen? She had no idea.


    "Oh my god, I saw the hot topic on Weibo today. There was a video and photos from your interview yesterday, showing Yu Luobai holding your hand." He Yi exined.


    "So?" Ji Nian looked puzzled. "Is that why that group of people came to surround me today?"


    He Yi nodded and asked, "You didn''t know?"


    Ji Nian shook her head in disbelief. "I didn''t know."


    Just for such a small thing... so many people came...


    Seeing the cast and crew looking over, He Yi hurriedly pulled her aside and whispered, "You''re really not dating?"


    Ji Nian shook her head and said, "Not at the moment..."


    "At the moment? What does that mean?" He Yi looked confused.


    "He confessed." Ji Nian said softly.


    "What?!" He Yi eximed in surprise, then covered her mouth and whispered, "What?"


    "I didn''t agree... I think I need some time to think about it." Ji Nian looked perplexed, her heart conflicted.


    He Yi pped her back in exasperation. "Sister, he''s a superstar! You''re aiming too high if you don''t agree!"


    Ji Nian''s feelings wereplicated. "You don''t understand."


    This was a book, and in her eyes, everyone here was like characters on paper. She didn''t know if one day she would go back to her world, or maybe this was just a dream?


    "Okay, okay, I don''t understand." He Yi said helplessly. "Do we need to make a statement?"


    "What about Yu Laoshi?" Ji Nian asked.


    "So far, they haven''t made any statement, but I saw a lot of posts attacking you getting deleted. There were also some marketing ounts trying to turn public opinion around." He Yi pondered, then continued, "I suspect Yu Laoshi hired people to suppress the hot topic for you."


    Ji Nian was stunned. "Then let''s not say anything for now, we''ll see how Yu Laoshi handles it..."


    He Yi looked conflicted. "Okay, you just focus on acting for now."


    Ji Nian nodded, but her heart was in turmoil. She didn''t deny that she did have feelings for Luo Bai - he was handsome, had a great physique, and a nice personality...


    Meanwhile, Yu Luobai saw another news report popping up. He opened it, and his body froze when he saw the photo of Ji Nian''s wrist being grabbed by Cheng Liran. He remained silent.


    Peng He walked over, saw the news, and sighed, "Ji Xiaonian was surrounded by reporters at the film city today. Cheng Liran pulled her out."


    "And they were holding hands..." Yu Luobai said bitterly.


    "That wasn''t holding hands, he just grabbed her wrist to lead her out," Peng He tried tofort him.


    Yu Luobai closed the news and asked, "How''s the handling of the online haters going?"


    "We hired inte mercenaries to control the narrative. Posts areing out gradually, but they keep getting deleted. Thepany hasn''t made any official statement. You''re a shareholder, practically the boss, so you can decide how to deal with it," Peng He said after taking a sip of water.


    Yu Luobai didn''t respond. He opened Ji Nian''s WeChat chat and tried to type something several times, but ended up deleting it all. He was agitated and closed the chat window.


    Byte morning, Ji Nian had finished filming for the day. Normally, she would go to thepany in the afternoon for Yu Luobai''s acting ss, but after yesterday''s awkwardness, she didn''t feelfortable going today.


    "He Yi, can you find me another teacher? I still need to continue my acting lessons," Ji Nian said.


    He Yi looked puzzled as she ate her lunch box. "Isn''t Yu Luobai teaching you?"


    Ji Nian sighed, "It''s a bit awkward. I may need some time to myself first, so I won''t find him for now."


    "Really not considering it? The news is out anyway, why not just date? I think you two are quite suitable and get along well," He Yi said as she ate.


    "No, I haven''t figured out my feelings yet," Ji Nian looked lost.


    "Okay, I''ll arrange for another acting teacher for you," He Yi nodded.


    "What about Shu Yao?" Ji Nian looked around but didn''t see the female lead.


    "She said she had somethinge up, so she needs to calm down for a couple of days too," He Yi said helplessly.


    Ji Nian: "..."


    Didn''t they agree to support her before?


    That afternoon, Yu Luobai was still at thepany, constantly checking the time. It was already 3 PM, but the woman hadn''t shown up.


    "Is Ji Xiaonian runningte today?" Peng He asked tentatively.


    Yu Luobai put down the spare script he had kept here, stood up and said indifferently, "She probably won''te."


    Peng He was stunned. Did they break up?


    The saying really was true - if the confession failed, they couldn''t even be friends anymore...

 Chapter 102: People Sitting at Home

    <h4>Chapter 102</h4>


    A few dayster, the online news slowly faded away, but then another post suddenly blew up, with Superstar Yu bing a hot topic. It imed that Yu spent an astronomical five million yuan just to suppress negativements about him online.


    Regardless of whether the post was true or false, everyone was shocked. The answer was self-evident - with the person involved remaining silent for so long, the woman not making any statement, while the man was willing to spend money to remove the hot topic.


    Netizens flooded thements, saying that the previous posts by anti-fans could no longer be found, probably because they had been deleted after money was paid.


    "Wow, this plot is getting confusing..."


    "Could it be unrequited love?"


    "No way, our brother is suffering from unrequited love? So he doesn''t make a statement, but spends money to reduce the woman''s heat?"


    "Ji Xiaonian is a bit ungrateful."


    "Sisters, listen to my analysis. Ji Xiaonian just broke up not long ago, if you look closely at the time since she appeared on Happy Big Show with her ex-boyfriend, it''s obvious she hasn''t gotten over the breakup."


    "And! Cheng Liran even helped her out of a difficult situation at the studio!"


    "Oh my god, are they getting back together?"


    "Am I the only one wondering why the two were together at the studio? What a coincidence!"


    "The one above, could it be that they''re filming the same drama?"


    "That''s too much imagination, isn''t it?"


    "There was a small post on Weibo before, about the two filming a TV drama together! Many people didn''t believe it at the time."


    "Oh my god, could it be true?!"


    Afteryers of analysis and embellishment byizens, with their wild imaginations, in just one morning, the top trending topic changed to "Two Top Celebrities Fighting for the Love of Ji Xiaonian."


    At this moment, Ji Nian, who was filming on set, had calmed down over the past few days. To be honest, the calmness only left her feeling lonely and confused. So she decided not to contact him for now and go with the flow.


    In order to speed up the filming schedule, the director had arranged a packed schedule, so Ji Nian spent the entire day on set, suddenly bing busy with her life again.


    On the other hand, after checking her phone, Shen Shuyao looked at the woman next to her with resentment and asked, "Is this true?"


    Ji Nian was confused, "What is true?"


    Shen Shuyao pouted unhappily and handed her the phone, "Look!"


    Ji Nian looked at the information andments innocently, but that headline... it was justughable.


    "What is this all about?"


    Shen Shuyao snorted, "I don''t care. It took me two days toe to terms with your breakup, and now you tell me it was a one-sided breakup! I can''t ept that!"


    "Good heavens, what should I do?" Ji Nian said helplessly.


    "Anyway, you can''t let my idol suffer unrequited love! He''s so amazing, and suffering unrequited love, how can you bear that!" Shen Shuyao was agitated.


    Ji Nian quickly covered her mouth, whispering, "Good heavens, this is the set!"


    Shen Shuyao snorted, turned away, and said, "You better solve this quickly."


    "How do I solve it?" Ji Nian was at a loss.


    Shen Shuyao thought hard for a moment, then said, "You get together with him, then it won''t be unrequited love anymore."


    Ji Nian''s eyes widened in shock as she looked at her, "Shen Shuyao! Whose side are you on?"


    Shen Shuyao arrogantly raised her chin, "My idol is hurt, and so humble, spending so much money for you to remove the hot topic."


    Ji Nian was stunned, suddenly seeing the news about Yu spending five million yuan to remove the hot topic.


    "This news can''t be true, can it? Five million yuan?"


    "It''s true," He Yi walked over with a lunch box, also carrying a small bag.


    "Really?" Shen Shuyao was also incredulous, thinking the news was just an exaggeration.


    He Yi nodded as she set the sd and milk from the bag on the table, "Ordinary celebrities would love to be a hot topic, who would spend money to remove it for no reason? Moreover, given Yu Luobai''s status, five million yuan is not that much."


    "So Yu Luobai really spent five million yuan for me?" Ji Nian''s heart skipped a beat, still not quite believing it. This wasn''t a small amount of money, this was a lot of money...


    He Yi nodded, "I looked into it, the information seems quite reliable. Apparently, there was a small employee from the Weibopany who leaked it."


    Ji Nian was dazed. Was this a case of being debt-ridden while sitting at home?


    Should she pay the five million yuan back? But she didn''t have the money...


    She''d rather be criticized online than spend a single cent to remove a hot topic. How much money could she ever make in her life? Wouldn''t it be better to spend it on food, drinks, and entertainment?


    "Wah wah wah, my idol is so great..." Shen Shuyao said with resentment as she looked at the person next to her.


    "Don''t look at me like that..." Ji Nian hurriedly said, "I really didn''t know about this..."


    Meanwhile, Eighth Older Brother, who was also on set, noticed the news and his eyelid twitched. He handed the phone to the man.


    "I said you shouldn''t have helped her out of that situation before. Look, theizens are letting their imaginations run wild."


    As Cheng Liran ate his lunch, he casually browsed the content on Weibo and sneered, then put the phone aside.


    "Why did you get involved with her before?" Eighth Older Brother asked unhappily.


    Cheng Liran was also stunned by the question. In retrospect, he didn''t really understand why he had pulled her out.


    Perhaps it was her helpless look that suddenly reminded him of the past. Or maybe her current appearance was more endearing than before.


    Or maybe, in that fleeting moment, he felt a twinge of nostalgia for how she used to be - cautious yet full of anticipation.


    "I don''t know," Cheng Liran answered calmly.


    "Forget it, what''s done is done. Thepany said to let things cool down first and not make any statements unless necessary," Eighth Older Brother said in exasperation.


    "Okay," Cheng Liran nodded.


    On the other side of the studio, Peng He saw the person who had been in a bad state recently and sighed repeatedly. Although his artist had been working normally these past few days, the aura around him had dropped by several degrees, and it was clear his mood was not good.


    Yu Luobai had just finished shooting promotional photos and was done for the day. The studio staff were also whispering secretly, with the news on Weibo blowing up about the superstar suffering from unrequited love - who wouldn''t find that shocking?


    Peng He passed him the phone, "Look, you''re in the news again."


    Yu Luobai flipped through it expressionlessly. She hadn''t contacted him for several days now, and he seemed to have given up hope in his heart.


    "I saw her manager He Yi looking for a new tutor at thepanyst time," Peng He said, seeing his gloomy expression. "She''s quite decisive, even changing tutors."


    Yu Luobai''s face paled, his heart clenching. He pressed his lips tightly but didn''t say anything.


    "But I do admire her, at least she''s straightforward, unlike many other women who would string you along without giving you a result after you''ve put in effort," Peng He smiled.


    Yu Luobai nced coldly at the chattering man beside him and turned to leave.


    Peng He saw his gaze and shrugged helplessly, following after him. Alright, he won''t say anything else.


    Yu Luobai''s feelings were quiteplicated. He was actually quite open-minded about love. Since he had been rejected, he wouldn''t dwell on it too much. But he didn''t know why it was so painful in his heart.


    In the adult world, not giving an answer was already an answer.


    Several days had passed, and she still hadn''t given him a reply. She even changed tutors without saying a word, as if wanting to cut off all contact with him.

 Chapter 103: Love Dearly 50 Million

    <h4>Chapter 103</h4>


    After a busy day, Ji Nian''s heart was heavy with the knowledge that Yu Luobai had spent fifty million to cool her poprity. So much money! Just to lower her heat?


    When she returned home, Ji Nian sat on the couch, growing more and more irritated as she thought about it. This Weibo was such a scam, asking for so much money just to reduce her poprity.


    "Huff..." Ji Nian took a deep breath. No, she felt it was necessary to have a chat with that naive fool upstairs.


    Upstairs, Yu Luobai had just finished his shower. Looking at the empty house, he froze, suddenly feeling a pang of loneliness for a moment.


    *Knock knock* The door sounded.


    Yu Luobai startled, puzzled over who could be knocking sote. Could it be his manager?


    He went to open the door and looked down to see an irritated woman''s face ring up at him, those clear eyes filled with annoyance.


    "Xiao Nian..." Yu Luobai froze in ce, realizing he was only wearing pajamas and feeling a bit embarrassed.


    Ji Nian hadn''t seen him for a few days, and she was taken aback for a moment.


    He wore a deep blue, long-sleeved pajama set that looked luxurious, with his hair still damp and tousled, yet not diminishing his noble air.


    Realizing she was admiring him again, Ji Nian shook her head, recalling her purpose, and the anger that had subsided now rose again.


    "Would you like toe in and sit?" Yu Luobai asked awkwardly.


    Ji Nian wore a stern expression, her cheeks puffed out in irritation as she walked inside.


    Yu Luobai hurried to the kitchen and grabbed two bottles of yogurt from the fridge, setting them on the coffee table.


    Ji Nian sat on the sofa and said curtly, "Sit down, I have something to say."


    Yu Luobai froze, then obediently sat beside her and asked, "What is it...?"


    His heart began racing again, though he guessed she would reject him, he couldn''t help but hope.


    "You hired someone to cool the Weibo hot search about me?" Ji Nian asked sternly.


    Yu Luobai nodded, "Yes."


    Hearing this, Ji Nian''s heart exploded with anger, "How much? Did you really spend fifty million?"


    Yu Luobai froze, realizing she had seen the news. He felt disappointed, thinking this was the reason she came tonight...


    "Yes, I didn''t want to..." Yu Luobai hadn''t finished before the woman cut him off.


    "What!" Ji Nian looked furious, as if she was about to die from rage. She excitedly pped his shoulder and eximed, "Are you stupid? Fifty million! To cool a hot search!"


    Yu Luobai saw she seemed angry but didn''t understand why. He looked at her innocently and calmly said, "I just didn''t want you to be upset by all the hatefulments online..."


    Ji Nian was speechless with rage, "Fifty million!"


    "Are you stupid? Fifty million! You could have given it to me instead of just giving it away!"


    Ji Nian was fuming. She still owed one million in debt that she hadn''t paid off, and this fool had just given away fifty million!


    Only then did Yu Luobai realize she was concerned about the money. His eyes shone with tenderness, and he felt both angry and amused.


    Angry that she ignored his confession and didn''te to give him an answer, and amused that her first reaction was concern over the money.


    "Xiao Nian, don''t worry about me," Yu Luobai smiled warmly, "I have money."


    She was right, he was indeed a naive fool!


    Ji Nian red at him, annoyed, "Is that how money should be spent?"


    Yu Luobai thought she looked adorable when angry. He picked up a yogurt bottle from the table, opened the lid, and handed it to her, "I didn''t want you to be upset by those hatefulments."


    Ji Nian kept a stern face as she epted the yogurt, fuming, "Next time you have too much money and nowhere to spend it, will you give it to me?"


    After speaking, Ji Nian took a sip of the yogurt and was stunned by the taste, her face showing surprise, "What brand is this? It''s quite good."


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud. Just a moment ago, she looked furious, but now she was surprised by a bottle of yogurt, reacting adorably and unexpectedly as always.


    "The brand I endorse. It''s fat-free and good for digestion, so I keep it at home," Yu Luobai smiled as he answered.


    Ji Nian nodded, took two more sips, then froze. Wasn''t she just angry a second ago?


    "Not angry anymore?" Yu Luobai looked at her fluffy head, wanting to pat it but afraid she wouldn''t let him.


    Ji Nian refused to back down and cleared her throat, putting on a cold face again, "Still angry."


    Yu Luobai''s eyes sparkled with amusement as he nodded, "It''s okay, I don''t care about that money."


    But she does care! Ji Nian felt heartbroken. That was money he spent for her! Logically, shouldn''t she pay him back?


    "If you like, I''ll have Peng He transfer it to your ount tomorrow," Yu Luobai smiled tenderly.


    Ji Nian blinked, looking bewildered, "Why give it to me?"


    "You said I had too much money with nowhere to spend it, so I''ll give it to you," Yu Luobai scooted closer and patted her head.


    Ji Nian froze, turned to look at him with disbelief, "Are you serious?"


    Yu Luobai hadn''t expected her to turn towards him so suddenly. Now they were very close, close enough for him to see her fair skin clearly and feel her breath.


    Yu Luobai''s heart raced as his gaze fixed on her red lips. He suddenly felt parched and said hoarsely, "If possible, I wish all my money was yours, if only you''d have it."


    Ji Nian shuddered, feeling something stirring inside her. Seeing the man''s handsome face so close, she unconsciously swallowed, then snapped out of it and turned away flustered.


    "What''s so good about me? Why do you like me?" Ji Nian asked softly.


    "I only know that I want to see you every day. Being with you makes me happy, and I keep wondering if we have a future," Yu Luobai said earnestly as he looked at her.


    Ji Nian froze, moved her lips as if to speak, but couldn''t say anything.


    She was just an ordinary person. Not very pretty or well-figured. If not for transmigrating into this excellent body with a good voice, Yu Luobai probably wouldn''t have looked at the real her.


    She felt insecure. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was tossed around like garbage.


    She used to live with her grandparents in the countryside in poverty. The clothes she wore and food she ate were often mocked by her ssmates.


    From a young age, no matter how cheerful she was, that ingrained insecurity felt like a permanent mark that could never be erased.


    "I don''t intend to pursue a romantic rtionship right now," Ji Nian calmed herself down.


    She thought perhaps their excessive time together had given him the illusion of love, but maybe after some time, he wouldn''t feel that way anymore.


    She would figure out the original owner''s background and lingering soul first before considering anything else, as she couldn''t guarantee she wouldn''t suddenly return to her own world one day.


    "Then I''ll wait for you. As long as you want me, I''ll always be here," Yu Luobai froze, knowing this was an expected answer, and felt disappointed but still looked at her tenderly.


    Ji Nian felt awkward and turned away, "I should go home now." She stood up.


    Yu Luobai also stood, smiling, "Want to take some yogurt home?"


    Ji Nian paused, looking up at him. Well, since he offered...


    She might as well take some, it was really good...


    "Then... I''ll take two bottles," Ji Nian blushed, a bit embarrassed toe over and take food home.


    Yu Luobaiughed out loud. He loved seeing her like this, so yful and amusing.


    "Okay, wait here. I''ll go get them."

 Chapter 104: Chill Out for a While

    <h4>Chapter 104</h4>


    After leaving Yu Luobai''s home, Ji Nian stood at the door, carrying a bag with a few bottles of yogurt that had quite some weight.


    "Little Nian." Yu Luobai looked at her, his eyes filled with reluctance, his heart inexplicably not wanting her to leave.


    Ji Nian had been quite natural with him earlier, but now that their rtionship was clear, she couldn''t help but feel a little awkward, saying, "Mr. Yu... as for that five million, I''ll pay you back once I have the money."


    Yu Luobai was taken aback, looking bewildered, and asked, "Do you really have to be so clear-cut with me?"


    Ji Nian shook her head, sighing in her heart. Although this was the world of the book, and she had always lived as an observer, she still didn''t want to owe Yu Luobai too much when facing him.


    "I can''t give you any results for now, and I know you don''tck money, but those five million make me feel uneasy."


    Ji Nian looked serious, then thought about it again and added, "Also, you can''t randomly spend money on me, you know? Those fans on Weibo might curse at me, let them curse if they want, why do you need to spend money on that?"


    Yu Luobai was born into privilege, and although this was his first time spending money to cool down a hot search trend, he truly didn''t think that amount of money was a big deal.


    "Sometimes words can ruin a person," Yu Luobai looked into her eyes with seriousness.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, what he said was true... but she didn''t care...


    Moreover, what could they possibly say to smear her? As long as she didn''t break thew or do anything against her conscience, their so-called smears were nothing but gossip.


    "Sigh, I can''t get through to you," Ji Nian sighed and said, "Anyway, you don''t need to worry about these things in the future. If you spend money, I''ll feel guilty, and that will make me unhappy."


    "Little Nian..." Yu Luobai''s heart shuddered, he didn''t understand why this matter made her so averse.


    "We have a cooperative rtionship, a colleague rtionship that is also a friendship, and now you..." Ji Nian trailed off, saying, "You spending money on me, and I can''t give you something of equal value, makes me feel very passive."


    "I admit that you''re excellent, and I think everything about you is great and fits the criteria for a high-quality mate."


    Yu Luobai''s eyes darkened as he said, "I understand what you mean."


    Ji Nian saw his dejected expression and suddenly froze, did she go too far?


    "Then can I continue to be your acting teacher?" Yu Luobai asked, feeling like he had never been in such a situation before.


    "Yu Luobai," Ji Nian called out his name seriously, suppressing the emotions in her heart.


    "I think we should stop seeing each other for a while and take some time to cool off." What if he was just having a whim?


    Yu Luobai suddenly felt a hollowness in his heart, and an inexplicable ache. Just a moment ago they were getting along well, yet she was still so cold-hearted.


    "Then how long do we need to cool off..." Yu Luobai''s eyes reddened as he asked with difficulty, "You have to give me a time frame, right?"


    Ji Nian felt a little reluctant to see the man, who was older than her, looking so pitiful, making her want to pat his head.


    "Next month?" Yu Luobai asked.


    Ji Nian turned her head away awkwardly, nodding randomly, but her heart felt strange. Next month?


    "Yu Luobai! It''s the end of the month now! Tomorrow is next month!" Ji Nian eximed with wide eyes.


    Yu Luobai saw her reaction and let out a lowugh, then reached out and pulled the woman into a tight embrace.


    Ji Nian stiffened, and the yogurt in her hand dropped to the ground with a "thud," rolling out.


    Feeling the warmth of his body under his pajamas, Ji Nian''s mind shed back to the scene where he had exposed his abs, her mind went nk. Beauty can be deceiving, beauty can be deceiving, she had to stay sober!


    Yu Luobai felt the woman shaking her head in his embrace, so he held her restless head still, resting his chin on top of it, and said in a low, slightly aggrieved voice, "Nian Nian, I don''t need time to cool off."


    Ji Nian''s face flushed red, who could withstand such a tone? At this moment, she only felt her heart beating abnormally fast.


    Seeing that the woman didn''t reject his embrace, Yu Luobai''s eyes shed with a smile, gently releasing her, then picking up the yogurt from the ground and carefully putting it back in the bag before handing it to her.


    Ji Nian was still in a daze, mechanically reaching out to take the yogurt.


    Yu Luobai smiled slightly and said, "Go back, good night."


    Ji Nian came to her senses, looking at the man in front of her. She never expected someone usually so gentle and mild-mannered to have just embraced her so domineeringly. Damn it, she actually felt a little moved.


    Although she waspletely under his control tonight, she couldn''t lose herposure. Ji Nian pretended to be calm, ring at him and saying, "Goodbye."


    Yu Luobai smiled, as if he already knew what the woman was thinking in her heart. Even though her words sounded cold, her heart was simply pure.


    When Ji Nian returned home, her face grew even redder. As a single woman from birth, she had been constantly teased recently, and couldn''t help but feel a little overwhelmed.


    At that moment, her phone suddenly rang. Ji Nian looked and saw it was a message from the man, so she opened it.


    Yu Luobai: Good night, Nian Nian.


    What a mushy nickname, Ji Nian stared at her phone for a long time...


    Ji Nian: Nian Nian?


    Yu Luobai: It sounds nice calling you that.


    Ji Nian: You should just call me Little Nian...


    Yu Luobai: Okay, Nian Nian.


    Ji Nian looked at her phone with no enthusiasm, closed the chat window, and couldn''t be bothered to respond to him.


    On Yu Luobai''s side, he looked at the phone screen with a smile. Although the woman didn''t reply to the message, he could imagine her exasperated expression at that moment.


    Meanwhile, online, the posts from haters were mostly gone, but some rationalizens hadpiled various scenes of the woman from the concert.


    Especially the piano-ying segment, which was absolutely beautiful. There was also the male-female duet part, and even her drumming, her cool outfit won her a group of fans for her looks.


    Some even started shipping them as a couple, andizens began scrutinizing the small details from the concert.


    "Oh my god, those couple outfits are so obvious!"


    "They were perfect singing that duet!"


    "That new song from the concert is a hit."


    "Which new song from the concert isn''t a hit?"


    "Oh my, Yu Tianwang''s loving gaze."


    "The one above, I didn''t notice until you pointed it out, that gaze was really swoon-worthy!"


    "Ji Xiaonian is so amazing, I wonder who''s supporting her, that mysterious figure must be really powerful."


    "The song ''Little Bug Flying'' is also a hit, my daughter''s kindergarten sings it every day."


    "Haha, ''Little Bug Flying'' is basically a kids'' song now, easy to get brainwashed. My little sister loves that song too."

 Chapter 105: Circle of Friends

    <h4>Chapter 105</h4>


    The past couple of days, the weather suddenly turned cooler, and the scorching summer was over. Ji Nian felt much morefortable shooting the period drama on set.


    Previously, there was no air conditioning on set, and everyone was overheated. All they could do was fan themselves with little hand-fans.


    "Shuyao." The director walked over with the script, saying, "We''ve now reached the middle tote part of the story, and you gradually be stronger. In the next scene, there will be a confrontation scene between you and Ji Nian."


    "Am I going to get beaten up?" Ji Nian asked jokingly from the side.


    "Yes, there''s a fight sceneing up. Both of you will have to do some intense moves, so go learn the choreography from the martial arts instructor first," the director said with a smile.


    "Got it," Ji Nian replied, taking a sip of warm water. She was ted. At this pace, this Xianxia drama would soon bepleted in half a month or so.


    Shen Shuyao smiled at the person beside her and said, "The director told me that after shooting for another half month or so, we should be able to wrap up."


    Dressed in period costume, Ji Nian recalled how hot it had been just a few days ago and replied, "Let''s hurry up and get liberated. Thankfully it''s cooler now. I was on the verge of heat stroke every day before."


    Shen Shuyao shook her head helplessly and said, "Filming in the summer is quite challenging, especially for scenes set in winter or ancient times."


    Ji Nian nodded in strong agreement. Every profession has its challenges. Although celebrities can make good money, that''s only for those with star power.


    For the supporting actresses who only have a few appearances, they basically have to be good-looking, and they only get paid three or four hundred yuan per appearance. On top of that, they can''t get roles every day.


    As for extras, they earn eighty to a hundred yuan a day. Those with decent acting skills might get two hundred yuan. Their monthly ie is only three or four thousand yuan, and for those who can''t get roles, it could be even less.


    In fact, every profession has its top performers. Ji Nian suddenly felt grateful that she still had some skills.


    Although not entirely ethical, and technically giarism in the strict sense, it was from another world after all, so she allowed herself a bit of selfishness.


    After finishing the morning''s shoot, Ji Nian received a contract that He Yi had brought over, saying there was a good program inviting her to join.


    "This is a live talent show, and they want you to be a mentor," He Yi exined, handing over the program materials.


    Ji Nian, sipping on the mung bean soup provided by the crew, looked surprised. "Me? As a mentor? Is that even right?"


    "After you guest performed at Superstar Yu''s Concert, many people in the industry sent you invitations, but I thought they were all subpar, so I turned them down," He Yi said with a smile.


    "But I''ve never been a mentor before. How do I do that?" Ji Nian looked puzzled.


    "It''s a talent show for original singers. The contestants will sing their own original songs, and your role is to providements, suggestions, and scores," He Yi exined.


    "Aren''t you overestimating me?" Ji Nian looked bewildered. "Can I even do that?"


    "You have excellent singing abilities. Thepany also said that you''d do better to develop as a singer. It won''t interfere with your acting career either, so you can do both," He Yi said.


    "How am I supposed to critique and all that? Wouldn''t I just embarrass myself on the show?" Ji Nian shook her head, eager to decline.


    "It''s just for one night''s recording. After taxes and thepany''s cut, you''ll earn sixty million yuan."


    "When''s the recording?" Ji Nian immediately perked up.


    "Tomorrow," He Yi rolled her eyes at her, knowing this would be her response.


    "I''m in!" Ji Nian didn''t hesitate. Sixty million yuan for one day''s work? She''d be a fool to turn it down. Who cares if it''s embarrassing, as long as they pay ording to the contract.


    "Tsk, women," He Yi let out a disdainful snort.


    Meanwhile, after Yu Luobai finished his work, he picked up his phone and opened a cute manga avatar icon. Seeing that thest message was from the previous night, a hint of a smile shed across his eyes.


    Yu Luobai: What are you up to?


    There was no reply from the other end, so she must be busy. He idly opened her social media profile, only to find it strange that herst post was from a year ago.


    Peng He happened to walk by and caught a glimpse, teasing, "Oh, so even Yu Luobai has days like this, secretly checking up on his crush."


    Yu Luobai frowned slightly, ignoring him. In his mind, he thought, for someone as lively as her, it seemed odd that her profile would only have one post from a year ago.


    "Every person carries a little star within, illuminating the dark nights of our lives," Peng He leaned over to read the post aloud.


    "Don''t you have something better to do?" Yu Luobai closed his phone, clearly annoyed.


    Peng He grinned mischievously. "I''ve already seen Ji Nian''s profile. It''s simple, with just a single post. The background image is a poster photo of her looking quite innocent in a sailor outfit."


    Yu Luobai unlocked his phone again and opened the photo. While the face was indeed identical, the expression and demeanor feltpletely unfamiliar to him.


    "Strange, it seems both like her and not like her at the same time," Peng Hemented, puzzled. "The face is exactly the same, but the expression, posture, and gaze arepletely different from how she is now."


    Yu Luobai had noticed this too, feeling that the person in the photo didn''t resemble her at all.


    "The eyes in this photo look weary, as if she has no expectations of the world," Yu Luobai remarked tly.


    "I agree. Ji Nian''s eyes nowadays have a spark, and she seems quite cheerful, without a care in the world. The more I look at this photo, the less it resembles her," Peng He shook his head.


    Suddenly, Yu Luobai''s phone pinged with a new message. His heart raced as he saw it was from her and opened it.


    Ji Nian: I''m filming.


    Peng He, seeing this, walked away resignedly. He had his own work to attend to, so he''d leave this blossoming iron tree alone.


    Yu Luobai: How''s filming beentely?


    Ji Nian: Not bad, the director said I''m improving. Although I can''tpare to Shuyao, at least I''m not ruining the scenes.


    Yu Luobai: Why don''t youe to me for lessons?


    Ji Nian: Mr. Yu, He Yi has already hired a teacher for me.


    Yu Luobai: The teacher hired by thepany is under contract with them. I can help you terminate that.


    Ji Nian: ...


    On set, He Yi sneakily nced over before pulling Shen Shuyao aside. The two of them wore teasing smiles.


    "My idol is so sweet," Shen Shuyao''s eyes sparkled.


    He Yi egged her on, "Why don''t you take him up on it? We could save some money that way. Thepany''s teacher is so expensive - three thousand yuan per lesson, deducted from your pay."


    Ji Nian thought about the exorbitant fees for thepany''s teacher and felt her wallet aching. Three thousand yuan per lesson? That''s outrageous!


    "I''m not nning on dating for now." As reluctant as she was to spend the money, she didn''t want to owe this man too much.


    "Why not date him? There are already tons of people shipping you two online," He Yiughed.


    "Aren''t they shipping me and Ji Nian?" Shen Shuyao hadn''t been following social mediately.


    "Speaking of that, it''s hrious. The fans of both ships are arguing now," He Yi found the current online fans quite amusing.


    "Seriously? Shipping me and Mr. Yu? Wasn''t there just a group ndering me recently?" Ji Nian was dumbfounded.


    "Yeah, but that hot search was eventually knocked down, and then suddenly a group of CP fans emerged, saying you two look good together," He Yi exined with augh.


    "The hearts ofizens are like needles at the bottom of the sea..." Ji Nian was rendered speechless by the ever-changing news and rumors.

 Chapter 106: The Man in the Mirror

    <h4>Chapter 106</h4>


    That evening, Ji Nian arrived at the lobby of her apartment building and ran into the antagonist...


    "Miss Ji?" Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow. Though they lived next door, they seldom encountered each other.


    Ji Nian froze, still intimidated by the antagonist''s overwhelming presence.


    "Good evening, Mr. Pei. Just got off work..." Ji Nian said awkwardly.


    Pei Yuchen nodded. With the temperature dropping recently, he noticed the woman was wearing a casual ck long-sleeved hoodie, just like before: dressed casually yet giving off a crisp impression.


    "I had originally offered to take you out for dinnerst time, but we ended up grabbing a bite at the office," Pei Yuchen said with a gentle smile.


    "You''re too kind, Mr. Pei. The office food was quite good," Ji Nian''s heart raced. What mischief was the antagonist up to again?


    "A friend of mine just returned from abroad and opened a restaurant in Jingdu. When are you free, Miss Ji? I''ll treat you to make up for missing that meal," Pei Yuchen smiled, his tailored suit making him look schrly and elegant.


    "No need, no need. How can I keep letting you treat me?" Ji Nian shook her head hurriedly, wondering why this elevator was taking so long.


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. This woman really seemed to avoid him like the gue, piquing his curiosity.


    Ji Nian saw the elevator doors open and rushed in, quickly pressing the button for the 20th floor. Pei Yuchen followed suit.


    "I haven''t seen you around the office muchtely," Pei Yuchen remarked.


    Ji Nian froze. The antagonist was keeping tabs on her? "Well, as an actress, I''m always on the go, staying on set with the crew."


    "You and Luo Bai seem quite close. I watched his concert: he sang well," Pei Yuchen said warmly.


    "Thank you for thepliment, Mr. Pei," Ji Nian felt awkward. "I didn''t expect you to watch those kinds of things."


    "Just starting out in this industry, so I need to familiarize myself with it," Pei Yuchen''s eyes held deeper meaning.


    Ji Nian let out an awkwardugh. Seeing the elevator had reached the 20th floor, she quickly slipped out when the doors opened and turned back to say, "Goodbye, Mr. Pei!"


    Pei Yuchen chuckled softly. He was used to women throwing themselves at him, but she was different, running away faster than a rabbit.


    Ji Nian closed the door and heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed the female lead Shen Shuyao had no connection with this antagonist. Could the plot have changed inadvertently...?


    A cold wind blew in from the balcony, making Ji Nian shiver and hunch her shoulders. Just a couple of days ago, she was wearing short sleeves, but now she had to wear a hoodie - the weather had gone into freeze-dry mode.


    Lost in thought, she returned to her room and grabbed her sleepwear, ready for a shower. Tomorrow, she had to be a mentor on a talent show, so she needed to review the program flow tonight.


    After getting ready, Ji Nian turned off the living room lights and leisurely retired to her bedroom.


    She briefly reviewed the show''s format, then mindlessly scrolled through Dou Yin watching funny videos until it was 11 PM.


    Ji Nian was stunned - as expected, she couldn''t study while using her phone. Another night wasted. She yawned, thinking she should just go to sleep.


    At that moment, her phone buzzed. She checked the message.


    Yu Luobai: Good night.


    Ji Nian felt a warmth in her heart. It felt good to be cared for - she used to be alone, with few people genuinely concerned about her well-being.


    Ji Nian: Got it, you too, Teacher Yu. Sleep early.


    Yu Luobai was pleasantly surprised by her instant reply and sent a head-patting emoji.


    After a long day, the exhausted Ji Nian tossed her phone to the other side of the bed and quickly dozed off.


    Yu Luobai saw no further reply and felt a brief pang of disappointment.


    In the dead of night, as temperatures plummeted rapidly, pouring rain began pelting the windows, each thunderous p illuminating the entire room with shes of lightning.


    Ji Nian woke up with a start, unable to open her eyes. Hearing the rain outside, she groped for the light switch but couldn''t get it to work no matter how many times she pressed it.


    "Power outage?" Ji Nian muttered. Another sh of lightning briefly lit up the room, revealing that she hadn''t drawn the curtains. Half-awake, she got up and walked barefoot to close them.


    Just as she was about to pull the curtains shut, a loud thunderp startled her, jolting her fully awake. Inadvertently, she turned her head and caught sight of the full-length mirror by the wardrobe.


    In the darkness, she couldn''t see clearly, but the intermittent shes of lightning allowed Ji Nian to fixate on the mirror''s reflection, freezing her in shock.


    Who was that in the mirror? Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at the disheveled figure.


    "Ahh!" Ji Nian screamed, stumbling out of the room in a panic. The living room was pitch-ck, the only sound being the rumbling thunder outside.


    Ji Nian didn''t dare look back, her whole body covered in goosebumps from the eerie darkness. She hurried out, relieved to find the hallway lights still on.


    But the thunderps continued to boom, as Ji Nian''s trembling hands frantically pressed the elevator button.


    On the 21st floor, she frantically knocked on Yu Luobai''s door, on the verge of tears. Could it be Ji Xiaonian''s ghosting to haunt her? This was too terrifying!


    Yu Luobai had also been awoken by the thunder and was about to get some water when he heard the knocking.


    Wary, he wondered who could be at his door in the middle of the night.


    After Ji Nian''s incessant knocking, the door finally opened, revealing a familiar face. She immediately burst into tears.


    "Teacher Yu, there''s a ghost downstairs!"


    Yu Luobai froze as the woman suddenly flung herself at him, unsure of where to ce his hands.


    Ji Nian''s face was deathly pale, her body trembling violently.


    Yu Luobai came to his senses and tenderly patted her back. "Did you have a nightmare?"


    Ji Nian shook her head vigorously, tears welling in her eyes. "No, I''m serious! There''s a ghost in my ce!"


    Yu Luobai chuckled. He was increasingly convinced she must have had a nightmare. "Nian Nian, no more ghosts are allowed to exist after the founding of the nation."


    "I''m not joking around with you." Tears filled Ji Nian''srge eyes.


    Yu Luobai raised an eyebrow and naturally took her hand, leading her to the elevator.


    Ji Nian looked terrified. "Where are we going...?"


    "You''ll show me where this ghost is," Yu Luobai smiled.


    Ji Nian wanted to cry. As the elevator descended to the 20th floor and she was led to her door, she hid behind the man, adamantly refusing to go in.


    "What''s the passcode?" Yu Luobai found her amusing as he turned to the woman cowering behind him.


    Ji Nian extended a trembling finger and punched in a few numbers, cautiously suggesting, "Teacher Yu, maybe we shoulde back after sunrise..."


    Yu Luobai shook his head and opened the door, striding into the apartment. He flipped the switch in the living room, but the lights didn''t turn on.


    Ji Nian''s back turned cold again. The ce felt so ominous. Another deafening thunderp shook the heavens.


    Ji Nian shrieked and clung to Yu Luobai''s back, shaking as she pleaded, "Teacher Yu, let''s get out of here!"


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved upwards. "Power outage."


    Ji Nian burst into tears, unable to stay in this ce for another second!


    "Where''s the ghost?" Yu Luobai felt her arms around his waist and wouldn''t mind experiencing this a few more times.

 Chapter 107: I Sleep on the Couch

    <h4>Chapter 107</h4>


    Ji Nian''s trembling hand pointed to the bedroom door and said, "In there..."


    Yu Luobai walked over, Ji Nian fearfully followed behind him. He opened the bedroom door but saw nothing.


    "There''s nothing," Yu Luobai said, turning on his phone''s shlight to reveal the messy bedsheets. He looked around and noticed a slipper on the floor.


    Yu Luobai shook his head and bent down to pick up the slipper, gently helping Ji Nian slip her foot back into it. "It seems you were quite startled, even forgot to put on both slippers."


    Ji Nian finally came to her senses, realizing she had only worn one slipper. Feeling Yu Luobai''s warm palm against her foot made her start, but she no longer felt as afraid.


    "Where did you see it?" Yu Luobai asked with a smile.


    "I wanted to close the curtains and passed by the full-length mirror..." Ji Nian said with a pitiful look.


    Yu Luobai calmly shone his phone''s light towards the mirror and beckoned her over.


    Ji Nian hesitated for a moment before walking up to him. Seeing their two reflections in the mirror, she froze.


    Yu Luobai chuckled and patted her head. "It''s just us in the mirror."


    Ji Nian blinked in disbelief, stepping closer to get a better look. Outside, the storm raged on, but she stared at the mirror, rendered utterly speechless.


    "Damn it," Ji Nian blurted out, realizing she had spooked herself.


    She tried recalling what had happened¡ªperhaps the thunderp woke her, and she was too dazed to recognize her own face, mistaking it for the original owner''s visage.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes twinkled with amusement as he watched her fixated on the mirror. "Are you still afraid?" he asked.


    Ji Nian''s eyes were still moist with trepidation. She turned away in embarrassment. "Sorry, Yu Laoshi... I woke you up in the middle of the night..."


    Yu Luobaiughed. "I didn''t expect you to be such a scaredy-cat."


    Ji Nian''s face flushed. It wasn''t that she was timid¡ªthat scene had been terrifying.


    Yu Luobai patted her head. "Alright, it''ste. Go back to sleep."


    Ji Nian obediently nodded and climbed into bed, clutching a pillow as she looked at him with wide eyes.


    Yu Luobai''s gaze softened as he said, "I''ll head back now."


    "Good night, Yu Laoshi," Ji Nian replied.


    Yu Luobai left the room, his smile broadening. The more he thought about it, the cuter he found her.


    Ji Nian watched as the room fell silent, hearing the door close behind Yu Luobai. The room grew dark, only asionally illuminated by shes of lightning.


    Oh no, she began feeling uneasy again. She knew she should believe in science, but this immersive experience felt too real. Her eyes darted around the room warily.


    The more she dwelled on it, the more afraid she became. Trembling, she grabbed her phone, clutching a pillow without bothering to set it down. Terrified, she cried out and rushed out of the room again.


    Yu Luobai had just returned to his ce when he heard a knock on the door. Puzzled, he opened it.


    Ji Nian stood there, looking pitiful on the verge of tears. "I can''t do it, Yu Laoshi. That room is too scary! I feel like I''m being watched by a pair of eyes."


    Yu Luobai was bemused, both amused and concerned by her plight.


    "Yu Laoshi, can I sleep with you tonight?" Ji Nian asked, shuddering at the memory of the room. She definitely wasn''t going back there tonight.


    Yu Luobai felt a jolt at her words, his ears reddening as his mind went nk, hearing only "sleep with you."


    Ji Nian peeked inside, eyeing therge sofa. "Yu Laoshi, I''ll sleep on the couch. I promise I won''t disturb you!"


    Yu Luobai snapped out of his daze, realizing his misunderstanding, though his face still flushed.


    "Xiao Nian," he said in a deep voice, looking exasperated, "you know it''s dangerous for a woman to be at a man''s ce in the middle of the night."


    Ji Nian shook her head vigorously. All she wanted was to stay somewhere with someone else. "Yu Laoshi, please help me out this once. I swear I won''t bother you."


    How could Yu Luobai refuse? His heart raced as her words echoed in his mind: "sleep with you..."


    Ji Nian, oblivious to her poor word choice, looked pitiful. "I don''t have to sleep. I can sit until morning..."


    Yu Luobai swallowed hard, eyeing her cute pajamas, and nodded in agreement.


    Joy lit up Ji Nian''s eyes. Yu Luobai was still reliable in a pinch. She was so scared she nearly died!


    Ji Nian scurried to the couch, kicking off her slippers and clutching a pillow as she sat cross-legged obediently.


    "Yu Laoshi, don''t mind me. You go sleep. I''ll stay here," she said earnestly.


    Yu Luobai''s heart raced knowing she''d be spending the night. He felt ted but feigned nonchnce with a nod. "There''s a guest room."


    Ji Nian shook her head. "No need, it''s too much trouble to set it up. Your couch is big enough. I''ll make do."


    Yu Luobai''s gaze darkened slightly. "It''s no trouble. I''ll get it ready for you."


    Ji Nian scurried over and ushered him into the bedroom. "Yu Laoshi, don''t worry about me. I''m self-sufficient. You go to sleep."


    Yu Luobai watched as she closed the door, his mind still wandering. Instead of leaving, he sat on the bed, needing a moment to collect himself.


    Ji Nian turned off the living room lights. The rain had subsided, and the thunder stopped. She yawned.


    No longer afraid, she felt safe at Yu Luobai''s ce. Rubbing her eyes, she hugged the pillow she''d brought, pulled a small nket over herself on the couch, and quickly dozed off from sheer exhaustion.


    When Yu Luobai emerged, he saw Ji Nian asleep on the couch, her soft breathing audible as he approached.


    Yu Luobai gazed at her peaceful, sleeping face, so different from her lively demeanor. "Nian Nian, are you asleep?" he asked softly.


    Ji Nian didn''t answer, her only reply the patter of rain outside.


    Yu Luobai gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his expression tender.


    Then, he carefully scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom,ying her on the bed and tucking her in.


    "Good night," Yu Luobai whispered, gently pinching her cheek.


    Ji Nian shifted restlessly, mumbling something before falling back into a deep slumber.


    Yu Luobai watched her for a while longer, reluctantly leaving the room. His heart was no longer calm. How could he handle liking her even more now?

 Chapter 108: Sleepwalking

    <h4>Chapter 108</h4>


    The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, falling upon the person wrapped in a nket on the bed, blinking her eyes groggily.


    She stared at the chandelier on the ceiling for a moment, feeling disoriented and unfamiliar with the surroundings. It took her a while to remember that she had spent the night at Teacher Yu''s ce. Ji Nian yawnedzily, rolling over to enjoy a bit more sleep.


    Suddenly, her body tensed. She... was in a bed?


    Ji Nian sat up abruptly, looking around the room. The decor was simple yet gave a minimalist and clean impression.


    Ji Nian lifted the nket in bewilderment. Hadn''t she fallen asleep on the sofast night? Had she been sleepwalking?


    Opening the bedroom door, she padded barefoot into the living room, finding the man wearing a gray sweater and casual pants, seemingly preparing food in the open kitchen.


    Yu Luobai was carefully ting breakfast when he heard a sound and turned to see the woman with tousled hair falling over her shoulders, dressed in an adorable pink pajama set, looking at him with a confused expression.


    "You''re up?" Yu Luobai''s eyes twinkled with amusement.


    Ji Nian blinked mechanically and nodded, about to ask something when she saw him approach.


    "Not wearing slippers again?" Yu Luobai frowned, spotting her shoes by the sofa. He walked over, picked them up, and helped her put them on.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, feeling disoriented. Her voice came out raspy from just waking up, "Teacher Yu."


    "Hmm?" Yu Luobai stood up, amusement in his eyes. He took her by the wrist and led her to the bathroom, chuckling, "There''s a clean toothbrush. I''ve prepared it for you. Freshen up first, then we''ll have breakfast."


    Ji Nian watched as the man walked away, looking down at the toothbrush in her hand. She slowly began brushing her teeth, staring bewilderedly at her reflection in the mirror.


    When she returned to the living room, a steaming hot breakfast was alreadyid out on the dining table.


    Yu Luobai gestured for her toe over, saying, "It''s been a while since I cooked. Come taste it and see if it''s good."


    Ji Nian approached and sat across from him, eyeing the abundant spread of porridge, milk, fried eggs, whole wheat bread, and ham.


    "You made all this?" she asked in disbelief. He could cook?


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved into a smile, "Back when I was acting, one of my roles required me to y a chef, so I learned for a while."


    Ji Nian nodded, taking a spoonful of the porridge in front of her. Surprise shed in her eyes as she remarked, "It tastes quite good."


    Yu Luobai''s mood seemed pleasant today as he smiled, "Then have some more."


    Ji Nian nodded and began eating slowly, remembering something and looking up at the man hesitantly, "Teacher Yu, wasn''t I on the sofast night?"


    Yu Luobai''s hand froze momentarily before he looked at her and answered, "Yes..."


    "How did I end up... in your room?" Ji Nian asked, puzzled and a little embarrassed.


    At that moment, Yu Luobai''s eyes held a hint of innocence and dejection as he exined, "I''m not sure either. Last night, you wandered into my room in a daze and fell asleep right away. Our living arrangements are simr, so you might have been disoriented and forgot this was my ce..."


    Ji Nian nearly spat out the milk she was drinking, staring at him in shock. "I sleepwalked?!"


    Yu Luobai suppressed his amusement and nodded seriously, "Likely you wanted to go back to your room in the middle of the night but forgot this was my ce."


    "Then what happened?" Ji Nian''s eyes widened. She couldn''t have shared the bed with Yu Luobai all night, could she?


    "Then..." Yu Luobai pretended to frown, but inwardly found the situation hrious.


    Oh no, Ji Nian''s heart sank. She had a habit of hugging things in her sleep. Had she cuddled him all night long?


    Imagining the scenario, her face flushed red. The first time in her life sharing a bed with a man, and she had no recollection of it!


    "You didn''t... do anything to me, did you?" Ji Nian asked bewilderedly.


    "No..." Yu Luobai''s eyes gleamed with mirth, maintaining a serious demeanor, "Later, I gave you some space. I slept in the guest roomst night."


    Ji Nian breathed a sigh of relief, her expression apologetic, "Sorry, Teacher Yu. I really didn''t know I would wander into your room at night."


    Yu Luobai looked earnest as he spoke, "Ji Nian, you have to take responsibility for this."


    Ji Nian dropped her spoon in shock, "Teacher Yu, did I really do something to you?"


    Yu Luobai remained silent, giving her a look that implied she should figure it out herself.


    Ji Nian''s mind raced as she straightened her back defiantly, "Even if I did something, I''d be the one at a disadvantage!"


    Yu Luobai burst intoughter, looking at her, "Ji Nian, men and women are equal nowadays."


    Ji Nian''s face reddened. She hadn''t been drunk, so what could she have possibly done? At most, she might have wandered into his bed and clung to him, refusing to let go...


    "I think I need to calm down..." Ji Nian said dazedly.


    "Pfft." Yu Luobai chuckled and shook his head helplessly, "I''m just kidding. I carried you inst night."


    Ji Nian stared at him in bewilderment. A plot twist?


    "How could I let you sleep on the sofa?" Yu Luobai tapped her head, "After that, I went to the guest room."


    "Yu Luobai!" Ji Nian''s emotions had been on a rollercoaster this morning, toyed with endlessly.


    Yu Luobaiughed, "Hurry and eat your breakfast. He Yi called earlier."


    Ji Nian blinked, "When?"


    "While you were still asleep. I answered for you," Yu Luobai raised his eyebrows, "She said for you to go to the set early, but then changed her mind and said it wasn''t urgent."


    Ji Nian''s heart sank. Oh no, He Yi and Shen Shuyao must have jumped to conclusions.


    "Your circuit breaker blewst night. I called the property management to fix it today," Yu Luobai smiled. "You should trust science. Don''te running up here again just because you got scared." Although inwardly, he hoped there would be a next time.


    Ji Nian''s face flushed with embarrassment. What a day - waking him up in the middle of the night was one thing, but she had also upied his bed. Now their rtionship was in an awkward state...


    Yu Luobai gazed at the woman, his eyes softening with affection. He also found the situation amusing but knew he couldn''t push her too hard. He would take it slow, gradually warming her up to the idea.


    "Teacher Yu, I''m done eating. I''ll head back first," Ji Nian said, feeling conflicted.


    Looking back, she felt her behavior had been inappropriate. Knowing he liked her, she had stubbornly stayed at his cest night...


    But she had genuinely been terrified when she saw that unfamiliar face in the mirror, even though sheter realized it was her own reflection. Her first instinct had been to seek out Yu Luobai, perhaps because he lived nearby?

 Chapter 109: Talent Show Mentor

    <h4>Chapter 109</h4>


    When they arrived on set, He Yi and Shen Shuyao hurriedly surrounded Ji Nian and pulled her into the dressing room.


    "What''s going on?" Ji Nian blinked her big eyes, looking at the two people in front of her.


    He Yi had an ambiguous expression and squinted mischievously as she smiled, "Today, Superstar Yu called you."


    Shen Shuyao looked curious and asked, "Are you two dating now?"


    Ji Nian quickly shook her head and said, "No, don''t misunderstand!"


    "Then why did Superstar Yu call you so early this morning, saying you were still asleep?" He Yi looked skeptical and said, "Tell the truth!"


    "Xiao Nian..." Shen Shuyao looked at her resentfully and said, "Did you really sleep with my idol?"


    Ji Nian was startled and said, "No, there was a ghost haunting my cest night, so I went over to stay the night."


    "p! p! p!" He Yi started pping her hands, her eyes widened in shock, "You two apuded for love?"


    Shen Shuyao instantly looked inted with anger, staring at Ji Nian and said, "Really?"


    Ji Nian immediately denied it, "Absolutely not!"


    "We''re all adults, no need to be shy~" He Yi still had an ambiguous look.


    Ji Nian looked wronged and said, "Why don''t you listen to me?"


    Shen Shuyao snorted and turned to leave.


    Ji Nian saw this and hurriedly called out, "Shuyao, where are you going?"


    Shen Shuyao didn''t turn her head back, pouting, "I need another two days to calm down!"


    He Yi watched Shen Shuyao''s leaving figure and giggled, "It''s over. Her house haspletely copsed, with even the foundation dug up."


    Ji Nian felt drained and weakly said, "I really didn''t do anything."


    He Yi patted her shoulder and solemnly gave her a thumbs up, "Sister, awesome!"


    Ji Nian red at her. pping for love? Such vulgar talk would only corrupt her pure soul.


    "Goodbye!"


    Time flew by on the production set. Ji Nian filmed for a day, and saw that Shen Shuyao had been looking at her the whole day as if Ji Nian had taken advantage of her idol.


    "Shuyao, I was wrong. You have to believe me." Ji Nian felt like crying but had no tears.


    Shen Shuyao snorted coldly, turned away and said, "Let''s break off our friendship for two days first."


    Ji Nian widened her eyes and said, "What? But I''m your best friend."


    He Yi looked amused andughed, "Alright, you''d better hurry. It''s time for the talent show, I''ll go with you to do your makeup and whatnot."


    It was only then that Ji Nian remembered that she had to be a mentor today. She hurriedly stood up and said, "Oh, I almost forgot! Then let''s go quickly."


    He Yi tidied up her bag and smiled at Shen Shuyao, "You stay on set. If there''s anything, just find the assistant. I''ll take Xiao Nian to her schedule."


    Shen Shuyao nodded and said, "Okay."


    Ji Nian smiled at the female lead, "Shuyao, see you tomorrow."


    Shen Shuyao nced over, snorted arrogantly, and turned away.


    Ji Nian shook her head helplessly. Oh well, this misunderstanding had been cemented.


    After a 40-minute drive, they arrived at the recording venue. The staff hurriedly led them in to rehearse on stage.


    He Yi rushed over with the program schedule, took out some documents from her bag, and briefed Ji Nian as she spoke, "Sister, if you can''t say anythingter, just go with the flow. This is a live broadcast, so there''s no editing."


    "It''s justmenting on songs, I can do that." Ji Nian was confident. After all, she used to be a music teacher.


    "These are original singers though. If there''s anything you don''t understand, take a look at the materials. I found some information about theirposing styles." He Yi handed them over.


    Ji Nian took the materials and looked at the densely packed information, giving her a headache. But for the sake of earning money, she had to steel herself and read through it. 600,000 yuan for one night - it would be foolish not to earn that money.


    "Xiao Nian, it''s time to get your makeup done..." A staff member ran over.


    Ji Nian nodded and smiled, "Okay, thanks. Please show us to the makeup room."


    The staff member saw how polite she was and blushed shyly, "Please follow me."


    He Yi looked at the live broadcast venue, with an audience seating area below. Although this show invited Ji Nian as a mentor, she was really just a token presence, a beautiful face to grace the stage.


    "Sister, you don''t need to say muchter," He Yi reminded her.


    Ji Nian nodded, "Okay, okay, work more, talk less."


    The staff members nearby thought it was amusing and couldn''t help but smile.


    Evening came quickly. Ji Nian waited backstage, while the live audience had already filled up the seats, and the three main judges were seated.


    The host was giving the opening speech on stage, and after about five minutes, music started ying.


    "Please wee our new mentor for this season, Ji Xiao Nian!" The host introduced with a smile.


    The audience seemed quite shocked, but cheers and apuse continued.


    After all, the person who had shone so brightly at Superstar Yu''s concert, even if she had only guest-starred in three shows, had impressed everyone, so there were some expectations.


    Ji Nian had experienced shows like Happy Big Show before, so she was as steady as an old dog. She calmly walked out from backstage, holding a microphone, and went on stage.


    At this moment, the online live broadcast''sments were constantly refreshing.


    "Does she have the qualifications to be a mentor for original singers?"


    "I''m convinced, the song she sang was given by the Mysterious One. How can she be a mentor?"


    "Hahaha, maybe she''s a stand-in for the Mysterious One."


    "The one above got it right."


    "A 21-year-old being a mentor, what a joke."


    "I''ve always quite liked this girl. Let''s see how she''llment today."


    "Look at her loose hoodie and jeans, with a high ponytail. She''s gorgeous, beautiful women look good in anything."


    "Inside information, I heard Ji Xiao Nian rarely dresses up, hahaha."


    When Ji Nian came on stage, the judges were surprised. This talent show was currently the most popr, with high online viewership.


    They had expected the woman to attend in fancy attire, but she was just casually dressed in a hoodie and jeans. Everyone looked surprised - it seemed she wasn''t the type to seek attention.


    "Good evening to the judges and the audience friends here," Ji Nian smiled and greeted everyone.


    "Wow, did Xiao Nian forget to change into a new outfit for the stage?" The female host joked with a smile.


    Ji Nian smiled mischievously, "The show provided a gown for me, but the weather has turned cool, and I felt it would be too cold." Sheughed.


    The audience alsoughed, not expecting her to be so straightforward.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Nian is so adorable," the male host teased.


    "I''m really grateful for the opportunity to be on this stage. Personally, I''m also here with a learning mindset," Ji Nian smiled.


    "Xiao Nian is being modest," the female host smiled at her. Feeling that enough time had passed, she said, "Our show is about to begin. Xiao Nian, please take a seat at the judges'' table."


    Ji Nian smiled and nodded. Following today''s rehearsed flow, she walked gracefully to the far right seat next to the three judges, smiled and nodded at them, and calmly took her seat.

 Chapter 110: The Arrogant Player

    <h4>Chapter 110</h4>


    "Has anyone noticed that although she''s dressed casually, her demeanor is great and not at all petty?"


    "I''ve noticed too. Even though they''re both wearing ck hoodies, why does she look so good in it?"


    "Haha, I saw the logo on the hoodie. It''s actually the brand endorsed by Shen Shuyao."


    "Ji Xiaonian is being shipped with this brand!"


    "This is an affordable brand that Shen Shuyao endorsed before she became famous. Most of the clothes there are aimed at students, costing only a hundred or two yuan on average."


    "Haha, Ji Xiaonian is so down-to-earth? I thought celebrities always wear clothes that cost thousands."


    "Your mindset is too narrow, sister. Many celebrities'' haute couture dresses are worth hundreds of thousands."


    "Same hoodie, same sneakers, passing by!"


    At this time, Taobao had already received the message. Within ten minutes, many sellers'' pages had started promoting "Ji Xiaonian''s same hoodie," "Ji Xiaonian''s same sneakers," and some even imed to sell the "same jeans" she wore.


    Ji Xiaonian sat in the mentor''s seat, looking at the three renowned singers who were judges. They were probably considered high-level celebrities in the industry.


    The show began, and the first performer was a handsome young man. Ji Xiaonian had learned that he was a famous inte celebrity who had made it through multiple rounds of auditions.


    As soon as he appeared, the audience began cheering. He started with a cool street dance performance, followed by a rap.


    Ji Xiaonian raised her eyebrows, her eyes sparkling. Wow, what a cool opening.


    The camera happened to capture her expression at that moment, with her raised eyebrow and shining eyes, stunning the online viewers.


    "Damn, that expression seems so real."


    "Haha, that''s exactly how I look when I see a handsome guy."


    "Haha, I''m going to dieughing."


    "Ji Xiaonian is here as a mentor, but she''s really just being used to boost the show''s ratings since she''s so poprtely."


    After the performance, the contestant stood panting on stage, awaiting the judges'' final scores.


    The judges deliberated briefly, and then one of them shared their opinion.


    "Your singing and dancing were quite solid. Yourposing style tends to lean towards hip-hop. You sang well, but you''ve been performing songs of this genre for a long time. I hope you can try a different style and break out of your mold, so unfortunately, I''ll have to hold my vote for now." The judge then lit a red light.


    That''s quite harsh, isn''t it? Ji Xiaonian was taken aback that despite the excellent performance, the contestant didn''t receive a vote. She watched as the rejected contestant''s eyes grew moist, even though they remained patient and listened attentively.


    "Thank you for your advice, Teacher Zhou. I''ll try a different style," the contestant replied.


    The following judges were even more critical in theirments. Ji Xiaonian had a list in her hand, and to be honest, there were some insider dealings going on in this talent show.


    For example, she was invited to be a "voter," but in reality, she could only give green lights. She had to vote for every contestant, and couldn''t abstain.


    So her role was to give green lights to all the contestants performing today, while the real decision-making powery with the three judges.


    At this point, two red lights had already been lit on stage, and only one judge had given a green light. All eyes in the venue turned towards Ji Xiaonian.


    They didn''t know about the inside arrangements and were pinning their hopes on the woman. If there were three red lights and only one green light, the contestant would be eliminated directly.


    Sensing the audience''s gaze, Ji Xiaonian remained as calm as ever. She smiled, picked up the microphone, and said, "I waspletely blown away the moment you came on stage."


    The contestant was taken aback and scratched their head shyly at the praise.


    "Hip-hop songs are actually quite difficult to sing well. You have great vocal abilities, so keep working hard!" Ji Xiaonian encouraged them and pressed the green light with a smile.


    The audience erupted in cheers, and even the contestant looked surprised, as they had almost thought they would be eliminated...


    "Thank you, Teacher Ji," the contestant said gratefully with a deep bow.


    Looking at their grateful eyes, Ji Xiaonian felt a little guilty. In reality, her role was just to bnce out the scene. The show''s organizers had already decided which contestants would advance, and she could only give green lights.


    For the subsequent acts, the judges continued to give a mix of red and green lights. Ji Xiaonian sincerely praised every contestant and gave them all green lights.


    The online viewers left variousments:


    "I''ve noticed that Ji Xiaonian only gives green lights. She''s so warm-hearted."


    "Aww, I feel so sad. Three judges gave my brother red lights, but she still gave him a green light. I don''t know why, but I''m so touched!"


    "I suspect there are some inside dealings going on with the show, but I don''t have any evidence!"


    "Who would dare rig a show with online live streaming?"


    "Actually, after listening to Ji Xiaonian''sments on the contestants, I feel like she''s quite professional."


    "Agreed!"


    As the show neared its end, Ji Xiaonian looked at the contestant in front of her with some confusion.


    Compared to the previous contestants, this one seemed quite mediocre and unremarkable, with no standout qualities. Yet two of the three judges had lit green lights for them.


    If she also gave a green light, this contestant would receive three green lights and advance directly in the rankings. Ji Xiaonian was perplexed, suddenly feeling that the show was unfair.


    Some of the earlier contestants who performed exceptionally well had been eliminated, yet this unremarkable one was allowed to seed and advance? Aplex expression shed across her face.


    All eyes were on the woman. As usual, Ji Xiaonian gave her directments.


    "Honestly, I don''t think this song suits you very well."


    As soon as she said that, the audience fell silent, and even the three judges looked surprised.


    "Compared to the earlier contestants, I personally think you sang this song a bit worse. Your voice tone is decent, but you seemed to struggle with the high notes. In my opinion, I suggest you try singing gentler genres."


    Ji Xiaonian didn''t want to beat around the bush. The audience could also tell, and she felt it was better to be truthful.


    As soon as she finished speaking, the online viewers started leavingments of agreement.


    "Damn, Ji Xiaonian is so blunt."


    "I was feeling annoyed by him too. I thought maybe it was just my taste being off, but even though he sings averagely, he always manages to advance."


    "Same here. I don''t like this contestant either, but I was puzzled as to why he was never eliminated."


    "I was suspecting there might be some inside dealings going on before. Contestant number 9''s brother sang so well but was eliminated, while this guy managed to stay?"


    "Wow, no wonder I always felt something was off about this show."


    Ji Xiaonian knew that she would still have to give a green light in the end. Just as she was about to press it, she suddenly heard the male contestant challenging her arrogantly.


    The contestant on stage looked at her with a smug expression and said, "What qualifies you to say I''m not good? What works have you created? What right do you have to be a mentor on this original song talent show?"


    Ji Xiaonian paused in surprise, looking back at him. Are today''s contestants so arrogant?


    The contestant continued, "You''re just someone who became famous by riding on a romance scandal and the support of a mysterious backer. This is an original songpetition. Can you evenpose?"


    "You''re someone who can''t do anything. What qualifies you to say I''m not good?" The contestant kept going.


    This unexpected situation left the audience stunned, and the atmosphere grew awkward.


    The show''s director was also panicking backstage, unsure how to react since the live show couldn''t be interrupted.

 Chapter 111: Happy Break-up

    <h4>Chapter 111</h4>


    Ji Nian noticed the screen of the phone on the table suddenly light up, signaling a message from He Yi. Interesting, this contestant was the son of an investor, she raised her eyebrows nonchntly, staring straight at him.


    At that moment, for some unknown reason, everyone felt a sense of oppression. The woman had no expression on her face, her fingers lightly tapping on the table, as if lost in thought, silently staring at the person on stage.


    The camera seemed to freeze at that moment, and the online viewers of the live stream began anticipating the woman''s response.


    "I think he''s right, she really doesn''t know anything."


    "What qualifies her to be a talent show judge? It''s obvious the show is just using her for ratings."


    "Am I the only one who thinks Ji Xiaonian is right? I didn''t think he sang that well either, it sounded like he couldn''t reach the high notes."


    "I agree."


    "Haha, did anyone else notice Ji Xiaonian''s surprised raised eyebrow? So cool."


    "I have to say, she''s really beautiful. The red lips and fair skin create such a contrast, and with the ck outfit, she has this mysterious allure."


    The atmosphere on set was tense, and the backstage crew, worried that Ji Nian couldn''t handle it, quickly asked Teacher Zhou through her earpiece to step in and defuse the situation.


    Teacher Zhou, sitting on the judge''s panel, looked in the woman''s direction with a hint of disdain in her eyes, but she maintained a good facade with a smile, "Ji Xiaonian is rather new, she may need to keep learning when ites to music."


    Ji Nian lowered her gaze. Indeed, there was something off about this judge. The previous contestant sang so well, yet she firmly gave him a red light, but she gave this one a green light instead. Ji Nian wondered if Teacher Zhou''s taste in music was questionable.


    Now she was speaking up again, clearly trying to downy Ji Nian by calling her a neer and implying she wasn''t qualified enough. Ji Nian couldn''t help butugh.


    The contestant on stage, heartened by the support, grew even more arrogant, looking straight into the camera and saying, "I hope the next time they invite judges for this show, they don''t ask amateurs like her."


    The little brat was young but had quite an attitude. Ji Nian remained seated in a rxed posture, holding the microphone with a smile, "Your name is Jiang Zhe, I''ll remember that."


    Jiang Zhe looked back at her with scorn, "So what if you remember me?"


    "Do you know how your original song should be sung to sound good?" Ji Nian looked back at him with a smile.


    Before he could answer, Ji Nian proceeded to sing the climactic melody of the song he had just performed, filling in the high notes he struggled with and infusing her own interpretation of the song.


    With just that simple acape segment, she instantly won over the live audience.


    "Damn, it''s not that the song isn''t good, it''s that Jiang Zhe can''t sing!"


    "I had no idea that melody could sound so beautiful, why did Jiang Zhe''s rendition sound like screeching to me earlier?"


    "The contrast is clear!"


    "Hahaha, he can''t even sing his own original song better than her cover!"


    "Ji Xiaonian was just singing acape, but her voice is so beautiful."


    Jiang Zhe''s face instantly darkened. He never expected that with the woman''s casual singing, the song could sound so good.


    "If you''re so good, why don''t youpose a new song right here? Do you even know whatposing means, you''re just a high school graduate!" Jiang Zheshed out defiantly.


    Ji Nian let out a coldugh, raising her eyebrows. She seemed to have lost her patience, this little brat clearly needed to be put in his ce, did he really think he could insult just anyone?


    The camera zoomed in closer. The woman exuded an imposing aura, her face cold as ice yet with the hint of a mocking smile. Her lush red lips partedzily as she uttered two simple words.


    "Challenge epted."


    Everyone on stage froze, even the judges were stunned into silence. The live audience also fell quiet in shock.


    The online stream continued, with the viewership skyrocketing to an all-time high for the show. The producer was both excited and worried looking at those numbers.


    Ji Nian had a confident smile in her eyes, clearly not taking this person seriously at all. She said calmly, "Let''spose on the spot. Since you''re so arrogant, I want to see how good you really are."


    Jiang Zhe was taken aback for a moment, a flicker of panic in his eyes as he recalled the backup original songs he had purchased earlier. Feigning nonchnce, he said, "Fine, I''ll start us off."


    Ji Nian let out a derisiveugh, nodding with an elegant raise of her eyebrow. Her exquisite face exuded an untouchable allure as she said, "I''m unbeatable, your call."


    How ridiculous, she was someone who had transmigrated to this world, did he really think he could handle her?


    The live audience instantly erupted into cheers at those words "I''m unbeatable, your call." The energy was electrifying.


    Even the three judges on the panel couldn''t hide their surprise, all of them inwardly wondering what gave her such immense confidence.


    But Jiang Zhe refused to believe it, his scornful expression unchanging as he taunted, "Didn''t you just go through a break up? How about a song with a break up theme then?"


    Ji Nian''s expression remained cold and aloof. She could simply obliterate him with the massively popr "Happy Break Up" song from back in the day. This guy still insisted on trying to humiliate her? Tsk, she just loved these overconfident fools who didn''t know their limits.


    "You start," Ji Nian gestured for him to begin.


    Jiang Zheughed confidently and began singing a melody.


    Ji Nian nodded, it wasn''t bad. The melody did suit the break up theme well. However, this guy''s acape was just terrible, his vocal talents werecking to begin with, yet he dared to sing without apaniment?


    The camera turned toward the woman, who was staring intently at the person on stage, her ethereal voice softly singing out a melody.


    The judges looked over in surprise. The woman''s voice was truly amazing. Her acape rendition of the song was beautiful, and more importantly, the lyrics she sang were perfectly suited to the break up theme.


    Jiang Zhe looked utterly disbelieving, shaking his head furiously as he pointed at her, "There''s no way youposed that!"


    Ji Nian let out a mockingugh, calmly replying, "Anyone with ears could tell, I won this round, didn''t I?"


    The live audience began cheering loudly, "Yes!"


    Jiang Zhe''s face turned ashen, feeling utterly embarrassed by how the situation had unfolded.


    "Shall we continue?" Ji Nian''s expression remained coolly nonchnt.


    The online stream was going wild, viewership continuing to soar.


    "Damn! Ji Xiaonian really canpose!"


    "Was it just a coincidence?"


    "Hahaha, what a badass attitude, I love it."


    "Hahaha, me too, this woman is irresistible."


    "I saw the look on Jiang Zhe''s face, like he just ate shit, hahaha."


    "Seeing him angry is strangely satisfying, what''s going on?"

 Chapter 112: Our Remembrance

    <h4>Chapter 112</h4>


    "Ji Xiaonian!" Jiang Zhe said through gritted teeth, his face darkened with anger. "I want the words ''Ji Nian'' in this song, and it must also be about breaking up!"


    This made her angry? What a little brat. Ji Nian smiled wryly. Wasn''t he jumping and dancing excitedly just now?


    "What''s wrong? Can''t get over the breakup? Want to keep reminding me that my fame came from a romance?" Ji Nian asked with a smirk.


    "Just keep going," Jiang Zhe told her to sing first.


    Ji Nian knew the man was angry and wanted to make things difficult for her. She had already guessed that as the son of an investor, the song was likely written by someone else, and he was just pretending it was his own for the talent show.


    "On the theme of ''Ji Nian''." Ji Nian gently tapped the surface, considering for a moment. It seemed the only song she could recall was the once popr idol drama theme song ''Our Memorial''.


    "Is there a piano here?" Ji Nian asked with a smile.


    The show''s director was frantically pacing backstage. The investor''s son was about to lose, but the woman demanded a piano, so they had no choice but to bring one out, despite the embarrassment.


    There were cheers from the audience as a ck grand piano rose from beneath the stage.


    Ji Nian smiled, stood up, and strode confidently with her long legs to the center of the stage, standing before the man with a cold expression. She then turned and sat at the piano.


    A pleasant melody began to y, and everyone listened intently.


    When the song ended, the audience was stunned before erupting into thunderous apuse and cheers that resonated throughout the live venue.


    "Oh my god!"


    "No way! If that ''Breakup Happiness'' before was a coincidence, what about this one?!"


    "Isn''t this song awesome? It''s too good!"


    "I don''t believe sheposed this on the spot!"


    "She looked so elegant ying the piano!"


    "What''s the name of this song?!"


    "So beautiful!"


    "I have a bold idea! The mysterious one = Ji Xiaonian!"


    "I''m thinking the same thing, sister!"


    Even the judge mentors were stunned, with one male mentor apuding and looking admiringly at her.


    After ying, Ji Nian did not say anything. She simply bowed to the audience and slowly walked back to the mentor''s position.


    Picking up the microphone, she looked down at the people on stage with a nonchnt expression and asked coolly, "Do I have the right to sit in this mentor''s position now?"


    Jiang Zhe was dumbfounded. He hadn''t expected the woman to actuallypose a melodious song that fit the theme.


    Seeing that he did not respond, Ji Nian firmly pressed the red button and looked at him seriously. "I was originally going to give you the green light."


    Jiang Zhe was shaken, his eyes filled with bewilderment.


    "I said that song was not suitable for you, and you struggled with the high notes. I didn''t say you were bad; I was just suggesting you sing something more suited to your vocal range," Ji Nian exined.


    "Let me exin why I gave you the red light," Ji Nian said with a smile.


    "First, as a contestant, you can choose not to listen to the mentor''s advice, but you cannot disrespect the mentor. Since I was invited here as a mentor, although I am also an audience member."


    "Second, in my advice to you, I used phrases like ''in my personal opinion,'' meaning I don''t represent anyone else. I was just giving my perspective. But you immediatelyshed out and insulted me. From a man''s point of view, you were terribly rude. Do your fans know how bad your temper is? Do you realize that as a public figure, you could negatively influence many people?"


    "Third, I want to ask you: are you really the original creator? This stage is for genuinely talented people. As an original singer-songwriter, would youpose a song that you can''t even perform properly for apetition? Your singing and interpretation weren''t as good as mine, an outsider. So I have to ask, did you really write this song?"


    "Fourth!" Ji Nian stressed, looking around coldly. "I really doubt the authenticity of this stage."


    Her words caused an uproar among the audience and online fans!


    The show''s director was already regretting inviting Ji Xiaonian, hastily instructing the staff to turn off her microphone.


    Ji Nian wanted to continue speaking, but her microphone was muted. A staff member rushed over, trying to invite her to leave.


    Ji Nian sneered and looked directly at the camera. "Turn my microphone back on."


    The audience erupted in discussion, aware that the show was trying to remove her from the stage.


    Ji Nian was truly angry now. Looking coldly at the camera, she said, "I''ll say it again, turn my microphone back on!"


    Fearing further esction from cutting the live broadcast, the director had no choice but to turn Ji Nian''s microphone back on, despite the show being ruined for that episode.


    Ji Nian was furious. She had intended to earn some money, but not only was she provoked, she was also being insulted. She didn''t want this money anymore!


    "What are you afraid of?" Ji Nian said coldly into the microphone. "I haven''t finished speaking yet."


    Her cold words as the microphone turned on immediately impressed those watching the live broadcast.


    "I''m sure I''m not the only one who noticed that many good singers were eliminated earlier, while Jiang Zhe, who is so ordinary, kept advancing. What''s the reason for that?"


    "At first, I thought it was just a difference in taste, but then I realized I was wrong."


    Ji Nian sneered. "I know there are some unwritten rules in this society, but at least put on a decent act! To let someone without any talent seed just because of connections is shameful. This show shouldn''t even call itself a talentpetition anymore. Just cancel it since you''re not judging based on the contestants'' abilities but on their backgrounds."


    The director was so frightened by her words that he nearly fainted, regretting having invited such a fierce woman.


    "Exactly! So many good singers were eliminated for some reason."


    "Sisters and online fans, good job! They dug up that Jiang Zhe''s father is an investor!"


    "No wonder the show favored him!"


    "Oh my god, Ji Xiaonian is so bold! I love her, what should I do?"


    "I''m a little worried she might get cklisted by the industry for revealing these secrets!"


    "I''m concerned about that too, the capitalists might try to suppress her!"

 Chapter 113: Impulse is the Devil

    <h4>Chapter 113</h4>


    Things started to get out of hand, and Ji Nian also knew that this job was basically ruined, due to her momentary impulse.


    But she had once been a people''s teacher, teaching and educating students, fairness and justice were the most fundamental rules of this society, even though many things couldn''t be changed.


    "Whether I have my own works or not, whether I canpose or not, I came here because the show invited me!"


    Ji Nian stared at the person on stage with a serious expression and said, "I was publicly humiliated just for offering my own opinion, and there were even people backing the other side. This made me very angry. Didn''t nine years ofpulsory education teach you manners?"


    The inte also exploded, with many finding the woman''s confrontation on stage exciting.


    "So awesome, I love it."


    "Nine years ofpulsory education and still missed?"


    "Backing? Are they talking about Teacher Zhou? Hahaha."


    "They just called Ji Nian a neer, implying that they were helping Jiang Zhe."


    "Wow, does Teacher Zhou have such unique taste? He rejected good ones but gave the green light to this one?"


    "I''mughing! We viewers were fooled before, but who knew the inside story was so deep."


    Ji Nian felt it was enough. Today''s job was a disaster, leaving her in a terrible mood.


    She put down the microphone, turned to look at Teacher Zhou not far from the judges'' table, a cold smile on her lips as she cast a disdainful nce at him, then turned and walked off the stage.


    The camera captured this scene, the woman like a night rose, noble and alluring. That nce, followed by her confident exit, left the audience in awe.


    "Damn, Ji Nian looked like a queen at that moment!"


    "Ahhhhhh, I love it."


    "That nce, I love it hahaha, confident and arrogant."


    "Sheposed on the spot, couldn''t you all tell? She''s mysterious!!"


    "Awesome! I suddenly feel like Yu Luobai would be great with her!"


    "She''s beautiful, good atposing, can y the piano, and has a nice personality too, hahahaha."


    "The one above, I''m team Nian-book, she''s our Shuyao''s!"


    On Ji Nian''s side, she openly left the live broadcast venue. At this moment, some audience members also came out to see themotion. At the entrance of the studio, reporters who had caught wind of the situation surrounded her.


    "Ms. Ji, do you have anything else to say about the inside story of this talent show?"


    "Ms. Ji, is the inside story of this talent show real?"


    "Ms. Ji, youposed two songs on the spot. Does that mean you''re the mysteriousposer yourself?"


    "Or is it just a coincidence that the theme Jiang Zhe gave today happened to be something the mysteriousposer had done before, so you happened to have it?"


    Ji Nian looked at the crowd surrounding her, still fuming, with an icy cold expression on her face.


    He Yi had anticipated they would be surrounded when the incident happened on the show, so she had already contacted thepany to arrange security personnel.


    At this moment, she was instructing the security guards to quickly separate the crowd, then hurried in. Before she could say anything, she saw the woman looking at her with a pitiful expression.


    When Ji Nian saw the familiar person, her nose tingled, and she felt a little regretful for her earlier forcefulness, publicly revealing the inside story of the talent show. She didn''t know what consequences it might bring, and she felt wronged.


    "Did I do something wrong?" Ji Nian''s nose tingled, her eyes brimming with tears. Although she felt great for confronting them earlier, she now felt she shouldn''t have. Looking at He Yi, she was like a wronged child, big teardrops falling as she cried miserably.


    He Yi was taken aback, knowing that although their artist had made a mistake, the judge was also disrespectful for siding with the contestant.


    "Don''t cry, sister," He Yi quicklyforted her.


    Meanwhile, reporters were frantically taking photos, and the audience members who had followed also captured the woman''s transformation - from a powerful queen on stage to a wronged child when she saw someone familiar, pitiful and indignant, her tearful expression creating an adorable contrast.


    When they got homete at night, Ji Nian''s eyes were still red, and she didn''t say a word on the way.


    After sitting on the couch at home, she fell silent. He Yi had just finished a call with Shen Shuyao and came over.


    "Are you still angry, sister?" He Yi poured her a ss of water.


    Ji Nian looked innocent, not really angry anymore. She was just thinking about the inscrutable entertainment industry and what kind of job she could do if she was truly cklisted.


    "Did I get myself into big trouble?" Ji Nian asked carefully, noting that He Yi had received many calls from thepany on the way.


    He Yi sighed, saying impatiently, "Do you even need to ask? Of course you did."


    "Then what should I do?" Ji Nian was taken aback, worried she might be sued again and end up in debt. She hadn''t even paid back Li Ran''s debt yet, and her acting fees hadn''t been paid out...


    "Don''t worry, let''s see how the inte reacts first. For now, most of your fans are on your side, and most viewers support you too."


    He Yi checked the Weibo trending topics again and said, "Thepany is also finding inte trolls and marketing ounts to help sway public opinion in your favor."


    "What did Shuyao say on the call?" Ji Nian asked.


    "She was concerned about you. The news has blown up, with videos showing you crying pitifully," He Yi said, both exasperated and amused.


    "The contestants were rude, and the judge was shady too," Ji Nianined.


    "Go to sleep. Whatever happens, it''s up to me, your poor manager, to deal with it," He Yi said, rolling her eyes at Ji Nian. "I''ll head back first. Get some rest."


    "Okay, bye." Ji Nian nodded obediently.


    Watching He Yi leave with her bag, Ji Nian sighed. Impulse was the devil...


    When Yu Luobai saw the news, he was surprised and watched the rey. Afterward, he opened his phone and sent a message.


    Yu Luobai: Where are you?


    Ji Nian''s eyes were still red when she received the message, replying with two words.


    Ji Nian: At home.


    Five minutester, the doorbell rang. Ji Nian was puzzled and went to open the door.


    "Mr. Yu!" Ji Nian eximed in surprise. "Why are you here?" Just a second ago, they were texting.


    Yu Luobai frowned slightly when he saw her red eyes. "Still crying?"


    Ji Nian pouted and shook her head. "Come in and sit."


    Yu Luobai nodded, a hint of concern shing in his eyes as he saw the woman''s dejected look.


    Ji Nian poured him a ss of water, then sat cross-legged on the couch, still thinking about today''s events and wondering how thepany would handle it.


    She wasn''t afraid of anything except going into debt again. Thinking about it made her regret her actions immensely - she had been too reckless.


    "I saw the news," Yu Luobai said.


    Ji Nian turned to him, her mood low. "Do you think I did the wrong thing too, Mr. Yu?"

 Chapter 114: Kissed

    <h4>Chapter 114</h4>


    A gentle look shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes as he asked, "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"


    Ji Nian pursed her lips and said, "Both."


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved upward as he gently patted her head, saying, "Actually, your thoughts aren''t wrong. The talent show is apetition, and fairness and justice should prevail."


    Ji Nian was stunned. At first, she knew there were some behind-the-scenes dealings, but she had nned to earn money steadily since these unwritten rules didn''t really concern her.


    However, what truly angered her was how arrogant Jiang Zhe, who got in through the back door, behaved, repeatedly humiliating her in front of the live cameras. Even the mentor defended Jiang Zhe at that moment, which genuinely surprised her.


    Have people who use back doors be so arrogant these days? She usually had a good temper, but when angered, she could be reckless and impulsive, which was her w.


    "But this society itself is aplex existence," Yu Luobai said in a gentle tone. "In fact, every industry has its own behind-the-scenes dealings, and by exposing them, you''re not just attacking this show, but directly offending the entire talent show industry."


    "I know, Teacher Yu probably thinks I did something wrong too," Ji Nian sighed, but there was no helping it now that it was done, she could only bear the consequences.


    "You didn''t do anything wrong; it''s just that these societal rules, these unwritten codes that everyone knows about, already exist, and we can''t change them," Yu Luobai said gently.


    Yu Luobai looked at her tenderly, "But I hope you learn to protect yourself."


    Ji Nian''s heart skipped a beat. She knew the man was reasoning with her, but why did her heart race upon hearing those words?


    "I''m not saying you did anything wrong. I''m telling you this so that you''ll learn to protect yourself in the future when faced with such situations," Yu Luobai said, unable to bear lecturing her further as she looked so aggrieved.


    "I read online that I might get cklisted," Ji Nian said sadly.


    "That won''t happen."


    "Why not?" Ji Nian was puzzled. "I''ve offended so many people, the show''s investors, the production team, even the mentors..."


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved into a smile. "It''s been taken care of. They won''t give you any trouble."


    Ji Nian was startled, not quite understanding what he meant.


    "That original talent show has been quite popr recently, but they''ve always had apetitor. I passed some incriminating information to their rival, so now they''re too busy fighting each other to bother with you," Yu Luobai said, patting her head. He had even mobilized his family for this matter.


    "Teacher Yu..." Ji Nian looked astonished. It happened so quickly, and it was already resolved? Just like that?


    "Online public opinion hasn''t been in your favor either, but thepany is handling it. Don''t worry too much," Yu Luobai said tenderly. "Feeling better now?"


    Ji Nian nodded dazedly, still in a state of disbelief. So her worries tonight had been for nothing?


    "Teacher Yu," Ji Nian''s eyes welled up with tears again.


    In the past, no matter what mistakes she made or consequences she faced, she had to bear them alone. Now, someone was standing behind her, sheltering her from the wind and rain, giving her a haven to lean on.


    "Why are you crying again?" Yu Luobai panicked a little, unsure of how to console her as he wiped away her tears.


    "I feel like I owe you more and more, and I can never repay you," Ji Nian said through her tears.


    Yu Luobai wiped her tears, smiling, "Then you can repay me with yourself."


    Ji Nian cried and said seriously, "But I''m not worth that much. You spent fifty million, and now you''re helping me out of trouble again..."


    Yu Luobai sighed. He never expected her to be such a crybaby. On the hot-search video, she had seemed fearless, but now that she was back, she had be timid.


    He pulled the woman into his embrace, letting her chin rest on his shoulder, and gently soothed her, "You don''t need to repay me. Stop crying and listen to me."


    Ji Nian''s tears stopped, but after crying so much that night, her body still trembled. She didn''t know why, but his embrace felt so warm.


    Thinking she was still crying, Yu Luobai gently patted her back, trying to calm her emotions.


    Ji Nian''s eyes were sore from crying. As the man''s palm continued patting her back and her head rested on his shoulder, she suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness...


    Seeing no response from the woman, Yu Luobai''s eyes shed with resignation. After so long, her mood still hadn''t improved. It seemed she was a difficult girl to console.


    Ji Nian murmured softly, "Teacher Yu, why are you so good to me?"


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved upward, but he didn''t say anything, just continuing to pat her back soothingly.


    Ji Nian closed her eyes. It was quitete now, and she was tired, not wanting to move in her dazed state.


    Hearing her shallow breathing, Yu Luobai whispered, "Nian Nian?"


    After a while with no response, he was puzzled and asked again, "Are you asleep?"


    With no reply, Yu Luobai''s eyes filled with resignation as he forcefully gathered the woman in his arms, gazing at her sleeping face. His lips curved into a faint smile.


    Once in the room, he carefullyid her on the bed and tucked her in. Yu Luobai then sat quietly by the bedside, watching over her.


    Afterward, he leaned in close, his deep gaze lingering before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.


    "Good night, Nian Nian," Yu Luobai chuckled softly before leaving the room.


    Under the covers, Ji Nian''s body had frozen. She opened her eyes in utter astonishment, her face instantly flushing red. She... had been kissed...


    Actually, she hadn''t fallen asleep earlier; she was just too tired to speak. But she never expected the man to carry her in, so she pretended to be asleep. She didn''t anticipate...


    Ji Nian''s heart raced wildly. She had never been in a romantic rtionship before. This was the first time a man had kissed her, and the feeling was so wondrous, her heart fluttering with a hint of excitement. What was going on?


    Back at his own home, Yu Luobai''s lips were still curved in a faint smile. Although it was just a sneaky kiss, his heart couldn''t help but race.


    He took out his phone, nning to ask Peng He for some advice.


    Yu Luobai: I want to buy a gift for Xiao Nian. What do you think would be suitable?


    Peng He: ?


    Yu Luobai: What do you think she would like?


    Peng He: It''ste at night, and I''m still at the office helping Ji Nian clean up the mess. Now you''re asking me what gift would be suitable?


    Yu Luobai: Is it all settled?


    Peng He: Big brother, this is no small matter, but it''s settled. I''ll have to work overnight. Thanks.


    Yu Luobai: Your bonus will be doubledter.


    Peng He: Forget what I just said.


    Yu Luobai: But you still haven''t answered my question.


    Peng He: Don''t women like lipstick? Get her a set or two.


    Yu Luobai: She rarely wears makeup.


    Peng He: A handbag?


    Peng He: Actually, with her usual in Jane look, it''s her pretty face that carries her through. For a celebrity, she doesn''t care much about dressing up or following trends. She''s quite a refreshing change.


    Yu Luobai: Then what would be more suitable?


    Peng He: You might as well take her out for a nice meal. She loves meat, hahaha. Her eyes light up whenever she sees food.


    Reading that, Yu Luobai instantly recalled the woman''s sullen expression while eating sd and nodded, agreeing that Peng He made a good point.

 Chapter 115: New Play

    <h4>Chapter 115</h4>


    The next day on Weibo, the controversy over the alleged scandal in the original talent show was still brewing.


    There was even a post among the top ten trending topics, with over 500,000ments, all discussing whether Ji Xiaonian would be cklisted.


    Meanwhile, Shen Shuyao had also gone viral, surprisingly for liking posts that praised Ji Xiaonian.


    The NianShu CP shippers hade out in full force, attacking the haters, as Shen Shuyao, an up-anding starlet in the entertainment industry during her prime, had openly liked marketing posts defending Ji Xiaonian.


    This was essentially an indirect admission that she was on Ji Xiaonian''s side.


    In the entertainment circle, they were an extraordinary phenomenon. Ji Xiaonian and Shen Shuyao''s fans mutually followed and supported each other, like one big family.


    "Wah, I thought Shuyao had stopped caring about Xiaonian."


    "Hahaha, the NianShu CP will never fall."


    "Sisterly love reigns supreme."


    "Isn''t this publicly dering her stance? Isn''t Shen Shuyao afraid of the capitalists boycotting her too?"


    "Are you kidding? Ji Xiaonian and Shen Shuyao are both artists from Huayu Entertainment. Why would Huayu be afraid of the capitalists?"


    "I heard Shen Shuyao has connections with the higher-ups at Huayu."


    "Really? No wonder she''s so bold."


    "Don''t spread rumors. Shuyao and Xiaonian are a perfect match. Which friends in the entertainment industry would dare do this for each other?"


    "Yeah, hahaha, most would run away when trouble arises. But Shen Shuyao directly confronted it head-on, brazenly liking multiple marketing posts."


    "I saw it. She liked those razor-sharp posts that heavily supported Ji Xiaonian. Hahaha, I ship this couple so hard."


    "NianShu CP forever!!"


    Meanwhile, the hottest topic trending was whether Ji Xiaonian was the mysterious songwriter, which topped the charts.


    Apanying the public''s spection,izens were divided into two camps - some said the mysterious person was Ji Xiaonian, while others said it was merely a coincidence, with various opinions flying around.


    In just one night, a Weibo ount called (Seeking Wealth with Ji Xiaonian) gained a whopping 50 million followers in a short time.


    Everyone was anticipating the person behind the ount to speak up and respond as to whether the mysterious songwriter was indeed Ji Xiaonian.


    As for Ji Xiaonian, she had an unprecedented case of insomniast night after that kiss and was distracted while filming on set this morning, flubbing her lines several times.


    At this moment, the director walked over discreetly and asked in a hushed voice, "Xiaonian, are you really the mysterious songwriter?"


    Ji Xiaonian was taken aback, recallingst night''s events, and shook her head, "No, it was just a coincidence."


    The director looked unconvinced, saying, "Really? Don''t lie to me."


    He Yi confidently chimed in with augh, "Director, you''re overestimating our Xiaonian. If she couldpose music, I''ll livestream eating sh*t."


    Shen Shuyao stifled augh beside them, not caring about this mysterious person as long as Xiaonian was alright.


    Ji Xiaonian red at He Yi disapprovingly, "Please mind yournguage."


    The director now looked half-convinced, half-doubtful, and walked away, thinking it was normal for Ji Xiaonian not to be able topose since it required highly specialized skills.


    "Sis, you should respond on Weibo when you have time. Everyone''s waiting for you to exin whether you''re the mysterious person or not," He Yi said while munching on snacks provided by the crew.


    Ji Xiaonian nodded, took out her phone, saw the huge characters of the Weibo trending topic, thought for a moment, and simplymented four words below: "Not me, coincidence."


    As soon as her words were out, numerousizens flooded thements within minutes.


    "Wow, celebrities these days announce things so casually now? She just directlymented under the topic saying it wasn''t her, hahaha."


    "Straightforward as always. I thought she was going to hype it up, but she openly said she''s not the mysterious person."


    "No, I don''t believe it. How could there be such a coincidence? She must be the mysterious person, she just doesn''t want to tell us."


    "Agree with the above."


    "Yeah, Jiang Zhe''s questions were intended to humiliate her. The first coincidence is usible, but the second time too?"


    "She is! Believe me! Woman''s intuition!"


    And so the debate raged on, with more people believing she was the real deal but just didn''t want to reveal it.


    Many others watched the drama unfold with reservations, and some bored bloggers even dug through the entire talent show process, analyzing whether it was truly a coincidence or something else.


    He Yi couldn''t help butment from the side, "Sis, that was too perfunctory. You didn''t even post a proper Weibo, justmenting under someone else''s post."


    Ji Xiaonian handed her phone over, "You do it then."


    He Yi shook her head, "You already posted, nevermind. People online are saying you''re unpredictable anyway."


    Shen Shuyao nodded and smiled, "Xiaonian rarely posts on Weibo or even moments on WeChat."


    Ji Xiaonian was slightly taken aback. Indeed, she seldom posted moments in the past, unlike her former colleagues who loved sharing their lives, posting whenever they went out to y. She was the opposite - very quiet.


    After transmigrating into this book, since she was using Ji Xiaonian''s personal WeChat, she didn''t make many changes either. She only had a few friends and could count the moments on one hand. She had seen the sole moment post before, which had pained her heart for a long time.


    "Oh right, He Yi, did you call to ask about my other phone like I asked you to?" Ji Xiaonian suddenly remembered.


    He Yi paused, then replied, "I already asked a long time ago, I just forgot to tell you. Thendlord said they didn''t have it, and the property management office also said they didn''t have it."


    Ji Xiaonian was baffled. There must have been something on that other phone. She didn''t know where the original owner had put it, which was strange.


    "If you can''t find it, just forget about it. It''s just an old phone anyway. Or should I get you a new one?" He Yi asked.


    Ji Xiaonian shook her head, "No need, if I can''t find it, then forget about it."


    "By the way, we''ll be wrapping up this drama in about 10 days. Thepany has arranged a new drama for you, with a domineeringdy persona," He Yi suddenly remembered.


    Ji Xiaonian was surprised, "A domineeringdy? What about Shuyao?"


    "I have another job lined up, so I won''t be acting with you for now," Shen Shuyao said with a hint of disappointment.


    "Why the sudden arrangement?" Ji Xiaonian didn''t understand.


    "It''s a movie, and you''re basically the female lead, kind of an antagonist role, involved in a love-hate rtionship with the male lead. It won''t take long, probably just two months to film a movie," He Yi exined with a smile.


    Ji Xiaonian considered it and nodded, "Alright, when is the audition?"


    "No need to audition, thepany got the role for you. You can go straight to filming once it starts. I heard the male lead is being kept under wraps, so I don''t know who it is either," He Yi said, puzzled. "I didn''t expect you to get so lucky andnd a movie role. I don''t know why thepany signed you for this, but make the most of this opportunity, sis. Try to produce a quality work."


    "Yeah, Xiaonian, do your best," Shen Shuyao cheered her on from the side.


    Ji Xiaonian, on the other hand, didn''t care. Her ultimate goal wasn''t to be a great actress or win awards. She was simply trying to make money.

 Chapter 116: Investors Return to Work

    <h4>Chapter 116</h4>


    In the afternoon, the crew weed the visit of the investors. The director had prepared seats for them, allowing the tycoon investors to watch the main actors perform.


    Everyone in the crew knew that Shen Shuyao had an extraordinary rtionship with the investor Ye Jingzhan, so they were also curious about it.


    "Zhan, how do you have time toe today?" Shen Shuyao''s eyes shone with delight.


    "If I didn''te, you''d have forgotten me already," Ye Jingzhan frowned, "I haven''t seen you for half a month. Don''t you miss me at all? What kind of work keeps you so busy that you''re never around?"


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback, then realized what the man meant. She sat beside him, took his hand, and said softly, "I''ll take a vacation soon to keep youpany."


    Ye Jingzhan still looked displeased, never imagining that one day he would be chasing after a woman.


    Pei Yuchen had alsoe to visit the set today, mainly because he happened to be nearby, so he came along.


    Ji Nian sensibly chose not to be a third wheel and sat quietly on the other side.


    "Miss Ji, may I sit here?" Pei Yuchen came over with a smile, then raised his eyebrows and said, "I don''t want to disturb the couple."


    You don''t mind disturbing me? Ji Nian thought to herself, but despite her reluctance, she still smiled and said, "You''re too kind, Mr. Pei. As our guest today, you can sit wherever you like."


    When He Yi saw the investors arrive, she found an excuse to leave, not wanting to interrupt the important guests.


    Ji Nian watched He Yi leave, leaving just her and the viin. Although she appeared calm on the surface, inside she was a mess, afraid the viin would pull some stunt.


    "Miss Ji seems well-suited for period dramas," Pei Yuchen looked over the woman''s costume, clearly impressed by her appearance today.


    As the plot had progressed to theter stages, Ji Nian''s character had turned darker, requiring more borate and morous makeup.


    "Thank you," Ji Nian smiled awkwardly.


    "Why do I always feel like you''re ufortable around me?" Pei Yuchen chuckled, appearing schrly and refined in his well-tailored suit.


    Ji Nian was caught off guard. He had noticed? She felt embarrassed and said, "Not at all, Mr. Pei, you misunderstand."


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow but didn''t say anything. He was curious about this woman. Although he had checked her background and knew her identity, she didn''t seem eager to get close to him, but rather wanted to keep her distance.


    Ji Nian fidgeted ufortably. She and the viin had nothing to talk about, but she didn''t know how to excuse herself.


    "Actors, get into position, we''re starting," the director called out. "Nian, Shuyao, you''re up for your scene together."


    Ji Nian breathed a sigh of relief, feeling grateful to the director for the first time. She turned to the viin and smiled, "Mr. Pei, please excuse me, I need to get to work."


    Pei Yuchen''s eyes darkened behind his gold-rimmed sses as he nodded, "Very well."


    On set, the actors were ready. Ji Nian hung a prop sword on her waist, preparing for her action scene with Shen Shuyao.


    Shen Shuyao also quickly got into character. In theter stages of the female lead''s growth, her expressions would be more resolute, no longer like an innocent young girl.


    "Actors, get into position, action!" the director shouted.


    Ji Nian followed the martial arts instructor''s guidance,unching herself towards Shen Shuyao from above.


    Shen Shuyao was in character, looking alert as she picked up her sword and began fighting with Ji Nian.


    The pink and red figures shed in mid-air, and although it was just an action scene, the visuals were breathtaking.


    "Ah!" Ji Nian cried out in pain as she fell to the ground, spitting out the fake blood she had prepared.


    Shen Shuyao held her sword to Ji Nian''s throat and said, "I never wanted to be your enemy."


    "Hahahahaha," Ji Nianughed, but before she could deliver her line, the director called cut.


    "Nian! Your expression should be more frantic, with envy, resentment, and hatred in your eyes," the director stopped to give notes.


    Pei Yuchen watched with interest from the side, suddenly finding the acting profession fascinating.


    Ji Nian wanted to cry but had no tears. Another emotional scene, with the male lead and viin present - she knew her performance would suffer.


    "Director, let me try again," Ji Nian said miserably.


    "Okay," the director nodded. "Pick up from yourugh."


    Ji Nian adjusted her emotions, trying her best to look vicious as she red at the female lead.


    "Cut! Your eyes are wrong, Nian. Where''s the envy? Show me the envy!" The director wasn''t satisfied and called cut again.


    ...


    After being cut seven times that afternoon, Ji Nian finally managed a passable take.


    "Nian, emotional scenes are your weakest area. You really need to practice more. But you have improved, so keep working hard," the director encouraged her.


    "Thank you, director," Ji Nian humbly epted the feedback. After the director left, she finally rxed, feeling utterly drained. Being an actor was exhausting. Having the viin and male lead present had put unnecessary pressure on her.


    "Nian, Zhan and I are having dinner together tonight. You should join us," Shen Shuyao smiled.


    Ji Nian looked at the aloof male lead and hurriedly shook her head with a smile, "You two are on a date, why would I want to tag along? I''m tired from working all day. I just want to go home, take a shower, and lie in bed ying on my phone."


    Shen Shuyao pouted unhappily, "Come on, just dinner."


    Ji Nian would never agree to that - she didn''t want to be a third wheel on the leads'' date.


    "Maybe next time. I need to work on my emotional acting tonight," Ji Nianughed.


    Shen Shuyao pouted reluctantly before nodding, "Okay then."


    "Have fun," Ji Nian winked at the female lead.


    "Well, I won''t bother being your third wheel either," Pei Yuchen walked over with a smile.


    Ye Jingzhan coldly nodded, "Where to?"


    Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow with a gentle smile, "Home, I suppose."


    "We''ll head out first," Shen Shuyao took Ye Jingzhan''s hand and smiled.


    "Bye," Ji Nian waved.


    After they left, Pei Yuchen turned to her with a smile, "I almost forgot, I still owe you a meal, Miss Ji. Are you free tonight?"


    "No!" Ji Nian immediately refused. Was he kidding? She''d rather go home and watch videos on her phone.


    "No?" Pei Yuchen raised an eyebrow, amused. "But I just heard Miss Ji say she was going home to take a shower and y on her phone."


    "Haha, just joking," Ji Nian was mortified, quickly asking, "Where are we eating?"


    Pei Yuchen''s lips curved into a smile, "A restaurant owned by a friend of mine. I think it''s quite good."


    "Okay then," Ji Nian wanted to cry. Why could she never refuse the viin? It was too tragic. She was mainly afraid he would turn evil...


    Meanwhile, online, arge group of fans had started stirring up drama again, this time because a survival show had issued an apology statement. Even the arrogant Jiang Zhe had posted an apology on Weibo.


    This leftizens baffled. It was one thing for contestants to apologize, but for a capitalist to apologize too? What was this move?

 Chapter 117: The Restaurant is Shot

    <h4>Chapter 117</h4>


    "Damn, even the talent showpany is apologizing?"


    "Jiang Zhe, the son of an investor, is also apologizing. What the hell?"


    "Badass, I thought Ji Xiaonian was cklisted."


    "Hahahahahaha, did we misjudge?"


    "Ji Xiaonian is badass, does she have a backer?"


    "Her backer must be powerful if they can override Jiang Zhe."


    "The capitalists are apologizing, so there must be some shady business."


    "Hahahaha, whoever can suppress capitalists must be backed by even bigger capitalists."


    "Ji Xiaonian has a backer! Damn, no wonder she''s so tough!"


    "666666."


    "Ji Xiaonian is the mysterious person herself. She writes great songs with high quality, so the entertainment industry must be backing her."


    "The previousmenter is spreading rumors. She said it was just a coincidence."


    "You believe that? Trust me, she IS the mysterious person!"


    Netizens continued to debate fiercely, with the hot topic remaining in the top ten. Everyone was curious, and in a short time, all the celebrities in the entertainment industry began to pay attention to the mysterious Ji Xiaonian with her viral hot topic.


    Meanwhile, the talent show director, Jiang Zhe, and Judge Teacher Zhou gathered together, their faces full of hatred, yet forced to swallow their anger.


    "Why do we have to apologize to Ji Xiaonian?" Jiang Zhe was furious.


    "Ancestors, this was President Jiang''s decision," his agent said with a headache.


    "What''s her background?" Teacher Zhou was visibly displeased, as his reputation had taken a hit this season.


    "Superstar Yu is backing her," the director said, wiping his sweat.


    "So what if it''s just a celebrity like Yu Luobai?" Jiang Zhe scoffed.


    "Don''t say that," the director warned, looking terrified. "Outsiders may not know, but we in the industry know that Yu Luobai''s mother is the aunt of President Ye Jingzhan, the head of the powerful Ye family in Jingdu. The Yu family''s business is now part of the Ye family''s empire, so we can''t afford to offend them."


    "The Ye family?" Teacher Zhou was surprised, as they were the pinnacle of power in Jingdu. He had no idea Superstar Yu had such a background.


    Jiang Zhe fell silent for a moment before asking in disbelief, "Is that true?"


    "Absolutely true," the director confirmed.


    "Ji Xiaonian''s best friend is Shen Shuyao, you all know that, right?" the agent added. "Shen Shuyao''s boyfriend is Ye Jingzhan..."


    Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked, even the director looked incredulous.


    "Forget it," Jiang Zhe said, his face turning grim. For the first time, he had to swallow his anger.


    At that moment, Ji Xiaonian was unaware of how many people were discussing her behind her back. She had just gotten out of Pei Yuchen''s car.


    Pei Yuchen had parked the car, and the two were walking on the street. Seeing her sullen expression, he couldn''t help but want to tease her a little.


    "Why does Miss Ji look so unhappy?" Pei Yuchen asked with a smile.


    Ji Xiaonian forced an expression even uglier than crying andughed, "Mr. Pei is joking. I''m quite happy."


    Yeah, right. After a tiring day of filming, she was finally able to leave work and go home. But instead, she had toe and have dinner with this viin, forced to continue their publicity stunt.


    Pei Yuchen chuckled, turning to look at her. With the arrival of autumn, it had be cooler. Ji Xiaonian was wearing a loose-fitting denim jacket today.


    Underneath, she had on a white long-sleeved top and a ck pencil skirt that outlined her long, slender legs. She wore a pair of white sneakers, and with her young age, she looked like a student.


    The two entered the restaurant and were greeted by a uniformed server.


    Upon seeing them, the server girl looked surprised, as if she couldn''t believe her eyes, but she quicklyposed herself and smiled, "Wee, do you have a reservation?"


    Ji Xiaonian noticed that the restaurant''s decor was quite upscale, though not as luxurious as the previous ces they had visited.


    She wondered if the food here was really good.


    There were many people in the lobby, including groups of young girls who didn''t seem to be there just for dining.


    Ji Xiaonian hadn''t worn a mask, causing a stir, and many people stood up to take photos.


    "Oh my god, it''s her in person! She''s so beautiful!"


    "Wow, Ji Xiaonian!"


    "I love you so much, Xiaonian!"


    "This restaurant must be a celebrity hotspot!"


    "I got insider information that today would be a good opportunity for celebrity spotting. Hahaha, I didn''t expect to see Ji Xiaonian."


    Ji Xiaonian smiled shyly at the crowd and nodded, greeting everyone.


    "Aaahhhh, she''s so pretty!"


    "Who''s that guy with her? He''s so handsome!"


    "Is he Ji Xiaonian''s boyfriend?"


    "Doesn''t seem like it. Judging by his demeanor, they don''t look intimate. Could he be her rich backer?"


    "They were saying online today that Ji Xiaonian has a backer."


    Ji Xiaonian turned to the man in embarrassment. "Mr. Pei, I forgot to wear a mask."


    Pei Yuchen hadn''t considered that, feeling apologetic. "I''m sorry, I didn''t expect so many people today..."


    There weren''t this many people thest time he came. Those girls didn''t look like they were there for dining, even though they had ordered food. They seemed suspicious.


    "It''s okay..." Ji Xiaonian felt so embarrassed.


    Seeing someone constantly taking photos, Pei Yuchen frowned and moved to Ji Xiaonian''s left side, using his tall frame to shield her from view.


    "Wow, he''s so handsome. Is he a celebrity?"


    "Doesn''t seem like a celebrity. I''ve never seen him before."


    "Xiaonian, Xiaonian, I''m your biggest fan!"


    Ji Xiaonian smiled shyly in response, then hurried to follow the server to a private room.


    Away from the crowd''s gaze, Ji Xiaonian finally rxed. It was strange - she felt like those girls in the lobby weren''t there for dining, but more like fans waiting for celebrities.


    "I''m sorry, there weren''t this many people thest time I came," Pei Yuchen said, still puzzled.


    Ji Xiaonian shook her head. How could she let the viin apologize? She quickly said, "No, no, it was my fault for not considering this. I forgot to wear a mask."


    It had been so long, yet she still forgot this essential item. Ji Xiaonian chastised herself.


    "Old Pei, you should have told me you wereing today!" A loud voice came from the door.


    Ji Xiaonian turned to see a tall, burly man in a suit walking in.


    Pei Yuchen greeted his acquaintance. "There are a lot of people at your restaurant today."


    The man frowned, shaking his head helplessly. "My fault. I don''t know who took a photo that attracted a bunch of fans."


    "Who did they take a photo of?" Ji Xiaonian asked curiously.


    "Oh? Your girlfriend? No way, she looks too young." The man looked at her in surprise.


    Ji Xiaonian quickly shook her head. "No, no."


    Pei Yuchen smiled without saying a word, while the man extended his hand. "Hello, youngdy. I''m the owner of this restaurant and an old friend of Old Pei''s. Just call me Gao Cheng."


    "Mr. Gao." Ji Xiaonian was taken aback but greeted him.


    "No need to be so polite. Hahaha." Gao Cheng was a burly man about 1.8 meters tall, muscr rather than fat.


    "Did you take care of it? How do I get out of here?" Another familiar voice came from the door.


    Ji Xiaonian turned towards the familiar voice and eximed, "Teacher Yu!"

 Chapter 118: You Are Mine

    <h4>Chapter 118</h4>


    Yu Luobai saw the familiar figure, his eyes shing with delight, and said, "Nian Nian, what are you doing here?"


    "Oh? You two know each other?" Gao Cheng said in surprise, "This is the girlfriend of Old Pei, whom I''ve invited to dinner today."


    Ji Nian was taken aback. Girlfriend? When did this happen?


    Pei Yuchen''s eyes gleamed with mischief. It was strange, but he didn''t seem to mind the "girlfriend" title.


    Yu Luobai paused, then nced at the woman beside the man, the two of them dining alone... Was this a date?


    "No!" Ji Nian snapped out of her trance and immediately denied it. Joke''s on you, the girlfriend of the viin? Was this a suicide mission?


    Yu Luobai''s tense heart loosened for a moment, and he looked at the man with a cold gaze, saying, "If you can''t speak, then don''t."


    Gao Cheng was utterly confused and turned to the silent observer, asking, "Isn''t the youngdy your girlfriend?"


    Pei Yuchen was somewhat annoyed, though he didn''t know why. Hearing her deny it so quickly, he felt a tinge of disappointment.


    "I never said that." Pei Yuchen said with a smile, appearing refined and elegant.


    "It seems that you and Nian Nian have a good rtionship," Yu Luobai remarked, having seen the two of them go out together before, in the elevator, thepany cafeteria, and now the restaurant. His gaze darkened.


    "Miss Ji and I have a close bond. We used to live in Pin Residence and even went jogging together in the mornings. Later, when she wasn''t feeling well, I took her to the hospital," Pei Yuchen said with a smile, though his heart was secretlypetitive.


    Yu Luobai stiffened, surprised to learn how close the two were, but he turned to the woman with concern, asking, "When were you sick? Why didn''t you tell me..."


    Ji Nian hesitated, feeling awkward as she replied, "I fainted due to low blood sugar."


    Pei Yuchen''s eyes behind his gold-rimmed sses shed with coldness as he corrected, "The doctor said it was due to insufficient blood supply, not low blood sugar."


    "Oh, is that so? I must have remembered it wrong," Ji Nianughed awkwardly, gritting her teeth inwardly. If it weren''t for her viin identity, she would have punched him for reminding her of how she fainted.


    "The debt of gratitude is not yet repaid," Pei Yuchen said with a warm smile, turning his gaze to the woman.


    Ji Nian felt a headacheing on. What had she done to deserve this? If only she could repay him in her next life by bing a beast of burden.


    Yu Luobai, seeing their interaction, felt an inexplicable sting, wanting to pull her towards him.


    "Mr. Pei is joking. I still remember the debt of gratitude," Ji Nian said with a forced smile, though her teeth were clenched.


    Pei Yuchen''s smile widened, and though the woman spoke with a smile, he could feel the resentment in her words.


    Yu Luobai''s face grew cold, his eyes glinting with a chill. He felt a heavy weight on his chest.


    Pei Yuchen met his gaze, and though his smile remained, there was a hint of provocation in his eyes.


    In fact, he had long since noticed that Ji Nian wanted to distance herself from him, but whenever he saw her being so close to Yu Luobai, he felt an inexplicable difort.


    Gao Cheng could sense the tension, as if an electric current was passing between the two, the atmosphere heavy with their silent rivalry.


    "Haha, it''s quite lively here today," Gao Chengughed. "I just opened this ce and invited Luobai, but I didn''t expect everyone to gather here."


    Yu Luobai shook off the cold air and looked at the woman, asking, "Nian Nian, I''m heading home. Do you want toe with me?"


    Ji Nian blinked, and she desperately wanted to, having longed to go home. She nodded without realizing it.


    "Hmm?" Pei Yuchen looked at the woman, saying, "Didn''t we say we''d have dinner together?"


    Ji Nian hesitated. She had agreed to dine with the viin, and it wouldn''t be right to leave him behind... What if he held a grudge?


    "Haha, Teacher Yu, you should go first..." Ji Nian forced a smile that looked worse than crying.


    Yu Luobai''s pupils constricted, and his heart ached with an indescribable pain at being rejected.


    "There are too many fans outside, so I''ll have someone take you out the back way. It''s quiet there, and you''ll have to wear a work uniform, but I''m afraid you''ll have to bear with it," Gao Cheng said.


    "Hmm." Yu Luobai''s tone was indifferent as he nced at the woman, his gaze dimming, and then he turned and left.


    Ji Nian hesitated, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something, but she could only watch his retreating figure disappear.


    "Old Pei, let the waiter order whatever you want to eat. I''ll go escort Luobai out first." Gao Cheng said and hurried off.


    Pei Yuchen calmly walked to the table and sat down, smiling as he asked, "What would you like to eat?"


    Ji Nian turned and slowly made her way to the opposite chair, sitting down, somewhat distracted as she replied, "Anything is fine."


    "Okay, then I''ll order." Pei Yuchen felt like he had won this round and was inexplicably in a good mood.


    When they finished dinner and returned, it was already past 10 o''clock. Pei Yuchen received a call and dropped her off at the lobby, bidding her farewell before driving away.


    Ji Nian heaved a deep sigh. She didn''t know why, but this dinner had been exceptionally unpleasant, and she felt strange about it.


    As she stepped out of the elevator, she was suddenly pulled into someone''s embrace.


    "It''s me," Yu Luobai said. He had been waiting at the 20th-floor elevator for a long time, and when he saw the woman hadn''t returned, he was almost driven mad with worry.


    Ji Nian had been about to cry out, but when she recognized the familiar voice, she managed to hold it back.


    "Teacher Yu... What''s wrong..." Ji Nian''s hands hovered uncertainly, unsure of where to ce them.


    "Why did youe back sote? Do you know how worried I was?" Yu Luobai''s eyes were red, and in fact, he had been standing by the 20th-floor elevator the entire time since returning.


    Ji Nian tried to struggle free from his embrace, but he held her tighter. Her face flushed as she tentatively wrapped her arms around his waist.


    Yu Luobai felt the response and his eyes lit up with joy, but he was also hurt as he said, "I''m angry."


    Ji Nian was taken aback. "Why?"


    "Nian Nian," Yu Luobai leaned his head against the woman''s neck, able to faintly smell the fragrance of her hair.


    Ji Nian felt self-conscious. This was too intimate, but she surprisingly found that she quite liked it.


    "I don''t want to see you having dinner alone with another man," Yu Luobai said in a muffled tone.


    Ji Nian was stunned, realizing the man was jealous. Sheughed and broke free from his embrace. "Teacher Yu, we haven''t even started dating yet. You''re already this possessive?"


    Yu Luobai''s handsome face wore a displeased expression, but he gently patted her head, saying helplessly, "I don''t know what to do with you."


    Ji Nian''s heart was racing, knowing that Yu Luobai was jealous, and she found herself strangely delighted by it.


    Yu Luobai sighed, then asked somewhat self-consciously, "What is your rtionship with him?"


    "What do you think?" Ji Nian asked in return.


    "I''ve seen you two together several times," Yu Luobai''s gaze darkened.


    "Do you think I like him?" Ji Nian asked with a smile.


    Yu Luobai shook his head. He had never liked a woman before, and for the first time, he felt ack of confidence.


    "You are mine," Yu Luobai said solemnly.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, and in that moment, the world seemed to fall silent. All she could hear was the thunderous beating of her own heart.

 Chapter 119: The Way I used to Be

    <h4>Chapter 119</h4>


    Ji Nian acknowledged that her heart was stirred, but she couldn''t, she felt she still hadn''t fully grasped the situation at hand, and she forced herself to stay clear-headed.


    "Professor Yu, I''m not nning on getting into a rtionship yet." Ji Nian was taken aback, and she also felt a little disappointed in her heart.


    Yu Luobai''s pupils constricted slightly. She had just responded to him, so why was she still rejecting him?


    "It''s okay... I can wait for you." Yu Luobai''s voice was a little hoarse as he said, "Next time, can you not go out alone with him?"


    Ji Nian was taken aback. This "him" must be referring to the viin.


    "Okay." Ji Nian agreed directly. She really didn''t want to have anything to do with the viin.


    Yu Luobai''s previously gloomy mood instantly lifted. His brows rxed, and his eyes lit up when he heard her answer.


    "It''ste, you should go back and get some rest." Yu Luobai looked at her tenderly and said softly, "Good night."


    Ji Nian turned her head ufortably, her ear slightly flushed, as she replied, "Good night, Professor Yu."


    The autumn in Jingdu was still very cold, and recently online, the songs "(Happy Breakup)" and "(Our Ji Nian)" had directly exploded in click rate, withizens eximing that they were divine tunes. Many listeners were also leavingments.


    "Happy breakup, wish you happiness, it''s over."


    "Let me introduce a kind of romance called long-distance rtionship, guaranteed to make you question your life."


    "Turns out the first feeling of liking someone is inferiority."


    "Haven''t we all had chewing gum? When it''s no longer sweet, you spit it out, just like love."


    "I was the one who proposed the breakup, but I know who really wanted to leave."


    "Some people can go to Paris after a breakup, while some people can only go downstairs to the noodle shop and eat a bowl of seven-yuan noodles, not even daring to add an egg."


    "Today I deleted your WeChat, deleted your phone number, deleted all your replies in my Moments, deleted your text messages, and even deleted your photos, everything, I will never love you again."


    As for "(Our Ji Nian)", it was even more catchy, with a click rate even higher than "Happy Breakup".


    "Maybe we miss not a person, but a moment in time."


    "Some people are returned to the sea, and can never be found again..."


    "Thank you foring, even if we didn''t have a ending."


    "Actually, I''m not waiting for you, I just find it very hard to love someone else."


    Manyizens were also posting, saying that Cheng Liran and Ji Xiaonian''s rtionship had ignited again due to these two songs, and the harsh words from the ck fans were not as intense anymore.


    "Actually, I suddenly feel that Ji Xiaonian is not bad, look, her singing is quite nice."


    "The more I look at her, the more likable she bes, what''s going on?"


    "Revealed, I was just ck-ing her and ended up bing a fan haha haha haha, she''s so beautiful!"


    "Have you seen the post, Ji Xiaonian went to a high-end restaurant to have a meal alone with a man."


    "Saw it saw it, but it''s really strange, the news was deleted shortly after it was released."


    "The power of the capitalists?"


    "Actually, Ji Xiaonian should really love Cheng Liran, otherwise why from the breakup until now, she has never publicly mentioned him."


    "Breakup reveals one''s character, she''s a pretty good girl."


    Time always passes quickly when busy, and the online news also gradually cooled down over time.


    As for Ji Nian, she was busy in the crew, and after being busy for a while, her first TV drama finally wrapped up at the end of September!


    "Little Nian, you muste to the cast dinner tonight." The director was excited, as he intuitively felt that this drama would be a hit, even though no information about it had been released online yet.


    Ji Nian was about to happily agree, but He Yi directlyughed and said, "Director, sorry! Our little Nian has just signed on to another crew, and she needs to rush over there tomorrow."


    The director was taken aback, then heughed heartily and said, "Okay, it''s normal for you young people to be busy."


    In fact, the wrap-up dinner was usually attended by the crew members and supporting actors. Many of the main actors would be absent due to various schedule conflicts, and the director was already used to it, so he didn''t think much of it.


    "Little Nian, keep it up, there will be opportunities to coborate again in the future." The director smiled.


    Ji Nian obediently nodded and said, "Thank you, Director!"


    Seeing the director leave, He Yi turned to Shen Shuyao and asked, "Shuyao, aren''t you going to take a week''s vacation?"


    Shen Shuyao nodded, her face blushing slightly, as she said, "I promised Zhan to take a vacation and apany him to his home this week."


    "Tsk tsk tsk." Ji Nian stood beside them, nudging her eyebrows.


    "He said he''ll take me to his family this week." Shen Shuyao blushed, feeling both nervous and excited.


    "Don''t worry, President Ye''s family will definitely like you." Ji Nian said confidently.


    Shen Shuyao was taken aback, feeling a bit uneasy, as she said, "My family is not as good as his, I don''t know if they will look down on me..."


    "No, no, no." You''re the only one who can touch the male lead, his family will definitely treat you like a treasure, Ji Nian smiled.


    Shen Shuyao looked touched and said, "Little Nian always encourages and believes in me."


    "We''re best friends, after all." Ji Nian winked yfully, of course she believed in her, she was the female lead!


    Shen Shuyao''s eyes shone brightly as she nodded seriously and said, "Yes! Best friends!"


    He Yi looked at them with a mushy expression and said, "You two are really suited for each other, if someone didn''t know better, they''d think you two were dating."


    Ji Nian rolled her eyes at him and said, "Cut it out, you''re just jealous."


    He Yi rolled his eyes back at her and said, "Sister, it''ste, hurry back, I''lle pick you up tomorrow."


    Shen Shuyao covered her mouth and chuckled, "Zhan''s car is already parked at the entrance, I''ll head off first."


    "Bye bye." Ji Nian waved.


    He Yi also went to the rest area to pack up, and said, "Sister, wait for me here, I''ll quickly go pack up the things I brought these past few days."


    "Go, go." Ji Nian put her hands in her pockets, even though it was just autumn, the temperature difference at night was quiterge, and she felt even colder.


    Cheng Liran was also preparing to rush to another schedule, but he couldn''t help but walk over to the woman standing alone. He stopped in front of her, and in fact, aside from filming, they rarely interacted during normal times.


    Ji Nian looked at the man in front of her, and suddenly she was taken aback. Now when she saw this man, she wouldn''t feel heartbroken anymore, but asionally she would still feel ufortable, though not as intensely as before.


    "In the past period, the online rumors were all saying you were a mysterious person." Cheng Liran, with his aloof temperament, was wearing a jacket and a ck baseball cap, looking a bit more ruggedly handsome.


    "Huh?" So what? Ji Nian was taken aback, what was he trying to express?


    "I actually regret signing that contract with you." Cheng Liran pursed his lips and said faintly, "I think maybe it''s because we started off on the wrong foot, that''s why you, the you now, doesn''t seem like you."


    Ji Nian was taken aback. She didn''t know what kind of contract the original owner had with him, but it was obvious that her heart was aching again.


    "What was I like before?" Ji Nian asked. Actually, during this period of interaction, she felt that Cheng Liran wasn''t a bad person, but why did the original owner be so depressed that shemitted suicide? What was the reason?


    "Before...you..." Cheng Liran was taken aback, thinking back to that time when the woman had an expression of self-abasement, with a sense of mncholy that was hard to conceal, but every time she saw him, her expression would instantly brighten.


    "Even though I rarely tried to understand you, at that time, you must have been very lonely." Cheng Liran thought about the recent filming, and he didn''t know why, but this cheerful Ji Xiaonian and the previous Ji Xiaonian, although their faces were exactly the same, they looked so different.


    "Honestly, you''re doing pretty well now, at least you seem much happier. I''m really sorry for how I treated you before," Cheng Liran said, feeling a bit guilty.


    Ji Nian''s eyes glistened with tears, her heart not aching as much as it was suddenly filled with mncholy. She spoke, "Have you ever thought that perhaps this apology is toote?"


    And that former Ji Xiaonian was gone, lying lifeless in the bloodstained bathtub of that empty vi.

 Chapter 120: The Airport

    <h4>Chapter 120</h4>


    Unable to sleep through the night, not for any other reason, but because of what Cheng Liran had said, those words "you must be very lonely," Ji Xiaonian had pondered over them the whole evening.


    In truth, she was also a very lonely person, whether in the past or present.


    In the past, she was a child abandoned by her parents due to their divorce. No one wanted the burden of raising her, and the period when her grandparents took care of her was the happiest time of her life.


    But when they passed away one after the other, she had been alone ever since, eating alone, working alone in other cities. She would asionally have meals with colleagues, but her daily life was still a lonely one.


    But Ji Xiaonian? What was loneliness? Why, for such a long time until now, had none of her rtives ever contacted her?


    What kind of family did Ji Xiaonian have? She had no clue, not even a hint from her friends'' circles on WeChat, Weibo, or anywhere else.


    "Sis, you look so tired." Early in the morning, He Yi came to pick her up, as they were preparing to go to the new film crew for shooting.


    Ji Xiaonian sighed, recalling how He Yi had spent the early morning packing, with tworge suitcases full of luggage. She asked, "Where''s the new film crew located?"


    "Sis, can you focus a bit? We''re about to board a flight," He Yi looked at her in shock.


    Ji Xiaonian finally snapped out of it, having almost forgotten that they were heading out to shoot a film. She hadn''t slept the previous night and her mind was hazy.


    "Sorry, I was a bit dazed," Ji Xiaonian yawned, her spiritcking.


    At the airport, He Yi dragged two suitcases while Ji Xiaonian pulled one. Two of the suitcases were packed by He Yi for Ji Xiaonian, and the other one was He Yi''s own.


    As Ji Xiaonian was currently a rather popr figure, essentially a viral sensation, most people who followed online news would recognize her. So this time, she hade fully prepared with a fisherman''s hat,rge sunsses, and a face mask.


    Suddenly, there was amotion as many young girls carrying signs rushed hurriedly toward a certain area.


    Ji Xiaonian stared nkly at the crowded mass of people in the distance and asked the nearby He Yi, "What''s going on?"


    He Yi remained calm, saying, "Probably that celebrity."


    Seeing the screaming girls and the densely packed crowd, Ji Xiaonian remarked, "What a big fuss."


    He Yi also sighed, recalling how when she had apanied Shen Shuyao, there were also many fans surrounding them, truly an experience.


    "We''re both celebrities, but why am I treated like this?" Ji Xiaonian was perplexed. "Is my approach wrong? I have over fifty million Weibo followers..."


    "And why do other celebrities have bodyguards and a whole team behind them when making public appearances, but I only have you?" Ji Xiaonian asked in bewilderment.


    He Yi paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "We are a bit pitiful, but it''s safe for us to travel like this. See, no one has noticed us."


    Ji Xiaonian sensed an air of awkwardness. "You have a point. I don''t need such a big fuss."


    He Yi said helplessly, "Although you''re very popr now, you haven''t produced any substantial work. Apart from the mysterious song given to you, despite your many Weibo followers and online listeners, you have very few true fans. For now, those bodyguards and entourages behind celebrities are unnecessary for you."


    "In the end, it''s because I''m not good enough," Ji Xiaonian nodded.


    "Work hard and try to get a good project under your belt. This movie is a great opportunity, with Director Xiao being renowned both at home and abroad," He Yi smiled.


    "Just focus on the work and make money to prepare for retirement," Ji Xiaonian''s only goal now was toze around at home without worrying about anything, as long as she had money to spend.


    Knowing her apathetic nature, He Yi looked at her helplessly. She truly had no ambition whatsoever.


    "Hey, I think those fans'' signs are for Yu Luobai," He Yi said in surprise.


    "Really?" Ji Xiaonian also looked closely, seeing the dense crowd.


    "Yeah, who else could cause such amotion? It must be Yu Luobai," He Yiughed. "But there are too many people, so let''s just skip the greetings. We can''t squeeze through that crowd anyway."


    Ji Xiaonian looked over and froze for a moment. Yu Luobai was such an outstanding person, loved by so many.


    And yet, he actually liked her? It was truly a wondrous thing, and she didn''t know how long this affection of his wouldst.


    The entertainment industry nevercked beautiful women or outstanding individuals. Perhaps after some time, he would realize that the woman he liked was just an ordinary person without any special qualities.


    Ji Xiaonian was insecure at heart. She didn''t dare to date or perhaps even avoided it, likely due to the disharmony in her family growing up, which made her constantly guarded.


    "Let''s go, we need to check in our luggage," He Yi urged, dragging the suitcases.


    Ji Xiaonian followed slowly behind. Once inside the airport, it became much quieter, as those fans couldn''t enter.


    "You''re in business ss," He Yi handed her the ticket. "I''m in economy, so we''ll be seated separately. Just wait for me after wend."


    "Okay," Ji Xiaonian took the ticket.


    Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a WeChat message.


    Yu Luobai: I saw you.


    Ji Xiaonian was surprised. Even wrapped up like this, he could still recognize her? Although she felt a strange sensation, she responded with a teasing tone.


    Ji Xiaonian: Who caused such a big fuss? It turned out to be Teacher Yu traveling.


    Yu Luobai: (Knock knock) I don''t know who leaked the information, but fans came to see me off.


    Ji Xiaonian: Is Teacher Yu also preparing to go out for work?


    Yu Luobai: Took on a new project, will be staying out for a while.


    Ji Xiaonian: How coincidental, I''m also going out for work.


    In the VIP lounge, Yu Luobai held his phone with a gentle expression and a slight smile.


    Yu Luobai: That is quite a coincidence. You haven''te for acting ssestely, has your acting improved?


    Ji Xiaonian: It must have improved, considering it''s three thousand per lesson.


    Yu Luobai: I can teach you for free.


    Ji Xiaonian stared at her phone screen without replying. To be honest, her current rtionship with him was rather awkward. They weren''t lovers, yet they interacted harmoniously.


    She wanted to avoid this rtionship, but couldn''t help but be drawn to it, so she always maintained a natural attitude. She knew this wasn''t right, but her heart was conflicted.


    Seeing that she didn''t respond, a hint of disappointment shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes. Bored, he began scrolling through their previous chat history.


    Peng He shook his head helplessly upon witnessing this. If those fans saw their idol behaving so meekly in pursuit of a woman, their hearts would surely shatter.


    Who would have thought that a man with such a handsome appearance, good character, and deep family background would struggle to win over a woman? Thinking about it, Peng He felt a sense of bnce in his heart and wanted tough out loud at the heavens.

 Chapter 121: The Leading Man Is Hulobert

    <h4>Chapter 121</h4>


    After getting off the ne, Ji Nian followed the crew''s pickup person to the hotel.


    Since she didn''t sleep wellst night, she had just taken a nap on the ne, and upon arriving at the hotel, she immediately started reading the script, learning that the plot was about a modern special police officer falling in love and at odds with a mafia boss.


    The entire story revolves around drug interdiction and arms trafficking, with the male lead pretending to be a hoodlum getting close to the female lead, from initial battles of wits to both of them bing deeply entangled, and eventually parting ways for the sake of justice.


    "Whoa, there''s even a kissing scene!" Ji Nian eximed in surprise, looking at He Yi who was drinking water and staring at her in disbelief.


    He Yi gave her a slightly annoyed look and said, "Isn''t a kissing scene normal? Previously in the crew, Shuyao and Cheng Liran also had kissing scenes, but they were stand-ins, and President Ye wouldn''t allow the real thing."


    "Do I have a stand-in as well?" Ji Nian asked.


    "Do you not know your own stature? Shuyao couldn''t film kissing and intimate scenes, so President Ye arranged for a stand-in. You, on the other hand..." He Yi said in astonishment, then continued, "Sister, kissing scenes are normal, can you please be more professional about it?"


    "Well..." Ji Nian wasn''tcking in professionalism, but it just felt strange to her, as she had never been in a rtionship before.


    "Let me tell you, Director Xiao is a renowned international director. I don''t know why he chose you, but he''s known to be very strict. Kissing scenes! You really can''t have a stand-in," He Yi gave her a ''you''re on your own'' look.


    Ji Nian paused, involuntarily touching her lips and asking, "Who''s the male lead?"


    "How would I know? Hurry up, let''s go take the costume photos," He Yi urged.


    Ji Nian followed in a daze, her mind filled with the thought of the kissing scene. Although it was just acting, she still felt it was quite strange, and had the feeling she couldn''t bring herself to do it...


    The staff politely led them to the filming location.


    Director Xiao was reviewing the script, discussing the scenes with the other two supporting actors, and when he saw the actress arrive, a look of fascination shed across his eyes, and he stood up.


    "You must be Ji Xiaonian?" Director Xiao was very satisfied with her appearance, although she looked like a student, her face was even more suitable for the role than in the photos - cold and enchantingly beautiful.


    "Hello, Director," Ji Nian looked at the young man in front of her, who seemed quite amiable, never imagining he was a renowned international director, truly a young and aplished individual.


    "Mm, good." Director Xiao nodded and said, "Go get your makeup done first, thene back to rehearse a scene with the male lead."


    Ji Nian still had a somewhat bewildered expression, wanting to curiously ask who the male lead was, but she was directly pulled away by He Yi.


    Peng He saw Ji Nian''s retreating figure, then looked at his artist''s smiling face, inwardly calling him a "cunning fellow."


    "Luo Bai, getting you to ept this role wasn''t easy at all," Director Xiao said with a smile as he saw the man already in costume.


    Yu Luobai had changed into a police uniform, his handsome face now exuding a sense of steadfastness and ruggedness, his tall stature making the uniform look even more imposing.


    "Acting..." Yu Luobai chuckled, a gentle look shing in his eyes. "I''ll teach her well."


    Director Xiao knew there was a hidden motive, and he quietly sidled up, saying, "Are you interested in Ji Xiaonian?"


    This project had been in preparation for a long time, and he had wanted to invite Yu Luobai to y the male lead, but because of the many kissing scenes involved, even though it was a good project, it had been rejected.


    Last time he saw Yu Luobai''s concert, Director Xiao had been drawn to Ji Xiaonian''s face, thinking that she was perfect for the female lead role - enchantingly beautiful yet with a cold elegance. So he had contacted HuaYu Company.


    As a result, when Yu Luobai heard about it, he directly agreed to y the male lead.


    "So if she has any issues, tell me, I''ll go solve them. You need to curb that fierce temper of yours," Yu Luobai said with a raised brow.


    "Alright, I''m just an outsider, you take charge as the director," Director Xiao said with a hint of annoyance. "But the end result has to be good, no matter what."


    "Okay." Yu Luobai was pleased by the words "your person," his eyes gleaming with delight.


    Ji Nian was wearing a ck tight-fitting halter dress with a peplum, a burgundy leather jacket, her long hair curled into big waves, her face made up elegantly, the bright red lipstick making her look breathtakingly beautiful.


    But this stunning woman was currently being supported by her manager, as Ji Nian stared at the twelve-centimeter high heels on her feet, wincing, "Goodness, my feet are killing me..."


    "Sister, it''s not that bad," He Yi rolled her eyes, but still supported her, saying, "Didn''t you used to wear high heels before? Why can''t you walk in them now?"


    Ji Nian walked in a crooked manner, swearing that she had never worn such high heels before. "It''s been so long, I feel like I can''t wear them anymore..."


    He Yi thought about it and realized she was right, it had been a while since she''d worn high heels. During the previous concert, those had only been mid-heels, around five or six centimeters, but these were a whole twelve centimeters - no wonder they were so difficult.


    "Go practice at home, you need to get used to walking in them. As an elegantdy type, you have to master it," He Yi instructed.


    Ji Nian nodded, adapting a bit, but still felt ufortable walking. She nced over towards the director''s side, only to unexpectedly spot a familiar face.


    "Professor Yu!" Ji Nian eximed in surprise, as if she couldn''t believe it. "What are you doing here?"


    Yu Luobai had already noticed her awkward gait in the high heels, the corners of his mouth curving upwards with amusement as he looked at her.


    Ji Nian was stunned for a moment, her eyes shining with delight, her pace quickening, but suddenly she stumbled and ended up falling into his embrace.


    Yu Luobai was quick to catch the girl throwing herself at him, chuckling teasingly, "So excited to see me, are you? Jumping into my arms as soon as you arrive."


    Ji Nian blushed, steadying herself and releasing her arms from around the man, embarrassed. "Sorry about that, Professor Yu, these heels are just too high."


    Yu Luobai, seeing her attire today, was also captivated. Fortunately, the outfit was still rtively normal - if it had been too sexy, he definitely would have made her change.


    "So this is my female lead!" Director Xiao eximed excitedly upon seeing the woman''s appearance.


    This was exactly the image he had in mind for the mafia boss - alluring yet wild, with big wavy hair, fiery red lips, and high heels, practically the embodiment of the character.


    "Though she stillcks a bit of that aura of authority," Director Xiao mused, carefully examining her again. "Xiaonian, don''t look so bewildered, give me a cold, disdainful expression, as if you''re looking down on everyone without needing to even nce at them."


    Ji Nian paused, then followed the director''s instructions, quietlyposing herself and gazing indifferently.


    "Good! That''s it!" Director Xiao said excitedly. "Alright, let''s go take the costume photos and do a scene trial."


    "Professor Yu, are you the male lead?" Ji Nian reverted to her confused expression.


    Yu Luobai smiled, nodding. "Looking forward to our coboration."


    He Yi immediately guessed the hidden connection, could it be that Ji Xiaonian was able to get this role because of Yu Luobai?


    "Director Xiao is very picky about who he chooses, he felt your image was suitable, that''s why he cast you. I only found outter," Yu Luobai habitually patted her head, not wanting her to misunderstand.


    "You knew but didn''t tell me." Ji Nian recalled their conversation at the airport, realizing this man had been pretending to be unaware.


    "Details like that had to be kept confidential before I joined the crew," Yu Luobai said gently, looking down at her.


    "Okay." Ji Nian pouted, feeling she had been tricked. So he had known all along, but just didn''t tell her.

 Chapter 122: Is it a Borrow

    <h4>Chapter 122</h4>


    "The male and female leads should stand a little closer to create contrast," the cameraman instructed from the side.


    Ji Nian felt somewhat awkward, unsure of how to act and appearing flustered.


    Noticing her state, Yu Luobai reached out and pulled her close by the waist. Ji Nian turned her head to look at him in surprise.


    "Good!" The photographer snapped a shot, capturing the unguarded moment.


    "Ji Nian, your character is the leader of a gang. You need to project a strong aura, like a queen looking down upon the world," the director, Mr. Xiao, guided from the side.


    "Nian Nian, you need to be more aloof. You''re someone who walks in the darkness," Yu Luobai whispered in her ear.


    Ji Nian nodded, trying to adjust her state of mind, then applying the acting skills she had learned during this period.


    After an afternoon spent not only taking portraits but also rehearsing some scenes, thanks to Yu Luobai''s assistance, she managed to get through it smoothly.


    Upon returning to the hotel, Ji Nian felt mentally and physically exhausted. She had rushed to catch a flight in the morning, and in the afternoon, she had to rehearse, get makeup done, and take portrait shots.


    "Tomorrow we start filming. I think you should spend tonight studying the script and immersing yourself in understanding your character," He Yi advised.


    "Okay." Ji Nian had intended to rest, but those words made her too anxious to sleep.


    "Where are you going?" He Yi asked, puzzled, as he saw her getting up.


    "To rehearse with Teacher Yu." Ji Nian grabbed the script and headed out, only to realize after closing the door that she didn''t know which room Yu Luobai was staying in.


    She took out her phone and asked the man.


    Ji Nian: Teacher Yu, which room are you in?


    Yu Luobai was momentarily surprised when he received the message but replied.


    Yu Luobai: 1608


    Ji Nian: !!!


    Yu Luobai didn''t understand the meaning of the three exmation marks until he heard a knock at the door. He walked over and opened it.


    "What a coincidence! I''m right across from you," Ji Nian said, surprised.


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved into a smile when he saw her, motioning for her toe in. "It is quite a coincidence." Though, in fact, he had arranged it.


    "I came to rehearse with you. I''m a bit unsure about this character," Ji Nian said, approaching with a studious attitude.


    Yu Luobai nced outside. The sun had set, and with the recent cooler weather, night fell quickly.


    "Have you had dinner?" Yu Luobai asked with a smile.


    Ji Nian shook her head. "Not yet."


    "I ordered some food. It should be here soon. Shall we eat together?" Yu Luobai offered.


    "Okay..." Ji Nian blinked her eyes and nodded.


    "Give me the script," Yu Luobai extended his hand.


    Ji Nian handed him the script, watching as he took it and gave it a cursory nce.


    "I''ve familiarized myself with the script. The female lead is an antagonist, but also a pitiable character. She had a difficult upbringing and has been involved in gambling dens, nightclubs, and bars since she was sixteen. Later, she found a gang leader to be her ''big brother.''"


    As Yu Luobai spoke, he stole nces at the woman listening intently, his lips curving slightly upward. "After that, she followed her ''big brother'' into increasingly serious criminal activities, starting with gambling, drugs, and human trafficking. Eventually, they even began smuggling arms from abroad. She''s a heartless person who only cares about her own enjoyment because from a young age, no one taught her right from wrong."


    "A female demon," Ji Nian remarked.


    "This female demon was the biggest headache for the police because her influence extended far and wide. She was in cahoots with the government, and her mysterious ''big brother'' backed her up. To take down the entire group, the police sent in an undercover officer to infiltrate her circle and gain her trust."


    "And then the female demon fell in love with this undercover officer," Ji Nian said.


    "Yes, the female demon was extremely starved of love. Having walked in darkness for so long, her heart was lonely. For the first time, she fell in love, but it was shrouded in suspicion. Even after she discovered the man was an undercover officer sent by the police, she still loved him wholeheartedly," Yu Luobai exined earnestly.


    "And in the end, this man used his own gun to kill her," Ji Nian realized.


    Yu Luobai nodded. "The plot is quite conflicted. One side represents justice, the other evil. The undercover officer understood the woman''s past and pitied her, even loving her. But his beliefs told him this was wrong. During an arrest operation, seeing the woman about to escape, he resolutely fired the fatal shot."


    "Ah..." Ji Nian was moved by the story. The female demon deserved her fate, but the man shooting her with his own hand was also a highlight of the plot: a difficult choice made for justice.


    "The ending is quite touching," Yu Luobai had found the plotpelling from the start, but he had regretfully turned it down because he disliked filming kissing scenes.


    "In the final lines, the undercover officer says he couldn''t bear to see her die by another''s gun, so he chose to eliminate the source of evil himself, even if it meant a lifetime of pain," Ji Nian recited the closing lines.


    "The female lead will be rtively easy to portray in the beginning, but her inner conflicts and intense emotional scenester on will be challenging to grasp," Yu Luobai said.


    "Teacher Yu, I''m so d you''re the male lead. Wuwuwu..." He could help her make up for herck of acting experience.


    Yu Luobai was taken aback, an unusual feeling shing through his heart. She was d he was the male lead? Did that mean she liked him?


    Ji Nian was oblivious to the man''s thoughts, only wanting to ovee the challenges of this role. To be honest, she quite liked the story''s theme and hoped to put in her best effort to portray the character well.


    "Let''s rehearse," Ji Nian said eagerly, plopping down cross-legged on the sofa in her slippers.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes sparkled with amusement as he nodded. "Okay."


    Time passed quickly, and they had been rehearsing for nearly half an hour when the room service arrived with their food.


    "Let''s eat first," Yu Luobai set down the script.


    Ji Nian''s stomach had started to rumble as well, so she nodded. But then she suddenly remembered the most important thing.


    "Teacher Yu, I just remembered, there''s a kissing scene!" Ji Nian eximed in shock. How could she have forgotten? She hadpletely overlooked it!


    Yu Luobai choked on the food he had just put in his mouth, coughing violently.


    Ji Nian looked on in bewilderment. A kissing scene... with him...


    Her face turned red instantly as images shed through her mind. Her heart began to race. Wait, was she actually looking forward to it? No, no, no, she needed to stay calm...


    Yu Luobai also forced himself to calm down. He never expected her to only just discover the kissing scene in the script, and to state it so bluntly.


    "Teacher Yu... you''ve been acting for so many years. Surely you''ve filmed kissing scenes before..." Ji Nian ventured cautiously.


    Yu Luobai paused, then shook his head. "I''ve never filmed a kissing scene before."


    Ji Nian stared at him, blinking in disbelief. The pinnacle of the entertainment industry, countless awards and films, yet he had never filmed a kissing scene?


    "Then this time... will it be a body double for the kissing scene?" Ji Nian pondered. Since Yu Luobai never took on kissing scenes, and this script had one, it must be a body double...


    Yu Luobai''s ears turned slightly red as he feignedposure. "It should be a body double."


    "Phew..." Ji Nian let out a sigh of relief, but her heart flickered with an inexplicable sense of disappointment. What was going on?!

 Chapter 123: High Heels

    <h4>Chapter 123</h4>


    The next day, Ji Nian was just about to leave when she found Yu Luobai returning, sweating profusely, wearing sports clothes.


    His disheveled hair, the loose ck tank top, and the defined muscle lines on his arms were directly exposed.


    "Where are you going?" Yu Luobai smiled, looking at her still slightly drowsy eyes.


    Ji Nian nced at her phone, it was 7:30 in the morning, and eximed: "Does Mr. Yu get up so early to exercise?"


    A warm look shed in Yu Luobai''s eyes, and he replied: "The gym is on the 16th floor of the hotel, the crew has booked the entire floor, so there are not many outsiders around."


    Ji Nian nced at his whole body out of the corner of her eye, and then remembered his previous toned abs, sighing inwardly, "No wonder people with good figures are so self-disciplined."


    "I''m going to find He Yi, we need to go to the set," Ji Nian said.


    "Do you want to wait for me?" Yu Luobai''s mouth curled up, he was very happy to be able to spend time with her every day during this period.


    Huh? Wait for him? Ji Nian looked up at his smiling eyes and was momentarily stunned by his handsome face, nodding dumbly, "Okay..."


    Yu Luobai''s eyes became even more gentle, and he said, "Have you had breakfast yet? Would you like to have it together? I also have some snacks in my room, do you want toe in? I''ll just take a shower and change my clothes."


    "What kind of snacks?" Ji Nian was puzzled, as she didn''t see them yesterday. Going in to wait wouldn''t be a problem, as it was a suite with a living room and balcony, but shouldn''t she avoid any impropriety?


    She felt something was off, their rtionship was already quite good, and she had even been to his room yesterday, so avoiding impropriety might be toote now. As Ji Nian was pondering, Yu Luobai was trying to guide her into the room, his eyes sparkling with amusement.


    "After we have breakfast, we can have some snacks too," Yu Luobai said.


    "Uh, I can just have breakfast at the set as well, I''ll wait for you there," Ji Nian said awkwardly.


    Yu Luobaiughed and naturally patted her head, saying, "The breakfast at the set is just soy milk and fried dough sticks, very high in calories."


    "What are you hesitating about? It''s just having breakfast together, why are you so hesitant?" Yu Luobai raised an eyebrow.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, thinking that since they were already so close, there was no need to be so picky. Although she knew he liked her, she should have maintained a distance. But every time they interacted, it felt like they were friends, yet also felt somewhat ambiguous. In any case, she didn''t dislike it, and actually quite enjoyed spending time with him.


    "Alright..." Ji Nian answered.


    Yu Luobai was in a cheerful mood, swiped his room card, and went in, with Ji Nian following behind him. She slowly walked to the sofa in the living room and started to flip through the magazines on the table, feeling a bit bored.


    Yu Luobai took out yogurt from the fridge, as well as some small snacks that he had specially asked Peng He to bringst night, ced them on the table, and smiled, "Don''t eat too much, or you won''t have room for breakfastter. Wait here for me."


    Ji Nian looked at the snacks she could eat, swallowing hard. She hadn''t had snacks in a long time, as He Yi was always making her watch her weight.


    "These won''t make you gain weight, but you also can''t eat too much," Yu Luobai chuckled, seeing that she was craving the snacks.


    "Mm-hmm." Ji Nian obediently nodded, picking up the yogurt and taking a sip.


    Yu Luobai casually patted her head and went back to the room to get his clothes, nning to take a shower and wash off the sweat.


    At this moment, Ji Nian''s phone suddenly rang, and she saw it was a WeChat message from He Yi.


    He Yi: Sister, are you up yet?


    Ji Nian: I just got up, I''m at Mr. Yu''s ce, you can go to the set first and wait for me.


    He Yi: ??????


    He Yi: Things are moving so fast?


    He Yi: Wow!


    He Yi: Quick, tell me, is Mr. Yu impressive?


    Ji Nian almost spat out the yogurt she had just sipped, stunned by He Yi''s lewd words.


    Ji Nian: You''re talking nonsense, I just happened to run into him, and he asked me to have breakfast with him.


    He Yi: Tsk tsk tsk, Mr. Yu is so good to you, just give in to him.


    Ji Nian: (rolls eyes)


    He Yi: I wonder how Mr. Yu''s skills are, with his great physique.


    Ji Nian''s face instantly turned red, He Yi''s vulgarments in the morning were a bit overwhelming. She regretted telling her she was at Mr. Yu''s ce.


    Ji Nian: You single dog, your mind is full of all kinds of crazy thoughts.


    He Yi: Hmph~


    He Yi: I''m going to the set, you two have fun~


    Ji Nian: Goodbye!


    Ji Nian took a deep breath, feeling ashamed. He Yi, that unreliable one, just a few words could make her flustered and her heart race.


    "Daydreaming?" Yu Luobai had just finished his shower, the water droplets on his head not yet dried, as he walked over and asked.


    Ji Nian was startled, quickly turning off her phone screen, afraid he would see the chat history.


    Yu Luobai noticed her nervous reaction and raised an eyebrow, so tense?


    "No, it''s just that He Yi was urging me to go to the set..." Ji Nian''s face was still a bit flushed.


    Yu Luobai didn''t understand, saying, "Actually, going to the set too early also means waiting. The crew needs time to have breakfast and set up the equipment."


    Ji Nian felt a little ufortable, turning her head to the side, picking up the snacks on the table and eating them, trying to distract herself from the embarrassment.


    By the time they arrived at the set, it was already 8:30, and the crew had also resumed normal operations.


    Ji Nian had her makeup done and was carefully walking out in her 12cm high heels.


    He Yi hurried over to support her, saying, "Not bad, much more natural than yesterday."


    Yu Luobai, dressed in a police uniform, looked handsome, causing a group of female crew members to blush.


    The director saw the woman walking out and said, "Xiao Nian, you need to project a strong presence for the next scene. The first scene is you going to the docks to do a drug deal, and you get ambushed by the police, and the male lead Special Forces officer happens to see you from afar at that moment."


    "Okay." Ji Nian nodded, her current biggest difficulty was how to walk with poise in these 12cm high heels, it was so damn hard, she felt unbnced.


    "Practice walking first, even if it hurts, you have to endure it," Director Xiao smiled, also amazed that he had never encountered a female actor who couldn''t walk in high heels.


    Ji Nian had a pained expression, if only the heels were a little lower, she would be so much happier.


    "Sister,e on, move it, walk naturally," He Yi urged her to practice.


    Ji Nian endured the difort from the high heels and tried her best to practice walking.


    Yu Luobai couldn''t help but furrow his brows, asking, "Do the shoes really have to be that high?"


    "Worried about her?" the director teased, saying, "They have to be high, shorter heels won''t project the right presence."


    Yu Luobai didn''t say anything, just quietly watching the person practicing.


    Ji Nian practiced for about ten minutes, gradually adapting, although her feet were still hurting, but there was no other choice, she had to endure it.


    "Xiao Nian, are you ready?" the director saw the set was ready and urged her.


    "Yes, yes, I''m ready." Ji Nian hurriedly went over.


    "Okay, actors in position, let''s begin!" the director shouted.

 Chapter 124: When You Think about it

    <h4>Chapter 124</h4>


    Since it was for a movie shoot, the plot was quite tight, with a full day of filming, and Ji Nian''s legs were no longer her own.


    When the director announced that they could wrap up, Ji Nian heaved a sigh of relief, and the moment she took off her high heels and felt her bare feet on the ground, she eximed, "Wow! This feels amazing!" Her legs were aching terribly.


    He Yiughed and pulled out a pair of slippers from her bag for Ji Nian to put on.


    "Sis, be careful not to catch a cold."


    Yu Luobai came over, having changed out of his police uniform and now wearing a ck hoodie, which looked quite handsome on him.


    "Can you still walk?" Yu Luobai asked with a frown, seeing her toes turning red.


    Ji Nian was not that delicate, though it hurt and she was limping, but she figured a good soak in the tub when she got back would fix it.


    "I''m fine, I just need to rest up when I get back," she said with a smile.


    "I might not be able to head back so soon. Will you be okay on your own, sis?" He Yi asked.


    "Sote? What do you need to do?" Ji Nian asked, puzzled.


    "Late? It''s just after 8 pm." He Yi replied irritably, "There''s an endorsement deal, and they just contacted me about signing Shu Yao. I need to call them back to discuss the details."


    "Okay, then I''ll head back on my own," Ji Nian nodded.


    "I''ll go back too, it''s on the way," Yu Luobai said quietly from the side.


    He Yi looked at them knowingly and smiled, "Okay, sis, you can go back with Teacher Yu. The set is still quite a distance from the hotel, and it''s not safe at night."


    Ji Nian nodded, "Alright, then we''re off. Bye!"


    "Okay." He Yi watched their retreating figures, the tall and short figures in ck hoodies... It kind of looked like a couple''s outfit.


    Ji Nian''s feet were aching and freezing in the cold night, so she was walking slowly.


    Yu Luobai stopped, and in the dim streetlight, he could see the pained expression on her face.


    "What''s wrong?" Ji Nian asked, surprised, "Aren''t you leaving, Teacher Yu?"


    Yu Luobai pressed his lips together, then suddenly lifted her up effortlessly, like carrying a child.


    Ji Nian was startled, the sudden weightlessness making her instinctively wrap her arms around his neck.


    "Teacher Yu!"


    Yu Luobai, keeping a stern expression, said, "Don''t move."


    Ji Nian froze, staring at his face up close, unable to move.


    "I''ll ask the director to get you some shoes with a lower heel tomorrow," Yu Luobai said, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at her swollen toes, already nning his revenge.


    "I can walk on my own, Teacher Yu, you can put me down," Ji Nian said weakly.


    Yu Luobai held her head against his shoulder and said, "There''s no one around."


    Ji Nian''s heart was pounding at this sudden disy of affection, and she couldn''t help but think that maybe she should give love a try.


    "Then just set me down at the hotel entrance..." Ji Nian said softly.


    Yu Luobai, knowing she was willing to let him carry her, smiled and said, "I don''t mind being seen."


    "I do..." Ji Nian blushed.


    "How about we start dating?" Yu Luobai asked, holding the petite woman in his arms, the corners of his mouth turning up, his eyes filled with tenderness as he looked at the path ahead, wanting to hold her like this forever.


    Ji Nian swallowed hard, his casual tone making her heart race.


    "Let me think about it..." Ji Nian said, dazed.


    Yu Luobai chuckled and asked, "What do you need to think about?"


    Ji Nian shook her head, feeling like this love was too unreal to be true.


    "I like you, and you like me, so what''s the issue? I''ll take care of anything you''re concerned about," Yu Luobai said, raising an eyebrow. He noted that she felt very light in his arms, he''d have to make sure she didn''t just eat sds and other nutritionless things.


    Seeing her thoughts had been seen through, Ji Nian tried to deny it, "Teacher Yu, you''re too conceited. How do you know I like you?"


    "I remember you said you like abs," Yu Luobai chuckled, looking down at her tenderly. "I can let you touch mine every day."


    Ji Nian''s face instantly flushed red. Was he starting to seduce her? And she was finding it rather tempting.


    "I still need to think about it," Ji Nian suddenly felt Yu Luobai was being too naughty!


    Yu Luobai knew she wouldn''t agree easily, but he didn''t mind. In fact, he was used to her rejections, though this time there was progress, so he''d try again next time.


    "Okay, take your time to think about it." Yu Luobai''s eyes were warm as he said, "Just let me know when you''ve decided."


    Ji Nian turned her head away ufortably and said, "Have you really never dated anyone before?" He was so good at flirting.


    "No, I haven''t," Yu Luobai replied with a smile. When he was younger, many people had liked him, but most were just after his family''s status.


    "I don''t believe you," Ji Nian scoffed. Men''s words were as unreliable as the wind.


    "It''s true," Yu Luobai said patiently.


    "You must have been very popr when you were in school, and now with all your fans in the entertainment industry, not to mention all the beautiful women..." Ji Nian listed them all out.


    Yu Luobai found it amusing and nodded, "You have a point."


    "So why have you never dated anyone? That doesn''t make sense." Ji Nian had never dated anyone herself, because of her ownck of qualifications, so she had always been single.


    Yu Luobai raised an eyebrow and looked at her seriously, "Maybe I was waiting for you."


    Ji Nian was taken aback, and her already pounding heart started racing again.


    "Teacher Yu is just saying sweet things." Ji Nian pretended to be calm.


    "To be honest, I''m not sure when I started liking you." Yu Luobai continued walking slowly, not at all bothered by carrying her.


    "Maybe it was from spending time together, and realizing you''re a very cute and easygoing person, serious about your work, unafraid of difficulties, and always positive." Yu Luobai smiled, finding it quite remarkable himself.


    "So it''s a case of slowly falling in love." Ji Nian said.


    "I suppose so." Yu Luobai felt she had a point. Perhaps it was this period of being together that made him discover how interesting she was.


    Ji Nian paused, then asked, "But what if you end up spending a lot of time with another woman in the future? Won''t you also slowly fall for her?"


    "I don''t think so." As they reached the hotel entrance, Yu Luobai gently set her down.


    Ji Nian stood there, the pain in her feet easing a bit. She slowly made her way through the lobby and they got on the elevator.


    "Why not?" Ji Nian didn''t understand. She had seen so many celebrity couples in the news who would divorce at the drop of a hat, with hardly anysting rtionships.


    "Your environment is so good, your family background is excellent. Maybe you''re used to being with people of equal status, and one day you''ll find me, a meremoner, quite interesting. Butter, you might feel someone more on your level would be more suitable, or you might just stop liking me." Ji Nian said calmly.


    Yu Luobai looked down at her, seeing theplexity in her eyes. She seemed to have a lot of insecurity and defensiveness when it came to love.


    "Are you worried I''ll be like Cheng Liran? Worried I''ll be irresponsible, just ying around?" Yu Luobai asked seriously.


    Ji Nian was taken aback. She hadn''t thought of that, but it was close to what she was expressing.


    "I know you''ve dated before, and your previous rtionship may not have been a pleasant experience for you."


    Yu Luobai patted her head, saying, "For now, let''s not talk about it. Whenever you''ve made up your mind, let me know."

 Chapter 125: Not Ready

    <h4>Chapter 125</h4>


    "It would be best if we just continued to get along as before," Yu Luobai said with a smile as they exited the elevator.


    "Won''t Professor Yu mind?" Ji Nian asked, a little perplexed.


    "Will that bother you?" Yu Luobai asked, gently patting her head.


    "No, it won''t." Ji Nian shook her head, havinge to understand her own heart, perhaps she did have feelings for him.


    The first reaction to liking someone is to avoid them, to repeatedly test the waters - she felt she had already begun exhibiting such behavior.


    "Then let''s go. I had Peng He prepare some Chinese herbal medicine earlier, and the staff will bring it up soon. Soaking your feet in it will help them feel better," Yu Luobai said casually.


    Ji Nian lowered her head, touched. This was the first time someone had been so genuinely kind and caring towards her, and this warm feeling made her instinctively want to rely on him.


    Ji Nian didn''t reply, which was taken as an agreement. Seeing her walking slowly, Yu Luobai also slowed his pace, and the two strolled leisurely through the hotel hallway.


    When they returned to the room, the staff had quickly brought the water for soaking feet.


    "Why are you just standing there? Put your feet in," Yu Luobai said, amused by her wide-eyed, bewildered expression.


    "Thank you, Professor Yu," Ji Nian expressed her gratitude, then ced her feet in the water, instantly feeling a sense of relief wash over her entire body.


    "Is this the first time you''ve worn such high heels?" Yu Luobai asked, seated on the nearby sofa.


    "Yes, I don''t wear high heels very often," Ji Nian answered honestly.


    Recalling her usual casual attire of canvas shoes and the like, Yu Luobai chuckled and looked at her warmly, saying, "There are not many girls like you."


    Ji Nian pouted and replied, "I just wear what''sfortable for me."


    Seeing that it was not toote, Yu Luobai decided it was time to leave. He stood up and, in a casual gesture, patted her head, saying, "Get some rest early. I''ll be going back to my room now."


    So soon? Ji Nian''s first reaction was one of disappointment, but she soon snapped out of it and simply said, "Good night, Professor Yu."


    "Good night, Nian Nian," Yu Luobai said, amusement sparkling in his eyes as he looked at her obedient demeanor.


    Watching his retreating figure, Ji Nian then looked around the empty hotel suite, and the suddenly quiet room left her feeling a sense of loss.


    Ji Nian shook her head, letting out a sigh as she muttered to herself, "I haven''t even started a romance yet, and I''m already feeling anxious and insecure."


    The next morning, when Ji Nian got out of bed, she nearly stumbled. She took a deep breath, thinking that after a night''s rest, her feet should have felt better, but they were actually more painfully stabbing than before. What was going on?


    Dragging her aching steps, Ji Nian washed up and tried to put weight on her toes while wearing slippers, but it waspletely unbearable - it hurt too much.


    Yesterday she had been filming all day in high heels, for over ten hours, and now her feet were ruined.


    Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message.


    Yu Luobai: "Did you just wake up?"


    Ji Nian: "(Crying emoji) Yes, just woke up."


    Yu Luobai: "Your feet must be hurting even more now, after a night''s rest, right?"


    Ji Nian: "How did you know?"


    On his end, Yu Luobai frowned, looking at the medicated ointment he had asked Peng He to bring over earlier. He stood up, intending to go to her.


    Ji Nian saw theck of response on the other end and was about to put down her phone when the doorbell suddenly rang.


    She paused, guessing who it was, and slowly went to open the door.


    Yu Luobai, seeing the door open, lowered his gaze to find the woman with a dejected expression, looking utterly forlorn.


    "Go sit down," he said, pressing his lips together.


    Ji Nian didn''t know what he was up to, but obediently went to sit on the sofa.


    Yu Luobai uncapped the ointment and reached out to apply it for her.


    Ji Nian was startled, and the cool sensation on her feet made her instinctively pull them back.


    Yu Luobai looked at her, saying, "Don''t move."


    Ji Nian timidly extended her feet again, saying, "It''ll be fine in a couple of days, no need to use the ointment."


    "This ointment helps relieve the pain. The cooling sensation on your skin will make you feel better," Yu Luobai said patiently. "I should have known not to let you wear such high heels yesterday."


    Ji Nian''s heart warmed as she replied, "It was necessary for the filming. I''ll need to get used to wearing these in the future."


    "If you''re not used to high heels, you can practice beforehand. The pain today is normal, since you wore them for so long yesterday, and the heels were so high. I''ll get you an excuse from filming today," Yu Luobai said.


    "No, that''s not necessary!" Ji Nian eximed, not wanting to be seen as delicate. "I''ll just talk to the director about filming other scenes that don''t require high heels today."


    Yu Luobai frowned slightly but reluctantly agreed, "Alright, then."


    Ji Nian''s ears reddened as she quietly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Professor Yu."


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved upward as he said, "You don''t need to thank me."


    Feeling a bit awkward, Ji Nian changed the subject, asking, "Professor Yu, why did you get up so early today?"


    "I''ve gotten into the habit of exercising every day," Yu Luobai replied, putting the ointment away and cing it on the table. "Remember to apply it regrly over the next few days. I''ve already ordered breakfast, it''ll be brought up soon. Let''s eat together."


    Ji Nian, finding herself neatly scheduled from the start of the day, dumbly nodded and agreed, "Okay."


    When they arrived at the filming location, the director was surprised to see Ji Nian limping, but he could understand. Those who frequently wear high heels often have sore feet after wearing them for over ten hours, let alone someone who isn''t used to them, especially with such high ones.


    "Nian, how about we switch to a scene that doesn''t require high heels?" Director Xiao said concernedly. "Your toes look a bit red and swollen. You might need to rest for a couple of days."


    Ji Nian nodded, feeling the director was very kind. "Thank you, Director. I''ll follow your arrangements."


    "Okay, then we''ll do the midpoint of the storyline. Since the female lead is a sophisticated and powerful woman with both sensuality and dominance, she has taken a liking to the male lead''s good looks, so she''ll asionally tease him."


    Director Xiao flipped through the script, trying to find scenes that didn''t require high heels.


    "Ah, here it is! There''s a scene where the female lead gets drunk, and the male lead takes her back to her room."


    Ji Nian nodded, then started intently reviewing the script, only to bepletely stunned! This was a kissing scene!


    The script described the female lead, in a tight ck dress that entuated her perfect figure, having a slightly drunken, alluring expression. She would tenderly caress the man''s chin and lean in, lightly brushing her lips against his.


    The man would then respond passionately, wrapping his arms around her waist and deepening the kiss. From this moment, their rtionship would transition from initial suspicion to a budding intimacy.


    "I... I think I can manage wearing high heels," Ji Nian said hastily.


    Director Xiao paused, saying, "No, Nian, I know you don''t want to hold up the production, but your healthes first. Besides, we can still film the other scenes at a normal pace."


    Ji Nian nced sideways at Yu Luobai, her heart sinking. Oh no, how was she going to do this? She wasn''t ready at all.


    While outwardlyposed, Yu Luobai''s heart had also started racing, his ear tips reddening as he discreetly stole a nce at the woman beside him.

 Chapter 126: I’m gonna Kiss You.

    <h4>Chapter 126</h4>


    "Is there any problem, Luobai?" Director Xiao looked at him with a teasing expression.


    Yu Luobai nodded and said, "I can do it."


    I can''t! Ji Nian thought, on the verge of tears. Kissing a man in public, with several cameras filming from all angles, this this this...


    "Okay, props department, clear the set for us." The director immediately called the crew.


    Ji Nian nced at Yu Luobai, swallowed hard, and said with difficulty, "Teacher Yu... I don''t think I''m very good at acting this scene."


    Yu Luobai looked down at her, his voice slightly hoarse, and replied, "I''m not good at it either, but we can learn."


    The props department quickly cleared the filming location, revealing a room with arge bed, and the crew were setting up the lighting, ready to observe closely...


    "Okay, actors in position, start!" the director called out.


    Ji Nian''s mind was in a mess. Following the script, she was embraced by the male lead, and when shey on the bed, she reached out and grabbed his hand.


    Yu Luobai easily held her in his arms, as if he had entered the character, cing her on the bed. Just as he was about to get up, his wrist was suddenly grabbed by the woman.


    The woman on the bed sat up, herrge, shimmering eyes filled with allure, her slightly intoxicated state deeply gazing at him.


    Ji Nian thought, "It''s over, I can''t keep acting this halfway." She reached out and hooked his chin, her hand trembling slightly, how to kiss... She was too embarrassed to kiss.


    "Cut!" Director Xiao saw the atmosphere was good just now, but suddenly noticed the woman''s gaze on the screen was not right, so he immediately called out, "Nian, what''s wrong? Maintain the state, you need to be coquettish, you know?"


    Ji Nian was stunned, her face quickly turning red, a little embarrassed as she released her hand.


    "Let''s do it again!" the director called out, "From the part where you hook Luobai''s chin."


    Ji Nian was dumbfounded, unable to find the right state, and now she couldn''t act at all.


    "Nian!" Director Xiao was anxious.


    "Don''t be nervous, just follow the script." Yu Luobaiforted.


    Ji Nian felt a little embarrassed, she really didn''t dare to kiss, and it would be even more embarrassing if she had to take the initiative.


    A whole morning passed, and this kissing scene was reshot more than a dozen times, Director Xiao looked distressed and said, "Nian, you''re not in a good state today. Go back and rest in the afternoon, we''ll shoot it again tomorrow."


    "I''m sorry, director." Ji Nian felt guilty.


    "The supporting actors, prepare. Luobai, you''re ready too. We''ll shoot the male lead''s scenes and the extras'' scenes first." The director''s expression was also a bit unpleasant.


    Ji Nian felt guilty, slowly walked out of the set, and He Yi also apanied her.


    "Sister, you said your acting skills have improved a lot after taking so many lessons, howe you got stuck on this kissing scene the whole morning?" He Yi was also anxious.


    Ji Nian was on the verge of tears and said, "I''ve never shot a kissing scene before."


    He Yi said impatiently, "You''re an actress, it''s part of the job. Plus, a kissing scene is just acting, you need to immerse yourself in the character and focus."


    "Then youe..." Ji Nian said irritably.


    "Hmph." He Yi said proudly, "If I were the female lead, I would have kissed the male lead''s lips swollen, he''s so handsome, not to take advantage would be a disservice to the drama."


    Ji Nian sighed helplessly, not in the mood to look at He Yi, took out her room card and went into the room.


    "I think I need some quiet time." Ji Niany on the sofa, heaving a deep sigh.


    He Yi shook her head and said, "Okay, I''ll go back to my room too. Call me if you need anything."


    Ji Nian didn''t respond, just raised a hand for an "OK" sign, her face buried in the pillow, not saying a word, as she had gotten up early, plus her mood was a bitplicated, she unknowingly fell asleep on the sofa.


    When she woke up in the evening, Ji Nian looked at the dimly lit room, yawned, and turned on her phone.


    "Oh my god, I slept for that long?" Ji Nian eximed.


    Turning on the lights in the room, Ji Nian sat on the sofa, lost in thought for a while, thinking about the afternoon''s events, she deeply considered and made a major decision.


    It''s just a kissing scene! It''s just a few kisses! What''s the big deal? She''s going to find Yu Luobai to rehearse now!


    Ji Nian stood up, took a deep breath, and then went out, just as she was about to knock on the door across the hall, she hesitated and quickly ran back to her own room.


    Ji Nian panted, she had just woken up, would her breath smell? Should she go brush her teeth? Thinking this, she immediately ran to the bathroom and picked up a toothbrush.


    When she ran to the door across the hall again, Ji Nian nervously gripped the script, took a deep breath, and gently knocked on the door.


    "Nian." Yu Luobai looked at the person at the door, a little surprised, as the kissing scene didn''t go well today, he felt both disappointed andplicated.


    "Yu Luobai." Ji Nian seemed to have made up her mind, her cheeks a little puffed out, "I want to rehearse with you."


    "Okay." Yu Luobai was taken aback.


    Once Ji Nian went into the room, she sat cross-legged on the sofa, looking at the script with a serious expression, silently encouraging herself.


    Yu Luobai, seeing her expression, thought she was in a bad mood, and with a resigned look in his eyes, he picked up a ss of water and took a sip.


    "I want to rehearse the kissing scene with you!" Ji Nian said solemnly.


    The man was startled, and the water he had just taken into his mouth was sprayed out, he quickly wiped it with a tissue, looking at her in shock and asked, "Nian, do you know what you''re saying?"


    Ji Nian blushed, but still pretended to be calm, ignoring the wild pounding in her chest, and approached him, hooking her finger under his chin.


    Yu Luobai was stunned, but still looked at her, until her face got closer and closer, his heartbeat elerated, his mind going nk.


    Just as their noses were about to touch, Ji Nian quickly let go, shaking her head and saying, "No, no, let me prepare a bit more."


    Yu Luobai, taken aback by the sudden release, also felt a bit disappointed.


    Before he could recover, the woman suddenly approached him again, hooking her finger under his chin.


    Yu Luobai''s heartbeat quickened again, Ji Nian swallowed hard, ready to touch his nose, but retreated again.


    "No, no, I still can''t do it." Ji Nian shook her head, looking at the man in a daze, and asked, "Teacher Yu, I don''t dare to."


    Yu Luobai was a bit frustrated by this back-and-forth.


    "You''re making me feel ufortable like this." Yu Luobai said, amused and helpless.


    Ji Nian took a deep breath again and said, "Let''s try again!"


    Yu Luobai was again tilted up by her hand, and as he saw the woman approaching, he didn''t dare to breathe, a deep look shing in his eyes.


    Sensing that she was about to escape again, he wrapped his arm around her waist and ced his other hand on the back of her head, directly kissing her.


    At that moment, Ji Nian felt her brain "boom" and wentpletely nk.


    Yu Luobai also paused for a moment, feeling the softness of her lips.


    When Ji Nian regained her senses, she hurriedly pushed him away, her face burning, stammering a bit, "You you..."


    Yu Luobai''s ears were also flushed, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned, a smile in his eyes, "The script requires a passionate yet gentle kiss."


    Ji Nian blinked nkly, it seemed the script was right, she had just barely touched his lips.


    "Shall we try again?" she said, still dazed.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes gleamed with mischief, solemnly nodding, "Although it''s a kissing scene, you can''t be so perfunctory."

 Chapter 127: Girlfriend

    <h4>Chapter 127</h4>


    Ji Nian''s heart raced, and she suddenly regretted her impulsiveness that evening. How did she feel she was acting too immodestly?


    But she had to act, she had to ovee this mental hurdle. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.


    "One more time," Ji Nian made up her mind, determined to take this step today. Tomorrow, she still had to film, and she couldn''t mess up again.


    Yu Luobai turned his head to the side and chuckled, finding her adorable and amusing.


    Ji Nian hooked his chin again and mustered up the courage to lean in.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes were gentle as he embraced her waist, one hand gently cradling the back of her head, and started to respond to her kiss.


    It was Ji Nian''s first kiss, and she stared at the man with herrge, bewildered eyes, her face flushed and her mind nk.


    Yu Luobai chuckled softly, "Nian Nian, you need to close your eyes when kissing."


    Ji Nian obediently closed her eyes, her heart pounding rapidly, her hands hanging limply at her sides, utterly clueless about what to do with them.


    Yu Luobai''s heartbeat also quickened slightly as he gently parted the woman''s lips with his tongue, savoring her taste.


    Ji Nian stiffened, gently pushing him away, weakly stammering, "I... can''t breathe."


    Yu Luobai''s eyes darkened as he looked at her, "Nian Nian, you need to learn to respond to me."


    Ji Nian felt embarrassed. She was shy, and just now she didn''t dare move at all, her heart was pounding, her face was burning hot, and she didn''t even dare to breathe.


    "If you kiss like this tomorrow in the scene, you might not pass," Yu Luobai said.


    Ji Nian lowered her head, admitting that kissing scenes indeed needed time to get used to. Since she had already kissed him tonight, she had to do a good job with tomorrow''s scene, or else tonight''s kiss would have been in vain.


    "One more time!" Ji Nian turned her head towards him.


    Yu Luobai found it amusing but nodded seriously, "Okay."


    This time, Ji Nian didn''t hook his chin or bother with the process. Instead, she kissed him directly.


    Seeing her enthusiasm tonight, Yu Luobai felt immensely pleased and embraced her waist, slowly guiding her.


    Ji Nian closed her eyes, momentarily forgetting this was just acting. She felt the man''s tenderness, gradually enveloping her.


    After a long while, they finally parted, panting heavily. Yu Luobai''s eyes held a veiled, unsatisfied gaze as he stared at the woman''s face, as if a kiss wasn''t enough.


    "Teacher Yu, how was that kiss? Up to standard?" Ji Nian''s heart pounded like a startled deer, her eyes sparkling as she asked with a flushed face.


    "Too gentle, you need to be more passionate," Yu Luobai''s voice was slightly hoarse.


    "Again?" Ji Nian looked stunned, but he nodded, seemingly approving of her suggestion.


    Ji Nian swallowed, realizing that kissing was quite magical, and she seemed to enjoy the feeling.


    Seeing her lean in again, Yu Luobai aggressively kissed her, this time greedily savoring her sweetness.


    Caught off guard by his sudden onught, Ji Nian could barely keep up. She was guided, imed, her body seemingly losing all resistance.


    Until she went limp in his embrace, feeling a sting on her tongue, did shee to her senses.


    Yu Luobai couldn''t kiss any further, feeling unbearably heated, his mind filled with only one thought: to devour her bit by bit.


    Ji Nian was kissed breathless, her lips slightly swollen, her breathing rapid, "Surely that was good enough to pass?"


    Yu Luobai looked at her dazed expression, like someone who helped count the money after being robbed, and chuckled against her neck, "Nian Nian, now you''ll have to take responsibility for me."


    Ji Nian looked shocked, "Didn''t I take the loss here?"


    "Well, I can take responsibility for you then," Yu Luobai didn''t let go as he smiled.


    Ji Nian was utterly confused at first, then realized with widened eyes, "Yu Luobai! You did that on purpose just now, didn''t you?!"


    Seeing her finally realize she had been tricked, Yu Luobai couldn''t help butugh out loud. He patted her head affectionately and teasingly asked, "Did what on purpose?"


    "You... you''re too much!" Ji Nian looked incredulous. She had been so naive, tricked repeatedly! She had even taken the initiative to kiss him several times!


    Yu Luobai found her amusing, his eyes filled with tenderness as he asked, "So, shall I take responsibility for you?"


    Ji Nian was both angry and embarrassed, ring at him, "I''m going back!"


    Seeing her try to get up, Yu Luobai pulled her back into his embrace, this time with no pretense, and kissed her tenderly again.


    Ji Nian froze, then bit him hard in retaliation despite her joy.


    Yu Luobai let out a pained "Ssh" and released her, his eyes helpless, "That hurt."


    Ji Nian felt a bit guilty and turned away awkwardly, "You deserved it."


    Yu Luobai pinched her pouting cheek yfully, "Well, we''ve kissed and hugged now, so I''m yours."


    Ji Nian blushed, mumbling, "I don''t want you."


    "Then I want you," Yu Luobai chuckled softly.


    "Scoundrel," Ji Nian felt that losing her first kiss wasn''t so bad, but being tricked like that made him seem worse the more she thought about it.


    "Have you had dinner?" Yu Luobai changed the subject with a smile.


    Ji Nian''s stomach growled cooperatively, and she felt a bit embarrassed, stubbornly saying, "I''m not hungry."


    "Don''t lie, your stomach is growling," Yu Luobai pinched her cheek, surprised at how soft it was.


    Ji Nian turned her head awkwardly, recalling how enthusiastically she had embraced and kissed him earlier, feeling utterly mortified.


    "I''m still mad," Ji Nian looked disgruntled.


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved upward as he stood, ruffling her hair, "Alright, let''s pause that. Finish eating first, then you can be mad. I had dinner prepared early this afternoon, and the service staff should be here soon with it."


    Ji Nian nodded grudgingly. Fine, she''d forgive him for now.


    Yu Luobai shook his head helplessly as the doorbell rang, likely the service staff with their meal.


    "Come on, girlfriend, let''s move to the dining table," Yu Luobai pulled her hand, smiling.


    Ji Nian let out a soft "hmph" but didn''t refuse, following his lead to the dining table.


    After the service staff had served all the dishes, Yu Luobai poured her a bowl of soup, "Have some soup first."


    Although displeased, Ji Nian obediently took the spoon and began sipping, not knowing if it was due to hunger, but she actually found the taste quite good.


    Yu Luobai knew she was just upset about being tricked, his lips curved upward, "Who told you to be so naive?"


    Ji Nian red at him defiantly, "You were the shameless one."


    "Alright, alright, I was wrong earlier," Yu Luobai found it amusing but still looked sincere as he asked, "Will you forgive me then?"


    Ji Nian looked at the man''s handsome face, his eyes filled with tenderness. Recalling their kisses, her heart started racing again.


    "I kind of want to forgive you, but I don''t," Ji Nian looked aggrieved.


    Yu Luobai smiled and pinched her pouting cheek, "Nian Nian, I really like you, what should I do?"

 Chapter 128: Relationship PR

    <h4>Chapter 128</h4>


    The next morning, Ji Nian had just woken up when she received a call toe over for breakfast. Her face turned red, embarrassed at how long they had kissed the day before, making her feel awkward thinking about itst night.


    Ji Nian was annoyed with herself for not realizing sooner how thick-skinned Yu Luobai was. She hadn''t nned on getting into a rtionship so quickly, but since things had progressed this far, she might as well give it a try.


    When Ji Nian knocked on the door, Yu Luobai looked down at the woman who only reached his chin, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up and his eyes filled withughter. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace.


    "Good morning, Nian Nian," Yu Luobai said with a chuckle.


    Their rtionship had elerated at an incredible speed, upgrading to boyfriend and girlfriend overnight. Ji Nian was still adjusting to it, her face flushed as she returned his embrace and said, "Good morning, Mr. Yu."


    Yu Luobai released her, took her hand and led her to the dining table. "Still calling me Mr. Yu?" he asked with a smile.


    "Then what should I call you?" Ji Nian blinked, puzzled. "Yu Luobai? Luobai? Baibai?"


    Yu Luobai burst outughing, exasperated. "You can call me whatever you want."


    "Mr. Yu," Ji Nian said, pursing her lips. She felt this was the most natural way to address him.


    Yu Luobai ruffled her hair and smiled. "Hurry up and eat, or we''ll bete."


    When they arrived on set, He Yi noticed the unusual atmosphere between the two, wondering why Superstar Yu kept openly gazing at her artist with a smile.


    "Sister, what''s going on between you two?" He Yi asked in a low voice.


    "Hmm?" Ji Nian looked over with a confused expression.


    "Superstar Yu keeps staring at you," He Yi said, ncing furtively in his direction.


    Ji Nian''s face reddened as she spoke softly, "We''re dating."


    He Yi''s eyes widened in shock as she covered her mouth, before excitedly whispering, "Sister! That''s awesome!"


    Ji Nian gave her an annoyed look. "It was purely idental."


    "Quick, quick, tell me how your rtionship changed overnight!" He Yi was eager to gossip.


    "You guess," Ji Nian rolled her eyes and walked away, ignoring her.


    "Actors, get into position!" the director called out. "Ji Nian, Luobai, are you ready?"


    Ji Nian hurried over upon being called. The set had been prepared like the previous day, resembling a bedroom.


    Ji Nian listened to the instructions and sat on the bed, with Yu Luobai beside her. He smiled at her, and she pinched his hand in annoyance, indicating he should be more restrained.


    Yu Luobai''s lips curled up, but he didn''t say a word.


    "Ji Nian, pick up from where you hooked Luobai''s chin yesterday," the director said.


    "Okay," Ji Nian nodded.


    "Alright, lighting crew, pay attention to your positions. Ready, action!"


    Ji Nian took a deep breath, though kissing in front of so many people made her a little embarrassed. But she was determined to nail this scene today.


    Ji Nian hooked Yu Luobai''s chin as per the script, her gaze alluring as she lightly kissed his lips.


    A sh of darkness passed through Yu Luobai''s eyes as he forcefully pulled her waist towards him. Their gazes met, exchanging tentative looks.


    Immersing himself in the role, Yu Luobai kissed her, his tongue seeking entry into her mouth.


    Ji Nian momentarily broke character, her ears turning red as she froze in ce.


    "Cut!" the director suddenly called out. "Ji Nian, you''ve improved today, but your expression was off towards the end. Let''s try again. Between you and the male lead, there should be a power struggle. You initiate the kiss, he responds, and you need to match his intensity while maintaining tenderness throughout the passion."


    Ji Nian nodded silently, while Yu Luobai whispered to her, "Like yesterday."


    The crew members who overheard exchanged puzzled nces, their eyes filled with curiosity about what had happened "like yesterday."


    Ji Nian red at him and let out a soft "hmph."


    When the director called action again, Ji Nian quickly immersed herself in the scene. She hooked Yu Luobai''s chin and took the initiative to kiss him first.


    Yu Luobai was in a good mood, suddenly finding the appeal of the kissing scene. On the surface, he was acting out the role, but deep down he had his own personal motives.


    He wrapped his arms around her waist, returning her kiss as if savoring a delicious treat.


    To avoid another cut, Ji Nian threw caution to the wind, shamelessly embracing his waist. The two began a power struggle, their kiss escting from gentle exploration to fierce biting and devouring.


    The crew members were stunned, realizing they could watch this for free without needing to pay.


    The couple''s intimate poses on the bed exuded a sensual aura. Ji Nian''s curvaceous figure was entuated by her tight ck dress.


    Yu Luobai''srge hands naturally wrapped around her slender waist, one hand gently cupping her face. He bit her tongue, pulling her closer as he trailed kisses down her neck.


    Ji Nian shuddered, feeling a tingling sensation spread through her body. She went limp in his arms, dazed by his kisses. Was the script changed? She didn''t recall a neck-kissing scene.


    The director was dumbstruck, forgetting to call cut until realizing they had been kissing for quite some time. "Cut! That''s a wrap!"


    Yu Luobai gazed at Ji Nian, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. His body felt feverish, his eyes filled with a subtle, smoldering look.


    Ji Nian was breathless from the intense kissing. Even after the cut was called, she remained dazed in the man''s embrace, her body still recovering.


    Finally freed, she gasped for air, relieved. "We managed to get through it atst."


    "Superstar Yu''s first on-screen kiss! Haha, this drama is going to be a hit for sure," the directorughed heartily.


    Ji Nian''s face flushed red. She gently extracted herself from Yu Luobai''s arms, her heart still pounding. The sensation of his kisses on her neck lingered, and she swallowed hard, feeling annoyed. He had definitely done that on purpose!


    With Ji Nian no longer in his embrace, Yu Luobai felt an inexplicable sense of loss. He looked at her, her hair tousled, and naturally reached out to smooth her disheveled tresses, unconcerned with the crew members'' reactions.


    Observing the intimate atmosphere between them, the director realized what was going on and gave Peng He a thumbs-up.


    Peng He raised an eyebrow, his face disying a knowing smile, inwardly marveling that his "iron tree" had finally blossomed.


    "Shouldn''t we prepare for a dating publicity strategy?" He Yi approached, exasperated.


    Peng He nodded,pletely unconcerned. "I''ve been prepared for a while, but we should still discuss it with the team."


    "Our Ji Nian can''t be subjected to negative rumors again," He Yi said apprehensively. Yu Luobai was a superstar with countless female fans. Their rtionship, once public, might put the woman at a disadvantage.


    "That''s for sure. If she gets attacked, Luobai will have to answer to me," Peng He said with a smile.


    "Let me know the details of your n so I can assess if it''s suitable," He Yi said seriously.


    "Sure, let''s grab somete-night snacks after work and discuss over dinner," Peng He agreed.

 Chapter 129: Love Variety

    <h4>Chapter 129</h4>


    Another day of filming had wrapped up, and in the evening, the crew members were buzzing with discussion. It seemed everyone already knew about the romance between Yu Luobai and Ji Xiaonian.


    Throughout the entire day, even without mentioning Ji Xiaonian''s behavior, Yu Luobai''s actions made it ringly obvious that he might as well have had "I''m in a rtionship" written on his forehead.


    Director Xiao moved swiftly, immediately calling a small meeting and instructing the crew and extras not to leak any information about the film set.


    Everyone in the industry had seen far more scandalous things than just a top star dating someone. Although the news would shake the inte when revealed, professional ethics still had to be maintained, and what shouldn''t be said would be kept under wraps.


    On Peng He''s side, he had already gone out for ate-night snack with He Yi. He was alright, being an experienced agent well-versed in handling romantic publicity and controlling public opinion.


    However, He Yi was worried. She recalled when Ji Xiaonian was dating Cheng Liran, and their rtionship was exposed, the public opinion was entirely one-sided, with Ji Xiaonian taking all the me.


    The main reason Ji Xiaonian was severely criticized back then was that she was deemed unworthy of Cheng Liran, having no works or achievements to her name, while the disparity between their statuses was too vast.


    This time with Yu Luobai, not to mention his background, but just his status as the top idol in the entertainment industry put him far above Cheng Liran''s level.


    Although Ji Xiaonian now had her own works, songs she had personally performed, she was still considered the one without any major projects, as her TV series hadn''t been aired yet, and her movie was still filming.


    He Yi grew increasingly concerned, recalling the incident where Ji Xiaonian had attempted suicide due to love. That scene, that image, she could never forget the bloodied bathtub.


    Deep down, she sincerely hoped that this time, Ji Xiaonian wouldn''t be hurt too deeply, or better yet, that their rtionship would remain blissful.


    "Has Yu Luobai really never dated before?" He Yi asked apprehensively, considering how outstanding he was.


    Peng He didn''t know why she brought up that topic but still smiled, "Yes, hahaha, I was the one who discovered and nurtured him when he entered the industry. He''s truly never been interested in women."


    He Yi felt relieved. That made sense since Yu Luobai had never been involved in any scandals.


    Come to think of it, it seemed Cheng Liran was also... without any rumors or dating interests, never really pursuing women...


    "Sigh, I was initially quite happy about her dating, but now I''m really worried," He Yi said with a sigh as she watched the man across from her studying the menu.


    "Worried about what?" Peng He asked with a smile.


    "I''m afraid our sister will get hurt. Even if she does, I''m more afraid she''ll be as reckless as before." He Yi frowned with concern.


    Peng He raised his eyebrows, that was quite a loaded statement. Reckless? What did that mean?


    "Reckless?" Peng He asked in puzzlement.


    He Yi froze, then realizing she had almost let something slip, quickly shook her head and said, "It''s nothing. Let''s focus on how you n to release the statement."


    Peng He didn''t dwell on it, understanding she was changing the subject, and smiled, "I''ve already called thepany team this afternoon. They suggest not making it public for now, as that would better protect the woman involved."


    He Yi nodded in full agreement, "I thought the same."


    "But I know my old friend will definitely disagree," Peng He shook his head, no need to even think about it, Yu Luobai would certainly want to go public.


    "Then what do we do?" He Yi asked with concern.


    "Well, there''s another option, but it''s risky," Peng He poured himself a cup of tea and continued, "Wait until the movie finishes filming, then announce the rtionship publicly. After that, they can join the hottest dating reality show and focus on unting their affection to get fans to support their pairing."


    "But if the fans don''t buy into it, they''ll be heavily criticized," He Yi shook her head, not too supportive of that idea. "A dating reality show is still a live broadcast type of program. I''m afraid something might go wrong."


    "Ji Xiaonian actually suits variety shows quite well. Didn''t she and Shen Shuyao be a huge hit before?"


    Peng He rather liked this option. Besides, with Yu Luobai''s willingness to spend money, they could always pay to get negative posts deleted if things went south, or hire marketing ounts to control the narrative.


    In any case, the rtionship had to be made public, it was just a matter of when.


    "I thought you were more sensible than that," He Yi scoffed at him. "That n is too direct and crude. I suggest they keep their rtionship under wraps."


    "Instead of us worrying here, why don''t we ask the parties involved? Yu Luobai is definitely not going to want to keep it secret; he''d love for the whole world to know," Peng Heughed.


    Thinking about Ji Xiaonian''s nonchnt attitude, how she used to be saddened by criticism to the point of tears, yet now seemedpletely indifferent, He Yi wasn''t sure if it was genuine apathy or just an unwillingness to show her emotions.


    "Sigh, we''re just wasting our breath here," He Yi said in exasperation.


    "What''s with that tone? Isn''t it nice to unwind over ate-night snack?" Peng He smiled as the server brought over the grilled meat skewers they had ordered, passing a beef skewer to He Yi.


    Meanwhile, at the film set, Ji Xiaonian had just finished removing her makeup and changing clothes.


    Yu Luobai, ever the gentleman, waited nearly half an hour before seeing the woman emerge from the dressing room, looking a bit weary.


    As the weather grew cooler, she was wearing a pink sweater paired with light blue skinny jeans, and as always, her signature white sneakers, giving off a student vibe.


    Compared to her morous appearance while filming, this was theplete opposite - a pure and modest look.


    "I ordered some food. Are you hungry?" Yu Luobai asked warmly, his hand naturally holding hers.


    Ji Xiaonian''s hand was still cool from washing it with cold water earlier, and she felt the warmth of his palm, using her other hand to grasp his as well.


    "Teacher Yu, your hands are so warm," Ji Xiaonian said in wonder, holding his hand tightly.


    Yu Luobai felt her hand was ice-cold for the first time, furrowing his brow in concern, "Are you cold?"


    Ji Xiaonian shook her head, "No, I''m okay. I just touched some cold water earlier."


    Yu Luobai used both hands to warm hers for a while, then said, "It''s cold outside tonight, let''s head back."


    "Okay," Ji Xiaonian obediently nodded, and he naturally put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.


    The staff members secretly watched until their figures disappeared from the set before finally exploding with excitement.


    "Oh my god, so sweet!" an excited crew member eximed.


    "Yu Luobai helped Ji Xiaonian warm her hands, I''m so jealous of those hands!"


    "I can''t believe we''re actually the first batch to know about their rtionship."


    "I''m so looking forward to them going public."


    "Ji Xiaonian seems like a good person too, treating everyone with courtesy and not acting like a diva."


    "Yeah, I was indifferent towards her initially, but then realized she''s genuinely nice."


    Once outside the set, night had fallen, and since the filming location wasn''t in a bustling area, the path was mostly deserted.


    Yu Luobai''s gaze was fixed on Ji Xiaonian, a hint of a smile in his eyes, feeling an immense sense of contentment. So this was what being in a rtionship felt like.


    Ji Xiaonian turned to him and asked, "Teacher Yu, why are you keep staring at me?"


    Then she uncertainly touched her own face, wondering if she had missed a spot while removing her makeup.


    "We''ll stay together forever, right?" Yu Luobai looked at her with a gentle expression.


    Ji Xiaonian looked up, and in the dim streetlight, she saw his incredibly tender gaze, like a swirling vortex continuously drawing her in.

 Chapter 130: Do You Want to see it

    <h4>Chapter 130</h4>


    "Is Teacher Yu being too hasty?" Ji Nian chuckled. Although she had never been in a romantic rtionship, she was still quite clear-headed.


    Yu Luobai was stunned and asked, "Hasty?"


    "Yes," Ji Nian nodded as they strolled leisurely.


    She looked ahead and said, "We''ve just started dating. Who can guarantee what will happen in the future? Perhaps our personalities won''t match, we''ll argue over some reason, face conflicts in life, and maybe even break up."


    When Yu Luobai heard the words "break up," his heart clearly skipped a beat. He had never considered this possibility and didn''t want it to happen.


    Ji Nian had seen it before with her colleagues, ssmates, or roommates getting boyfriends and dating. None of their rtionships went smoothly.


    There would be arguments, conflicts, and various issues along the way. Those who could work through them ended up getting married, while those who couldn''t parted ways.


    Ji Nian wouldn''t fantasize about marriage just because this was her first romantic rtionship. They hadn''t even begun yet, so who knew if they could make it to the end? Cherishing the present was most important.


    "Do you want to break up with me?" Yu Luobai''s expression darkened.


    Ji Nian was stunned and said, "No, that''s not what I meant. I just think we should go with the flow."


    Yu Luobai was unhappy and looked at her with a hint of grievance. "We won''t have conflicts or arguments."


    Ji Nian found itughable. "It''s impossible not to have conflicts or arguments."


    Even family and friends have disagreements, let alone a romantic rtionship. Ji Nian felt helpless.


    Yu Luobai was furious and lowered his head, biting her hard. Only after hearing her cry of pain did he release her and say, "Don''t say things like that again."


    Ji Nian saw his childish side for the first time and was surprised, before bursting intoughter.


    Yu Luobai pinched her cheeks and asked, "What''s so funny?"


    "I suddenly remembered seeing somements from your fans on Weibo about a post concerning you."


    "Whatments?" Yu Luobai asked, holding her hand as they continued walking.


    "If I had such a good-looking boyfriend, I''d sell all my pots and pans to keep him. Even arguing would be like pping my own mouth, hahaha." The more Ji Nian spoke, the more she wanted tough. Netizens these days were so amusing.


    Yu Luobai looked exasperated. "Why are you reading such nonsense?"


    "Don''t you find it funny?" Ji Nianughed.


    "Do you want to keep me?" Yu Luobai put his arm around her shoulders, his lips curling into a smile.


    "No," Ji Nian shook her head,ughing.


    "Why?" Yu Luobai''s eyes sparkled with amusement.


    Ji Nian stopped walking and looked at him with a puffed-up face. "Teacher Yu, you can deceive me emotionally, but not financially."


    Yu Luobai burst intoughter, suddenly finding her amusing. He leaned down and kissed her. "Alright, my money is yours, and your money is still yours."


    When Ji Nian heard this, her eyes lit up, feeling that being in a rtionship was quite blissful. She felt in a great mood, able to sense the man''s care for her - this feeling of being cherished that she had never experienced before.


    When they returned to the hotel, Ji Nian followed him into the room, and the server came after them, bringing their dinner.


    After finishing their meal, the two sat on the sofa watching TV. Ji Nian felt quite bored, as she rarely watched shows, so she randomly selected a movie.


    Yu Luobai remembered that he hadn''t applied medicine to her foot yet and asked, "Is it still hurting today?"


    Ji Nian wiggled her toes. The recovery was quite fast, and the pain was almost gone. "It should be fine. Just a little sting, but not obvious."


    "I left the medicine in your room. Remember to apply it tonight," Yu Luobai reminded her.


    Ji Nian nodded, but before she realized it, she was pulled into his embrace. She naturally leaned against him, drinking her yogurt while holding the remote. The movie wasn''t appealing, so she nned to switch to another, hoping to find something more entertaining.


    Usually, Yu Luobai lived a rather monotonous life alone. When not busy with work, he would exercise or review scripts.


    He rarely had such leisure time, holding someone in his arms, turning on the TV. This scene made him inexplicably feel warm and cozy.


    "What do you want to watch?" Yu Luobai kept caressing her cheek, finding it soft and soothing to pinch.


    Leaning against his chest, Ji Nian blinked at therge TV screen, feeling indecisive. She shook her head. "Teacher Yu, you rmend one for me."


    Yu Luobai chuckled helplessly. "I don''t know what genre you like."


    "The kind where the arrogant CEO falls for me," Ji Nian joked, her taste quite clich¨¦. Suddenly, she remembered that the novel she had transmigrated into was called ''The CEO Covets the Little Sweetheart''.


    Yu Luobai forcefully pinched her cheek, turning to her with a smile. "You like CEOs?"


    Ji Nian nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, the handsome and arrogant type."


    Yu Luobai''s face darkened. "What about me, then?"


    Ji Nian looked at him and ttered him with a smile. "I like Teacher Yu more."


    Only then did Yu Luobai make a satisfied hum and lean backfortably on the sofa.


    Ji Nian randomly opened an urban drama series.


    As soon as it started, she was hooked by the plot and watched it with relish.


    Yu Luobai didn''t watch. Instead, he held the person he loved in his arms, pinching here and there - ying with her hands, then her hair, then kissing her cheeks. In short, he was simply happy.


    Sometimes, Ji Nian would feel bothered by his antics and swat his hands away, signaling him to stay still and not fidget.


    Yu Luobai''s lips curled into a smirk, wanting to tease her even more. Seeing her serious expression, herrge eyes fixed on the screen, he grew curious about what was so engrossing about such a mindless TV show.


    He turned his head to watch as well. On the screen, the female lead and the male lead were kissing. The male lead wore a restrained expression as he pulled away from the female lead, then ran to take a cold shower.


    The camera captured the man''s slender physique, his abdominal lines, his attractive body curves visible through the misty ss of the bathroom.


    Yu Luobai scowled and looked at the person in his arms. She had a bright, curious expression, like an inquisitive child. She even unconsciously licked her lips, gazing intently.


    He picked up the remote and pressed the power button, causing the TV screen to go ck.


    Ji Nian was briefly stunned, turning to him with a puzzled look. "Is there a power outage?"


    Yu Luobai tapped her head and tly said, "I turned it off."


    Ji Nian grew even more confused. "But I wasn''t done watching."


    Yu Luobai frowned. "You''re not allowed to watch things like that."


    Ji Nian was taken aback but then pouted unhappily, feeling that Teacher Yu was too strict.


    But thinking back to the TV drama''s plot, she gazed at him curiously. "Teacher Yu, do male entertainers in the entertainment industry really have such great physiques?"


    Yu Luobai was infuriated and pulled her into a punishing kiss, dragging her onto hisp.


    Ji Nian could barely keep up as he relentlessly devoured her lips, as if he wanted to consume her entirely.


    After a long while, Yu Luobai finally released her, his breathing ragged and voice husky. "My physique is even better. Do you want to see?"


    Ji Nian was dazed from the intensity of his kisses. Suddenly hearing those words, her face flushed bright red, her mind goingpletely nk.

 Chapter 131: Drunk

    <h4>Chapter 131</h4>


    The time for filming passed quickly, as it was a film project with a tight storyline, originally nned to bepleted in two months, but it actually wrapped up one month ahead of schedule.


    During that one month, ever since their rtionship was established, Yu Luobai had be increasingly clingy, being more tant about it on the set, hugging and leaning on her, even stealing kisses during breaks.


    Director Xiao and Peng He were getting tired of watching it, feeling aesthetically fatigued, as they had known these two for so long, but this was the first time they had seen Yu Luobai be so lovey-dovey in a rtionship.


    In contrast, He Yi was inwardly worried, fearing that their rtionship was developing too well, and if they were to break up in the future, their artist might attempt suicide again, which she wouldn''t be able to handle, living in constant trepidation.


    The crew members were on the frontline of shipping the couple, some even taking out their phones to take photos, as the two had not officially announced their rtionship, so it had not been made public yet.


    Ji Nian felt somewhat embarrassed at first, but after spending so much time with Yu Luobai, sticking to him day after day, she had thickened her skin, although she was still frequently flustered and her heart would race when he teased her.


    At the wrap-up dinner in the evening, Peng He cheerfully sang with He Yi, and Director Xiao also got lively with the crew members.


    Ji Nian, not being able to hold her liquor, initially had no intention of drinking, but found the red wine in front of her quite delicious, not realizing how strong its aftereffect was.


    By the time everyone had sobered up, they found her sitting in her seat, swaying her head in a daze.


    He Yi, amused and exasperated, helped her up and said, "Sister, why did you drink so much?"


    Director Xiao, seeing the empty bottles on the table,ughed and said, "This wine is good, sweet, but has a strong aftereffect. Little Nian got carried away."


    "Director Xiao, you all keep enjoying yourselves, I''ll take her back," He Yi said, supporting the woman.


    "Let me carry her back," Yu Luobai said, with a helpless look in his eyes, as he had only left her for a while, and she had already gotten drunk.


    He Yi''s heart skipped a beat, this won''t do, as her boyfriend''s rtionship, Ji Nian had gotten drunk, what if something unspeakable were to happen...


    "No, no, no, you''re the lead actor, you can''t leave early. I''ll take little Nian back," He Yi shook her head, a hint of wariness in her eyes.


    Yu Luobai could see her thoughts, and just felt that this manager was honest, and would protect her artist.


    "Since Nian has a boyfriend to take her back, don''t bother,e, let''s sing together," Peng He quickly pulled He Yi away.


    "That''s right, Luobai is strong, he can carry or piggyback her back, you''re a girl, it''ll be too much trouble for you to just support her," Director Xiao chimed in, providing backup.


    He Yi was in a dilemma, not knowing whether to leave or stay.


    "I''ll take good care of her," Yu Luobai looked at He Yi, his eyes sincere, just wanting to assure her not to overthink it.


    He Yi was taken aback, realizing that her thoughts had been seen through, feeling a bit embarrassed, she nodded awkwardly and said, "Okay."


    Yu Luobai took the woman in his arms, easily carrying her in a bridal hold, and she clung to his neck in a daze, her gaze vacant.


    "Looks like I''ll have to keep a close eye on you," Yu Luobai found her drunk look rather cute, her cheeks flushed red.


    Ji Nian, feeling dizzy, nestled in his embrace.


    Back at the hotel, Yu Luobai ced the woman on the bed, helping her remove her shoes and jacket, and tucking her in.


    "Good night, Nian Nian," Yu Luobai looked at her clear eyes and dazed expression, smiling as he leaned down and gently kissed her.


    Ji Nian grabbed his hand, not letting him leave, still with a silly smile, "Teacher Yu, let''s sleep together."


    Yu Luobai sighed helplessly, tapping her head, "You''re drunk."


    Ji Nian shook her head, rolled over, and clung to him, pulling his hand to y with.


    Yu Luobai saw her being restless, helped her cover up again, and said seriously, "Go to sleep."


    "No, I want to sleep together," Ji Nian pouted, looking quite dejected.


    Yu Luobai''s eyes shed with a hint of concealed emotion, leaning in closer, and said, "Be obedient, you should sleep."


    Ji Nian shook her head, sitting up and pulling him down with force.


    Yu Luobai, caught off guard, ended up lying down, looking bewildered, and before he could react, she had naturally nestled herself on his chest, her fluffy head moving about.


    He chuckled helplessly, not expecting her to be so rambunctious when drunk.


    "Nian Nian, stop fooling around."


    Ji Nian saw that his legs weren''t on the bed yet, so she sat up again, pulled his legs onto the bed, and even threw his slippers aside, carefully adjusting his position.


    Yu Luobai had no choice but to let her have her way, and said, "Nian Nian, we can''t sleep together like this now."


    Ji Nian didn''t understand, staring at him nkly, "Why not?"


    "Because you''re drunk," Yu Luobai sat up, gently patting her head.


    "I''m not drunk," Ji Nian shook her head, then pushed him back down, lying on top of him like an octopus, murmuring softly, "Good night, Teacher Yu."


    Yu Luobai chuckled helplessly, thinking that he''d wait for her to fall asleep and then leave. So he held her, gently patting her back to lull her to sleep.


    Ji Nian, feeling drowsy, buried her face in his neck, sensing a pleasant fragrance, and mumbled, "It smells good."


    Yu Luobai hugged her, softly saying, "Don''t move around, sleep properly."


    Ji Nian pouted, tightening her embrace, then closed her eyes and drifted off.


    Yu Luobai also yawned, his hand still gently patting her back. Once he felt her fall asleep, he gave her a light kiss.


    He tried to get up, but found that he couldn''t move at all, as she had clung to him tightly, her legs wrapped around his waist.


    Ji Nian felt him stir and hugged him even tighter, mumbling, "Don''t move."


    Yu Luobai froze, a hint of concealed emotion shing in his eyes, then he naturally embraced her.


    He reached out to tidy up the nket, nning to stay like this for the night, since he couldn''t leave anyway, right? He couldn''t help but smile, suddenly feeling extremely happy, realizing that sleeping with the person he loved felt this way, his heartpletely filled.


    The next morning, the sunlight from the window lit up the room, and Ji Nian opened her eyes, only to suddenly find a hand blocking her view.


    "You''re awake," Yu Luobai helped shield her from the ring sunlight, smiling.


    Ji Nian was taken aback, mechanically turning her head to see that she was lying in the man''s arms, utterly shocked.


    "I, you, you..." She sat up abruptly.


    Yu Luobai''s expression was gentle, as he smiled and said, "Do you remember what happenedst night?"


    Ji Nian''s mind went nk, did she ck out? She looked at her own clothes, and asked somewhat dazedly, "Did we... do anything?"


    Yu Luobai chuckled, sitting up as well, tapping her forehead, and said helplessly, "Last night, you got drunk and insisted on sleeping with me."


    Ji Nian''s face flushed red, feeling a bit embarrassed to look at him, and said, "I..."


    Yu Luobai pulled her into his embrace, kissed her lips, then buried his face in her neck, chuckling, "Good morning, Nian Nian."


    Ji Nian''s heart warmed, and she tentatively ced her hands on his waist, softly saying, "Good morning."


    "Let''s get up, we need to pack our bags to go back to Jingdu today," Yu Luobai was reluctant to let go of her.


    "We''re going back to Jingdu so soon?" Ji Nian was still a bit disoriented.


    Yu Luobai pinched her cheek, "The wrap-up dinner wasst night, of course we need to go back."


    Ji Nian, still groggy from just waking up, obediently nodded, "Alright, let''s get up then."


    Yu Luobai chuckled, helping her put on her slippers, then with a strong arm, he pulled her into his embrace.


    Ji Nian was startled, wrapping her arms around his neck, and said, "Professor Yu, I can walk on my own."


    "I want to hold you," Yu Luobai said with an upturned smile.

 Chapter 132: Teenage Memories

    <h4>Chapter 132</h4>


    At the same time, on the inte, a video of a girl being beaten went viral. The video was a bit blurry, clearly from years ago.


    But overall it was quite clear, showing a thin girl being ganged up on and beaten by nearly twenty people, both male and female. Some onlookers even joined in and kicked her.


    The arrogant faces of the group, along with the mocking sounds from bystanders, made the bullied student seem all the more pitiful.


    She could be seen crouched in a corner, clutching her head, curled up tight, her disheveled hair obscuring her face. Her trembling body and pleading voice were visible:


    "Please, don''t hit me."


    "I''ll do whatever you want after this, just don''t hit me."


    The girl''s desperate cries begged them, shaking her head violently, only to receive more vicious beatings in return.


    This was a post shared by a blogger, who said it was contributed by a fan. The post read:


    I''m 21 years old this year, not from a wealthy family. I was born into a very ordinary home, my parents'' upations were not respectable - they collected scrap metal.


    Because my family collected scrap metal, they mocked me, called me a ''garbage collector,'' gave me all sorts of nicknames, ordered me around, and bullied me.


    The person in the video isn''t me, it''s my ssmate. I haven''t seen her in many years and can''t even remember her name anymore.


    Compared to her, I seemed quite fortunate, because in ss, she was bullied far more than me.


    High school, which should have been a wonderful time, brought me endless pain and despair.


    That year, one of the more powerful girls in our ss led a group straight to her, grabbing her hair and mming her head against the wall.


    Before she could react, everyone pounced on her like wild animals, beating her, while onlookersughed and said she deserved it.


    And I was the one forced to record the video, crying while filming it.


    They said if I didn''t obey, I''d end up like her. They wanted to record this ''happy moment.''


    Happy? That just showed their evil, vicious faces.


    After that, the once quiet girl became even more silent and withdrawn. Then one day, I never saw her again.


    And I became the target that everyone bullied. Why am I sharing this video?


    Because my younger brother is now going through the same thing. Recently, he came home covered in injuries, refusing to go to school.


    That''s when I learned he had been bullied too. My brother is a very well-behaved child, quiet and not very socially skilled.


    I was furious, so I wanted to share this, to let people know that your actions can truly ruin someone''s life.


    Also, I sincerely apologize to the girl in the video. Although I didn''t participate, as a bystander, I didn''t dare speak up or help her. This has always been a thorn in my heart. I hate my own inability to act, but I was too afraid.


    I''m sorry for sharing your video, but I hope relevant authorities will take this seriously. Too many people have been hurt, you and I were both victims.


    After the post went up, it instantly became one of Weibo''s top trending topics, with over 300,000ments.


    "I can really rte, I was bullied in middle school too and eventually dropped out."


    "I''m so sorry, when I was young and ignorant I participated in things like this."


    "I was bullied too back then, so I transferred schools."


    "It was really terrifying, the year I was bullied I was constantly afraid and worried. They even made me wait at the school gate for them, do you know how desperate that feels?"


    "That face in the video looks so familiar!!"


    "Even though it''s blurry, I feel like she looks familiar too."


    "Now that you mention it, the girl did look quite pretty."


    "I hopeizens won''t try to identify her."


    "Yes, let''s not cause her further trauma."


    "I hope the government takes this seriously and strictly controls this kind of behavior. If discovered, there should be severe punishment!"


    Netizens were all discussing it fervently, as the incident struck a chord with many.


    At this time, Ji Nian had just gotten off the ne and was riding in the same car with Yu Luobai and the others back to their building.


    He Yi saw the viral video on the trending topics and was momentarily stunned, staring at her phone in dismay.


    "Oh my god, how terrible."


    Ji Nian turned to her and asked, "What is it?"


    He Yi handed her phone over, saying, "The viral Weibo video of a girl being beaten by nearly 20 people as she begs them to stop. She was so young."


    Ji Nian took the phone and watched the video, her whole body shuddering as she fixated on the beaten girl with eyes wide. A sharp pain pierced her chest and her gaze became dazed.


    "Please, don''t hit me."


    "I''ll do anything you want after this."


    "That crying sounds really tragic," Peng Hemented from the driver''s seat.


    "Yeah, that poor girl was so badly bullied. The post said she was constantly targeted," He Yimented, though she couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off, though she didn''t know what.


    Sitting next to her, Yu Luobai noticed Ji Nian''s face had paled considerably.


    Ji Nian stared nkly at the phone, realizing that the person in the video was Ji Xiaonian, the original owner of this body, as a teenager.


    She didn''t know why, but despite the blurry video and having no memories of that life, her heart immediately recognized this as the original owner.


    The excruciating chest pain made it hard to breathe. The phone slipped from her trembling hand and fell onto the car floor.


    He Yi quickly picked it up, saying, "Sis, be careful, I just got the screen repaired."


    Ji Nian struggled for air, pounding her chest forcefully, trying to ease the overwhelming anguish ravaging her body.


    "Nian Nian, what''s wrong?" Yu Luobai watched her pained expression with rm.


    He Yi was also stunned, seeing her pound her chest. He grabbed her hand, asking "Ji Xiaonian, what''s happening?"


    Ji Nian felt her chest tighten unbearably, the searing pain mixed with a suffocating pressure. Suddenly, a sweet, metallic taste surged up her throat.


    "Nian Nian!" Yu Luobai watched in horror as the woman coughed up fresh blood, panicking and yelling, "Quick, quick! To the hospital!"


    He Yi was equally shocked, frantically wiping the blood with tissues, his hands shaking uncontrobly.


    Peng He turned to see her passed out, blood at the corners of her mouth. His eyes went wide with confusion before he anxiously sped up, driving rapidly towards the hospital.


    Yu Luobai held the shuddering Ji Nian tightly, deeply afraid without understanding what was happening.

 Chapter 133: Will you sleep next to Me

    <h4>Chapter 133</h4>


    "Haha, you''re just trash!"


    "Look at her, always cowering and shrinking back."


    "I just can''t stand her, her grades are bad and the teachers don''t like her either."


    "She''s just garbage, walking around with her head down, all gloomy and depressed."


    "Tear up her books for me!"


    "I threw her backpack down from the second floor, haha."


    "Did you bump into me today? Don''t you have eyes? Watch where you''re going, and don''t go home after school, I''ll tell on you."


    "Quick, go to the canteen and buy me something to eat."


    "Help me with ss duty after school, I need to go home."


    "Are you going to do it? You dare not disobey me?"


    Ji Nian''s head was buzzing, and all she could see was darkness, but she could clearly hear those voices.


    She wanted to struggle and run forward, and in the darkness, she suddenly saw a very bright door.


    Ji Nian paused, and ran towards that direction, but as she was about to cross the threshold, she saw a figure next to it, and she stopped in her tracks.


    There was a teenage girl, dressed in a school uniform, hugging her knees and sitting in the darkness by the door. If she took one more step, she would have escaped the darkness.


    Ji Nian looked at her, and the girl also looked up. She had a confused look, covered in bruises, her eyes brimming with tears, and she seemed lost, curling up tighter.


    "Nian Nian."


    "Xiao Nian."


    "Ji Xiao Nian."


    Ji Nian heard someone calling her, and she looked towards the door, the voiceing from inside.


    "Who are you?" Ji Nian asked the girl.


    The girl didn''t answer, just curled up tighter.


    At this moment, there were more voices from outside the door calling her, and Ji Nian paused.


    "I have to go back." Ji Nian said to the girl, looking at her pitiful state, and asked, "Do you want toe with me?"


    The girl didn''t answer, she seemed not to hear, lost in her own world.


    Ji Nian felt a bit anxious, hesitated for a moment, and then crossed the door by herself.


    "You''re awake!" He Yi eximed joyfully.


    Yu Luobai looked worried, quickly grabbing her hand, his heart in turmoil.


    Ji Nian opened her eyes, and three faces came into view, and she struggled to get up.


    Yu Luobai quickly supported her, asking, "Is there anything wrong?"


    "Xiao Nian, you scared us so much." Peng He heaved a sigh of relief.


    Ji Nian paused, only then realizing that the host''s consciousness had fluctuated too much, causing her to pass out again.


    Was that a dream just now? Was the girl in the school uniform Ji Xiao Nian?


    Yu Luobai saw her spacing out, and ced a hand on her forehead, saying, "Are you ufortable? Shall I call the doctor?"


    Ji Nian shook her head, her face a bit pale, and said, "I''m fine."


    "You vomited blood and you''re fine?" He Yi looked worried, then her eyes suddenly widened, "Is it a sequ?"


    A sequ from the suicide attempt due to excessive blood loss?


    "No, no, that''s not it." He Yi shook her head again.


    Ji Nian was certain she knew what He Yi was trying to express, and said, "No, I''m in good health!"


    He Yi was taken aback, only then remembering there were two other people in the room, and didn''t say anything more.


    "What sequ?" Yu Luobai asked.


    He Yi hesitated, shaking her head, "Nothing."


    "Are you two hiding something from me?" Yu Luobai''s face was serious.


    "Don''t worry, I''m in good health." Ji Nian didn''t want to mention the host''s previous suicide attempt for now.


    Her thoughts were still a bit scattered, the host must have some unresolved attachments, so this consciousness would asionally emerge.


    Yu Luobai suddenly remembered that time in the restaurant when he met Pei Yuchen and had dinner with her, and she had said something about saving her life, he felt that things were probably not that simple.


    But knowing she didn''t want to talk about it, and He Yi also didn''t want to say anything, even if he really wanted to know, he couldn''t ask further, he just felt a bit disappointed, why couldn''t she tell him?


    "I want to go home." Ji Nian threw off the nket, wanting to get out of bed, but was stopped by the man.


    "Stay for observation for two days." Yu Luobai looked worried.


    "I''m fine, I don''t want to stay in the hospital." Ji Nian shook her head.


    "Be obedient." Yu Luobai frowned deeply, "The doctor said the situation with the vomiting of blood is unclear, and we need to do a full body check-up."


    He Yi nodded next to him, "Yes, sister, let''s not be stubborn this time, and do a full body check-up."


    Ji Nian felt unreasonably irritated, she just wanted to go back and be alone, she understood her own body, and there was nothing major wrong.


    "I want to go back." Ji Nian got up from the bed.


    Yu Luobai looked at her with a serious expression, "No!"


    "Sister, let''s just do the check-up." He Yi persuaded.


    "Yes, Xiao Nian, you really scared us just now." Peng He spoke up.


    "Don''t bother me!" Ji Nian couldn''t help but shout.


    He Yi was startled, she had never seen the woman have such a temper.


    Yu Luobai was taken aback, he didn''t understand why she insisted on being discharged when she had vomited blood.


    Peng He was also startled, standing beside without saying anything.


    Ji Nian knew she had lost control, but she was really irritated, she just had an unexinable dislike of staying in the hospital, this was not her own emotion, perhaps the host had a very strong desire to leave this ce.


    "I''m sorry." Ji Nian felt guilty, she shouldn''t have shouted.


    Yu Luobai picked her up and forcibly put her back on the bed, "This time I won''t let you have your way, you have to do a full body check-up."


    He Yi gave Peng He a look, and the two of them quietly left the room.


    Now there were only the two of them in the ward, Ji Nian lowered her head without speaking, she knew Yu Luobai cared about her.


    "Be obedient, I''m really worried about you." Yu Luobai frowned, soothing her emotions, coaxing, "I was so scared just now, you vomited blood, and the doctor said the situation was unclear, let''s just do a full body check-up and stay for two days to see, okay?"


    Ji Nian''s nose felt sore, and an inexplicable sense of grievance welled up in her heart, she didn''t understand herself, why her emotions had suddenly be so sensitive.


    Yu Luobai saw her crying, his body stiffening, at a loss for what to do, "Nian Nian, what''s wrong?"


    Ji Nian shook her head, unable to exin the reason, she just wanted to cry, looking at the man with red eyes, "I want to go home."


    Yu Luobai hugged her, gently patting her back, soothing, "I''m here with you, be obedient, don''t cry."


    Ji Nian''s irritable mood gradually dissipated, she calmed down, lying on the man''s shoulder, quietly silent.


    "Is there anywhere that''s ufortable?" Yu Luobai asked concernedly, "I saw you holding your chest in the car just now, does it hurt?"


    Ji Nian nodded, giving a soft "mm".


    "Then can you tell me what this sequ that He Yi mentioned is?" Yu Luobai asked gently.


    Ji Nian shook her head, struggling out of his embrace, "I don''t have any sequ."


    Yu Luobai patted her head, feeling that she looked so pitiful and heartbreaking now.


    "Do you want to rest a bit more, are you tired?" Yu Luobai asked.


    Ji Nian looked at him, actually her mood was a bit heavy, and her body was indeed very tired.


    "Mr. Yu, can you sleep next to me?" Ji Nian spoke up.


    Yu Luobai was taken aback, not expecting to hear this request, "Nian Nian..."


    Ji Nian had already realized that this ward was not ordinary, it was a single room, and the bed was arge double bed, it seemed to be a VIP ward.


    Ji Niany down, arranging the pillow, gesturing for the man to lie down as well.


    Yu Luobai looked at her helplessly, took off his shoes and got on the bed.


    Ji Nian snuggled up to him, hugging his waist in a veryfortable position, and closed her eyes.


    Yu Luobai embraced her, patting her back gently like soothing a child, whispering, "Sleep."


    Ji Nian felt enveloped in a sense of calm and security. His embrace was warm, and it allowed her entire being to settle into a state of tranquility.

 Chapter 134: Like it 02

    <h4>Chapter 134</h4>


    At this moment on the inte, a video has gone viral across various social media tforms, with a title that reads "(Ji Xiaonian''s High School Days)" topping the trending list.


    "No way? If you hadn''t mentioned it, I wouldn''t have noticed the resemnce!"


    "Really? Ji Xiaonian has never mentioned this kind of thing on any shows."


    "Don''t you remember? She said on a variety show that she''s from the countryside."


    "So being from the countryside means you can be bullied???"


    "This video looks like it''s been around for a while, based on the blogger who posted it, and the person who submitted it is also 21, and Ji Xiaonian is 21 too..."


    "Holy shit, this is really creepy!"


    "What, was Ji Xiaonian''s life that miserable?"


    "Suddenly, I feel so sorry for her."


    "Haha, with so many people beating her up, doesn''t Ji Xiaonian need to reflect on herself a bit? Isn''t it her own problem?"


    "Yeah, if you don''t provoke them, they won''te and beat you up, right?"


    "It takes two to tango."


    "With my short temper, you folks up there, I really want to hurl abuse at you."


    "Please don''t be a keyboard warrior, thank you."


    The trending topic caused quite a stir, and many people came to the official ount to offer their condolences, and Ji Xiaonian''s CP fans also came to ask if it was true.


    He Yi received a call from thepany and rushed over to deal with the rumors circting on the inte.


    While it''s called a rumor, even she herself is no longer certain, because even she feels that the person in the video is bing more and more like Ji Xiaonian, or to be more precise, like the old Ji Xiaonian.


    The old her was just like that, with a lifeless gaze, and despite having such a pretty face, she gave off a sense of gloominess.


    On the surface, she was cold and unapproachable, with an air of arrogance, but in reality, she was using this exterior to conceal her inner insecurity.


    He Yi never really understood her, couldn''t see through her, but could still see that the old Ji Xiaonian was a person without a sense of security.


    She never knew about Ji Xiaonian''s past, not even the details of her rtionship with Cheng Liran, only knowing that at that time, Ji Xiaonian must have loved him deeply.


    She would go to great lengths to buy luxury goods, just to dress up nicely, saying that it would make her more worthy of him.


    Later that night, Ji Nian woke up and felt much better, reverting to her energetic self.


    Yu Luobai also woke up, hugging her with a gentle expression and asking, "Are you hungry?"


    Ji Nian blushed and nodded, her voice slightly hoarse as she replied, "A little."


    "Peng He just sent a message, he''ll be bringing food over soon. Let me get you a ss of water first." Yu Luobai kissed her forehead and got up to pour her a ss of water.


    Ji Nian watched his figure and suddenly felt a sense of warmth in her heart.


    "Teacher Yu," Ji Nian called out.


    Yu Luobai turned around and asked, "What is it?"


    "Why are you so good to me?" Ji Nian asked, puzzled.


    Yu Luobai walked over and tapped her forehead, saying helplessly, "You''re my girlfriend, if I''m not good to you, who else would I be good to?"


    Ji Nian''s lips curved into a small smile as she took the water and started drinking.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Peng He came in with arge bag, seeing the woman''s eyes filled withughter, he said, "Hey, is ourdy in a better mood?"


    Ji Nian nced at him without much enthusiasm and replied, "It''s okay."


    "Come on, let''s all eat, I made it, and I also simmered some chicken soup for you," Peng He said proudly.


    Ji Nian was surprised and asked, "You can cook?"


    "Of course!" Peng He replied with a haughty expression. "I''m a full-fledged manager."


    "Impressive." Ji Nian gave him a thumbs up.


    Once the food wasid out on the table, Ji Nian, smelling the aroma of the dishes, felt even hungrier and walked over in her slippers.


    Yu Luobai gestured for her to sit down, opened a lunchbox, and handed it to her, also cing the soup in front of her, saying, "Drink the soup first."


    Ji Nian obediently nodded and started drinking the soup, not even bothering to pick up the spoon.


    Yu Luobai looked at her tenderly and used his chopsticks to pick up some dishes and ce them in her bowl.


    Peng He made a "tsk tsk tsk" sound, truly amazed at how this person who never talked about love before is now disying such a doting attitude.


    Ji Nian finished the soup, with a piece of meat in her mouth, feelingpletely refreshed in body and mind. She asked Peng He, "Aren''t you eating?"


    "I already had my meal earlier," Peng He replied with a smile.


    Ji Nian was busy eating, and she was really hungry. She gave Peng He a big thumbs up andplimented, "Your cooking is great!"


    Peng He smiled and looked at her, picking up his phone to start scrolling through it.


    Yu Luobai looked at her with a helpless expression and said, "Eat slowly."


    Ji Nian was happily eating the meat, and indeed, no matter what time it is, good food can always heal the heart.


    "I have to say, theseizens are really funny," Peng He said, looking at the news andughing. "The video of the girl being beaten up that''s trending, some people are saying it''s Xiaonian, and they''re quite convincing about it."


    Ji Nian''s hand holding the chopsticks paused for a moment, and she lowered her head slightly, looking a bit ufortable.


    "He Yi is probably busy right now, figuring out how to issue a statement," Peng He said with augh.


    Ji Nian forced a smile and asked, "What are they saying online?"


    "They just say the girl in the video looks a lot like you," Peng He replied with a smile.


    "Looks like me?" Yu Luobai reached out and asked Peng He for the phone.


    Ji Nian paused, and the calm mood she had just regained seemed to be disturbed again. She felt a slight pain in her heart, not obvious, but she could sense that the original host was feeling sad.


    Yu Luobai looked at the screenshot of the video on Weibo, suddenly pausing. He couldn''t quite put his finger on it, but it looked very simr, yet also not quite the same. The gaze and aura were different.


    "Yeah, the more you look, the more it seems to resemble her, but if you look closely, it''s also not quite the same. The demeanor and vibe are different," Peng He said with augh, taking back his phone.


    Ji Nian inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. She pretended to be nonchnt and said, "This kind of negative video should not be circted. It will have a bad influence on underage kids, and they might even imitate it, which wouldn''t be good."


    "That''s a good point. The government should also strengthen management of such situations. In fact, when I was in school, I saw simr cases where the bullied person was quite pitiful," Peng He said sympathetically.


    "Did you participate in something like that?" Ji Nian asked.


    "How is that possible! I was an exemry student," Peng He eximed in shock.


    "Actually, children are like a nk canvas. Their character or the things they do can be changed by the environment and external factors," Ji Nian, who had been a teacher for many years, said.


    "High school is a rebellious period. At this stage, children have their own independent thoughts. Family factors, family education, and school education all need to instill the right values in them and not let them blindly follow the crowd," she continued.


    "That''s quite insightful," Peng He said, impressed. "I didn''t expect you to understand these things so well."


    Yu Luobai was also surprised, as he rarely heard Ji Nian speak such profound words.


    Ji Nian smiled and said, "It''s just simple logic. Education is really important, after all."


    "In the future, my children definitely won''t do these kinds of bullying acts," Peng He said seriously.


    Yu Luobai nodded in agreement, saying, "I''ll also make sure to educate our children properly."


    Ji Nian turned to look at him, her face flushing red. She red at him, thinking he was being too shameless.


    Peng He felt like he was stuck in the middle of a lovey-dovey couple and said irritably, "I''m still here, you know, don''t get all mushy."

 Chapter 135: Not Exactly the Same

    <h4>Chapter 135</h4>


    The next day, the results of Ji Nian''s full body examination came back, and all her indicators were normal.


    Under the doctor''s astonished gaze, Ji Nian insisted on being discharged from the hospital, even Yu Luobai couldn''t do anything about it.


    Peng He drove over to pick them up, and the two were bundled up warmly as they walked to the underground parking garage and got into the car.


    Seeing that the woman had regained her rosyplexion and looked energetic, He Yi smiled and said, "Sister, it''s good that you''re healthy."


    Ji Nian sat in the middle, with Yu Luobai on her left and He Yi on her right, and replied, "It''s a must."


    He Yi smiled, then looked a bit troubled, and asked, "The discussions about you online are still fermenting, and there are still people pretending to be your former ssmates and digging into your past, making their ims sound convincing. Everyone believes them."


    Ji Nian''s body tensed slightly, but she pretended not to care and smiled, "Let me take a look."


    Seeing her natural expression, He Yi breathed a sigh of relief and handed her phone over, saying, "Take a look, it''s this post. It already has hundreds of millions of views, and there are photos of you from high school too, though it''s hard to tell if they''re real."


    Ji Nian took the phone and saw that this post was at the top of the trending list. She opened it.


    True story, this is Ji Xiaonian, I remember her name. At first, when I saw this video, I felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Then I suddenly recalled this scene.


    First, let me dere that I was not a participant. To prove that I''m telling the truth, I''ve included a group photo from when we were in high school below.


    It''s hard to imagine that this girl, who was constantly bullied, would one day stand at a height we couldn''t reach, a celebrity in the spotlight on TV and the inte.


    I don''t know her well, but the impression she gave me was that she was timid and withdrawn, walking with her head down, silent and quiet. Even when she was bullied, she wouldn''t say a word, wouldn''t tell the teachers or her parents. Everyone just kept bullying her more and more.


    Her grades weren''t good either, and the teachers didn''t really like her. Sometimes they even said she was gloomy and expressionless all day, never smiling, not likable at all.


    For someone even the teachers disliked, we felt even more emboldened to bully her openly. Just recalling her high school life as an outsider gives me nightmares.


    Actually, Iter heard that it wasn''t just in high school, but also middle school that she went through this. Her family situation was veryplicated, but I''d better not say too much about that. In any case, I''m d she''s doing so well now, and I wish her all the best.


    After reading it, Ji Nian felt that the blogger was quite sincere and didn''t reveal too much about the original poster, even offering blessings at the end.


    She opened the high school group photo and zoomed in to look at the low-resolution image.


    Ji Nian paused, her heart aching slightly. The figure in the photo seemed like an outsider, her cold gaze as she stood at the edge of the group making her appear to be in another world.


    "It doesn''t look like her," Yu Luobai said softly from beside her. He had been looking at the post and photo as well, and felt the personality described and the photo didn''t match Ji Nian.


    Ji Nian was stunned and turned to ask, "Teacher Yu, what doesn''t seem like me?"


    Yu Luobai''s heart was actually quiteplex. The face was almost identical, but the feeling it gave him was familiar yet strange. That gaze seemed familiar, yet he couldn''t recall where he had seen it before.


    "The personality described in the post doesn''t seem like you," Yu Luobai said, looking at her. "You''re an outgoing person who loves to smile and gets along well with everyone. Your eyes are bright, while the one in the photo looks like a soulless doll."


    Ji Nian was taken aback, then came back to her senses and joked, "But I think her face looks exactly like mine."


    Hearing those words, He Yi''s body tensed, her expression grewplicated as she thought she might already know the answer.


    Yu Luobai''s heart skipped a beat as he asked seriously, "So that''s you?"


    Ji Nian shook her head. "No, it''s not me," she said. It wasn''t her, it was Ji Xiaonian.


    Getting the answer, Yu Luobai felt the tightness in his chest loosen. He pulled the woman closer, and they leaned against each other.


    He Yi turned her head away, her nose stinging as she held back tears. She suddenly recalled the scene when she first met Ji Xiaonian, wondering how she could have thought they looked alike. They were clearly one and the same person...


    "If it''s not you, then just issue a public rtions statement to debunk it. Easy, just deny the rumors," Peng He said casually from the driver''s seat.


    He Yi regained herposure, but still felt heartbroken. Fighting back herplex emotions, she smiled and said, "We didn''t handle it well yesterday, so we should draft a statement today."


    "No need to make it soplicated. I can just post something on Weibo myself," Ji Nian said nonchntly.


    He Yi was stunned, unsure whether she should ask Ji Nian about it privately or just pretend not to know.


    "That''s a good idea. Everyone knows Ji Xiaonian doesn''t y by the rules anyway," Peng Heughed. "If thepany officially issues a statement, people will just be even more suspicious. It''d be better for Ji Xiaonian to debunk the rumors herself."


    "I suppose so..." He Yi said, seeing as Peng He had said as much.


    "Alright, I''ll debunk it now," Ji Nian said, taking out her phone and opening Weibo. Seeing that she had many private messages, she clicked ''Read All,'' then opened the top trending post.


    Shemented directly below it: I can''t say it''s exactly the same, it''spletely unrted.


    As soon as she posted that, viewers who had been following the issue saw it immediately and responded instantly.


    "Hahaha, the woman herself has arrived!"


    "Lol, what a way to debunk the rumors."


    "I was crying just a second ago? Now you give me this answer? I''m not sure whether to cry orugh."


    "Goose, you had me worrying all night as a fan."


    "So I was just suffering alone?"


    "Hahaha, I can''t say it''s exactly the same, it''spletely unrted."


    "Lmao, I was feeling heartbroken, but this sentence just left meughing and crying."


    "Am I the only one who thinks it''s true?"


    "I think it''s true too."


    "Maybe Ji Xiaonian just doesn''t want people to know her wounds."


    "Seconding the above."


    "We don''t need to dwell on whether it''s true or not. If Ji Xiaonian really went through all that, it''s admirable that she can still love the world now."


    "Yeah, let''s not get too hung up on it. The past is the past. Regardless of who the person in the video is, we shouldn''t keep reopening others'' wounds."


    "It''s probably not Ji Xiaonian, their eyes arepletely different."


    "Of course her eyes would look different from before when she was bullied so badly, right? At least she''s living better now than before."


    Ji Nian yawned, closed her phone, leaned against Yu Luobai''s shoulder, and said, "I''m going to sleep for a bit. Wake me up when we get home."


    Yu Luobai stroked her head tenderly. "Sleep well."


    He Yi had been following the online situation. Amazingly, in a short time, the trending topic''s title had changed to (I can''t say it''s exactly the same, it''spletely unrted).


    And a trend had emerged on social media tforms where people started using that phrase to poke fun at others.

 Chapter 136: I Wanna Sleep with You.

    <h4>Chapter 136</h4>


    When they got home, YU Luobai had to leave first to prepare for his workmitment the next day, so he left with PENG He.


    HE Yi was the one who entered the house with her. After being away for a month, there was a moment of unfamiliarity when she stepped into the familiar ce.


    HE Yi changed into her indoor slippers and sat on the sofa, looking like she wanted to say something but couldn''t.


    JI Nian knew what she wanted to say and asked, "Do you have something to say?"


    HE Yi paused for a moment before slowly speaking, "Was that you in the video?"


    "Yes, it was me," JI Nian admitted, as HE Yi knew JI Xiaonian too well before.


    She didn''t want to admit it earlier because she didn''t want too many people to know, as she had lost her memory and couldn''t answer many questions about her past.


    HE Yi was shocked, even though she had already guessed it. Hearing the confirmation from JI Nian''s own mouth still hurt her heart.


    "Those people should be punished!" HE Yi said through gritted teeth.


    "There''s no way to hold them ountable," JI Nian shook her head. "They were only 15 or 16 years old back then. After all these years, there''s no way to pursue responsibility for that."


    It was the truth. How could they go after those students now? Even if she tried her best, she would only get an apology, which would be toote and meaningless since the people involved were no longer around.


    "What about your family?" HE Yi asked, her eyes reddening.


    JI Nian''s hand holding the water ss paused. She had no family, neither in the past nor present. JI Xiaonian''s family had never contacted her, and she had no way to reach them.


    "You," JI Nian forced a carefree smile, "you are my family now."


    HE Yi smiled through her tears and gave her a hug, saying, "Even after all this, you still have the heart to joke with me."


    "I''m not joking," JI Nian patted her back, smiling.


    "As long as you''re in a good mood," HE Yi said, no longer dwelling on it. "Get some rest, I''lle by tomorrow."


    JI Nian nodded, "Okay, bye."


    Watching the house be quiet again, she felt a sense of emptiness. She stood up and went to the balcony to enjoy the view.


    It was already quite cold in JINGDU in November. JI Nian, wearing a sweater with fleece lining, couldn''t help but shiver as the cold wind blew.


    "It''s so cold," JI Nian stood at the balcony railing, the cold wind making her more alert.


    Looking down, she saw the twinkling lights of the city below, like scattered stars on the ground.


    Suddenly, a familiar feeling washed over her as she gazed down, but the fleeting memory vanished before she could grasp it.


    JI Nian shook her head, her mood bing heavy. She went back inside, closing the balcony door, and decided to get changed and go to bed.


    Upstairs, YU Luobai was still going over the schedule for the next day''s work with PENG He.


    "I can''t help but feel something is off," PENG He said, thinking it over. "The girl who was beaten in the video, her expression looked strangely familiar, like I''ve seen her before."


    YU Luobai''s hand paused as he held the documents. He had a simr sense of familiarity.


    PENG He suddenly jolted, quickly opening JI Nian''s social media page and finding the only photo there. Hepared it and eximed, "Look! It''s the same, the expression is exactly the same!"


    YU Luobai was shaken, finally understanding the source of his sense of familiarity - he had seen her before.


    "The person in the video, it''s Xiao Nian, isn''t it?" PENG He said, unable to believe it.


    YU Luobai''s face paled, his eyes filled with empathy for her. She was such a sunny and cheerful person, yet she had such a heartbreaking past.


    "Should I have someone look into her information?" PENG He asked.


    "No need," YU Luobai shook his head, pursing his lips. "She doesn''t want us to know."


    PENG He suddenly realized that despite her carefree demeanor in the car, she must be carrying a heavy burden inside, having her traumatic past exposed for everyone to discuss, while she had to pretend not to know.


    YU Luobai had no mood to review the schedule anymore, setting the documents aside. "You can go back first. I''ve got the information covered."


    PENG He knew his friend was in a bad mood, so he nodded and left.


    YU Luobai sat on the sofa, thinking about the video content. He didn''t have the courage to watch it again.


    Back at JI Nian''s ce, she had just finished showering and was about to lie down and read a novel to help her fall asleep when the doorbell rang.


    She was surprised to see YU Luobai through the peephole and opened the door, "Professor Yu?"


    YU Luobai pulled her into his embrace, his chin resting on her head, aplex expression in his eyes.


    "Why are you here?" JI Nian asked, hugging him back.


    YU Luobai''s slightly hoarse voice said, "Nian Nian, I want to sleep with you."


    JI Nian was taken aback, her face flushing red. She struggled out of his embrace and looked up at him, stammering, "Professor Yu, aren''t we moving a bit too fast..."


    Even though she was attracted to his physique, she wasn''t quite mentally prepared for this.


    YU Luobai, originally in a somber mood, was amused by her reaction. He tapped her head and said helplessly, "What are you thinking?"


    JI Nian looked at him, puzzled.


    "It''s not the first time we''ve slept together," YU Luobai pinched her cheek.


    JI Nian realized then that he just meant sleeping under the same nket and talking, not anything more. Embarrassed, she said, "Thene in, Professor Yu."


    YU Luobai was surprised, asking, "You''re okay with me staying the night?"


    JI Nian looked at him naturally, "It''s not the first time we''ve slept together."


    YU Luobai''s lips curled into a smile as he ruffled her hair and went inside, closing the door behind him.


    "Nian Nian," he said with a subtle undertone, "you''re so obedient."


    JI Nian noticed that he was wearing pajamas, which added a gentle touch to his usually aloof presence.


    She curiously touched the fabric, "Professor Yu, your pajamas feel so soft."


    "Do you like it?" YU Luobai pulled her into his embrace, smiling. "Then I''ll get you a set."


    JI Nian shook her head, "No need to waste money, I already have my own pajamas."


    YU Luobai''s smile deepened as he followed her to the bedroom, turning off the lights in the living room on the way.


    JI Nian had gotten used to being around him, as they had been working together for over a month. She felt veryfortable and not at all uneasy.


    The two of themy on the bed, with JI Nian naturally leaning against YU Luobai''s embrace. She took out her phone to read a novel.


    YU Luobai hugged her from behind, watching along as she immersed herself in the story.


    JI Nian felt very content. Being with YU Luobai made her feel a sense of security and that she would never be alone.


    YU Luobai saw the random novels on her phone and couldn''t help but shake his head in amusement, taking the phone and cing it on the bedside table.

 Chapter 137: Dream of Love

    <h4>Chapter 137</h4>


    Ji Nian looked puzzled after seeing her phone taken away, and turned around to ask, "Master Yu, why did you confiscate my phone?"


    Yu Luobai hugged her and said helplessly, "You were sleeping, yet still reading those messy novels."


    Ji Nian pouted, "Master Yu has no romance. The love portrayed in novels is every girl''s dream."


    Yu Luobai gazed at her passionately, ced his hand on her neck, and forcefully kissed her lips.


    Ji Nian froze for a moment, then gently responded to his kiss, only to receive a more intense attack.


    Yu Luobai embraced her waist, trailing kisses down to her neck. Feeling her body tremble slightly, he held her tighter.


    Ji Nian struggled to break free, gasping for air.


    Yu Luobai''s gaze deepened as he nuzzled her nose affectionately.


    "Master Yu, you..." Ji Nian felt weak from the kisses.


    Yu Luobai chuckled, "Wasn''t this the love you said every girl dreams of?"


    "Huh?" Ji Nian looked confused.


    "In the novel you were reading earlier, the male lead forcefully kissed the female lead like this, and then..." Yu Luobai smiled.


    Ji Nian''s face flushed red, not expecting him to have read the novel with her, even the intimate scenes.


    "Master Yu, you''re such a scoundrel," Ji Nian huffed.


    Yu Luobai kissed her lips again, his tongue entwining with hers. He could feel the woman''s body beneath her nightgown, a surge of heat coursing through him.


    Ji Nian was dazed by the kisses, realizing that two buttons on her top had already been undone.


    Yu Luobai trailed kisses down her neck, but regained control before losing himselfpletely. He firmly embraced the woman, his voice hoarse as he restrained himself, "Time to sleep."


    Ji Nian felt a tingling sensation throughout her body, leaving her breathless. She asked, "Master Yu, did we almost lose control?"


    Yu Luobai held her head against his chest and said, "Don''t move."


    Ji Nian shifted ufortably, embracing his waist to find a better sleeping position.


    Yu Luobai''s deep voice resonated again, "If you keep moving, I might not be able to control myself."


    Ji Nian froze, her face flushing red as she understood his meaning. She whispered, "Good night, Master Yu."


    "Nian Nian," Yu Luobai murmured into her neck, "Let''s make our rtionship public."


    Ji Nian responded with a soft "Mmm," smiling, "Isn''t Master Yu afraid of losing fans?"


    "I''m not afraid of that. I''m only afraid of you getting hurt," Yu Luobai''s eyes flickered with concern.


    "I''m used to being targeted. It doesn''t really matter," Ji Nian said softly.


    "As long as you''re willing to go public, I''ll handle everything," Yu Luobai yed with her hair.


    "You make the arrangements, and I''ll follow your lead," Ji Nian nestled against his chest, closing her eyes and yawning.


    "Nian Nian is so obedient," Yu Luobai''s lips curved into a smile as he gently patted her back.


    Ji Nian felt enveloped in warmth, and the restlessness in her heart seemed to find sce. She leaned contentedly into the man''s embrace, a sense of fulfillment she had alwayscked.


    After a good night''s sleep, the next morning, it was already past 10 AM when they woke up.


    Yu Luobai had been awake for a while, watching her sleep peacefully. Unwilling to get up, he observed her sleeping posture, asionally kissing her face, pinching her cheeks, or hugging her.


    In any case, Ji Nian could have slept a bit longer, but she was woken up by this mischievous man beside her.


    She looked at him with a reproachful expression, "Master Yu."


    "Sleepy little piggy, time to wake up," Yu Luobai chuckled, kissing her forehead.


    Ji Nian''s eyes were still hazy as she snuggled back into his embrace, mumbling, "I want to sleep a bit more."


    Yu Luobai hugged her, his lips curved into a smile, "If you sleep any longer, it''ll be noon."


    Ji Nian rarely had the chance to sleep in, as she usually had to wake up early for filming. Now that she was back, she wanted to indulge in a little extra sleep.


    She didn''t want to get up and stayed stubbornly in his embrace, "No, I want to sleep."


    Yu Luobai was amused as he watched her close her eyes again. With no other choice, he continued to pat her back and kiss her cheek, closing his eyes to join her.


    Ji Nian had already been woken up, so she couldn''t fall back asleep, but she still didn''t want to get up and just wanted to lie down.


    She opened her eyes and saw Yu Luobai''s face inches away, his long eyshes and wless skin. Ji Nian reached out and gently traced his features.


    "Nian Nian," Yu Luobai opened his eyes and looked at her, "I thought you were sleeping, yet you''re touching my face."


    Ji Nian smiled, "Master Yu has such long eyshes."


    Yu Luobaiughed, "I wish I could wake up to you every day."


    Ji Nian paused, smiling, "Master Yu, we''re in the passionate stage of our rtionship. What if you get tired of me after being together for a long time?"


    Yu Luobai was taken aback by her words, realizing herck of security, recalling how she had been bullied since childhood, and her previous rtionships didn''t end well...


    "That won''t happen," he hugged her tightly, his eyes filled with concern, "You have to trust me."


    Ji Nian could feel his sincerity, but emotions were unpredictable. Her parents'' failed marriage had cast a long shadow over her childhood.


    Ji Nian didn''t want her future children to experience the loneliness of an iplete family like she did. Even though she was dating Yu Luobai now, and she really liked him, her heart remained guarded. She was a selfish person, at least for now, she couldn''t bring herself to fullymit her emotions.


    A phone rang, and Ji Nian reminded the man still holding her, "Master Yu, your phone."


    Yu Luobai reached for it and saw it was Peng He calling, only then remembering he had a job scheduled for today.


    "When I came in, I couldn''t find you at home?" Peng He asked in surprise on the other end.


    "I''m downstairs," Yu Luobai answered.


    Peng He was taken aback, looking at the empty house. His artist must have gone downstairs to be with his girlfriendst night.


    "Hurry up, you have a job to get to. Don''t bete," Peng He said wearily.


    Yu Luobai responded with a "Mmm," and said, "I''ll be right up."


    Ji Nian was leaning against his chest, blinking her big eyes at him. After he hung up, she asked, "Is Master Yu going to work?"


    "Work? You mean go earn money?" Yu Luobai smiled at her choice of words.


    "Yes," Ji Nian replied.


    Seeing her get up, Yu Luobai hugged her waist as they walked towards the door, cuddling affectionately.


    "I''ll be back to keep youpany tonight," Yu Luobai tucked her disheveled hair behind her ear.


    Ji Nian opened the door and pouted, "Bye, Master Yu."


    Yu Luobai felt reluctant to leave. He kissed her cheek again, hugged her for a while, and said, "See youter."


    Ji Nian nodded, seeing him still lingering, so she hurriedly pushed him out, urging, "Hurry up, or you''ll bete."


    Yu Luobai''s lips curved into a smile as he nodded and walked out.


    After watching him take the elevator, Ji Nian closed the door, suddenly feeling a sense of loss. It''s not like they wouldn''t see each other for a long time, yet she couldn''t help but feel reluctant to part ways.


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