Chapter 39

Wen Ling (Today 11:45): #Actor’sSecretRomanceExposedEighteenthTierYueLing# Yue Ling and Actor Ji’s families have known each other for generations. They met a long time ago; there’s no “rising through connections.” Also, Yue Ling’s acting is excellent. You can check out The Pearl Chronicle. She didn’t get in through connections.
Wen Jiu raised a skeptical brow. One eyebrow lifted slightly. “You edited this post yourself, right?”
“It’s good that we know each other, otherwise I’d think you were just riding the hype… But you even managed to promote your new drama at the same time. You really know how to use your brain. You’re a qualified lead actress, if I were the boss, I’d definitely give you a raise.”
By the time she said the last two sentences, Wen Jiu no longer carried the confrontational attitude she had when opening the door earlier. Her tone had softened.
Being fellow workers, half the tension vanished.
Besides, for now, Wen Ling really seemed sincere in seeking reconciliation.
“I believe you genuinely want to make peace. If you have any evidence in your favor, show it first. Believing you is one thing, but you have a history, I’m worried you might hurt Sister Yue Ling.”
“If you get past me, I’ll tell Sister Yue you want to meet her, and see if she has time. But whether she forgives you after meeting you, I can’t guarantee.”
“We don’t believe in the idea that apologizing automatically earns forgiveness.”
Wen Ling took a deep breath and exhaled.
She told herself not to get angry. She told herself not to get angry.
But she couldn’t resist: “Wen Jiu, licking your lips like that might get you poisoned.”
Wen Jiu actually listened this once and pursed her lips. “See? Not poisoned.”
Wen Ling: “……”
Finally, she spoke.
“There are countless marketing accounts. Photos taken by staff somehow ended up with Actor Ji’s rival. And the comments under the posts are entirely coordinated trolls spreading rumors. Maybe some of them just dislike Actor Ji and Yue Ling, but a thorough investigation would be impossible.
Like me, Yue Ling may have acted in a big production, but before it aired, we were both little-known actors. Even if someone disliked her, they wouldn’t spend so much, it’s not like she’d have demonstrated commercial value yet.
I know one person who was the key in all this. He’s my agent, and also my company boss’s brother-in-law.
Not the boss’s own brother, but the boss’s mistress’s cousin.
I’m not in the same crew as Yue Ling; our crews just happened to be in the same hotel. Before the photos came out, my agent happened to notice Yue Ling meeting Actor Ji privately.
When Actor Ji visited the previous crew, my agent was there too. He knows their relationship and has no reason to offend Actor Ji.
But our company was suppressed by the Ji family. I heard they cut quite a lot of profit. The boss has a grudge against Actor Ji, so when the photo issue came up, he immediately used an overseas account to contact the trolls.
Insulting Yue Ling was incidental. The main goal was to irritate Actor Ji. If the two families started to quarrel because of this, that’s exactly what our boss wanted.
There’s concrete evidence. I secretly photographed it. I even have recordings.
In exchange, I hope you can help me terminate my contract with my current company and sign with Chu’s Films.”
Chu’s Films…
When Wen Jiu worked as a secretary in Chu’s headquarters, she knew this subsidiary. In the entertainment world, it ranked in the top three companies.
“I can guarantee that you’ll sign under Chu’s Films. Once there, act properly, focus on improving yourself, and don’t play tricks.” Wen Ling really wanted to jump in herself.
“Don’t worry. Since I’ve decided, I won’t mess around. As long as my skill is up to standard and the company doesn’t shelve me or ruin my future, I’ll naturally repay them.”
“Can I go see Yue Ling now?” Wen Ling asked.
“Just give me the evidence. I can fulfill your request.”
Wen Ling looked at Wen Jiu in surprise. “I don’t mean to doubt you, but aren’t you an assistant? Even if not an ordinary assistant, you can’t really terminate my contract and sign me to Chu’s, can you?”
Wen Jiu first sent a message to Qin Yao, then called Li, Chu Yan’s chief assistant.
As a 24-hour standby chief assistant, Li Xuan picked up instantly.
Don’t underestimate him. In Mistook the Boss for My Boyfriend, he’s just a background NPC. In reality, at 28, he’s held the chief assistant position for three years, trusted by Chu Yan, earning a million annually, plus bonuses. He’s a significant presence in the whole company.
“Wen Jiu, what’s the matter?” Even without mentioning her prior time in the president’s office, Wen Jiu’s name alone stuck in Li’s memory because she’s the boss’s favored associate.
“There’s an actress named Wen Ling, lead in The Pearl Chronicle. She needs to terminate her contract with her current company and sign with Chu’s Films.”
“She’s not famous yet, so there shouldn’t be business compensation issues. Her current company will likely be suppressed by the Ji family, so you can handle the termination for her.”
“Understood,” Li said. Wen Jiu trusted him completely.
Coincidentally, the young lady also replied: have Li Xuan arrange it, and when assigning her agent, pick someone reliable to watch over her.
Wen Jiu understood.
Once Wen Ling went over and acted properly, she would get equal resources. If she caused trouble, she’d be internally shelved.
Seeing Wen Jiu handle it all with one call, Wen Ling’s confidence wavered. Half-joking, she said, “Chu’s isn’t your family company, right? If I go there and get shelved immediately, it’s like jumping from the tiger’s den into the wolf’s den.”
“If Chu’s were my family’s, I wouldn’t be here. I’d have gone back to inherit the family business,” Wen Jiu muttered.
If you’re a rich second-generation, why work? If you’re not starting a business, you’re just making money.
“All right, it’s settled. You should go. I need to head back too.”
“Add me on WeChat,” Wen Jiu scanned her QR code.
Things went more smoothly than Wen Ling imagined.
She suddenly realized that, unlike in a dream, relying on herself felt pretty good. Even with support from Ji Yanting, it’s convenient, but achieving things on her own is more fulfilling.
“Wen Jiu, sometimes I wonder if you’ve also had a strange dream, otherwise how could you be so guarded against me?” Adding her on WeChat, Wen Ling relaxed and said the word “dream” freely.
“Yes.” Wen Jiu smiled warmly, sending a chill down Wen Ling’s back in the heated corridor.
But then Wen Ling decided to let go of everything from the dream. There was no need to be afraid.
Wen Jiu looked at her clearing eyes, speaking softly:
“The money celebrities earn is thousands, even tens of thousands of times that of ordinary people. The attention they get is counted in millions or billions. There’s both malice and kindness. Even dividing it fifty-fifty, the base numbers are so high, far beyond what ordinary people can bear.
Wen Ling, small tricks will be discovered one day. If you want to be the brightest star, you must cherish your reputation. Otherwise, future attacks will be unbearable.
Sister Yue Ling suffered overwhelming and senseless harm just because of a fake romance exposure. Malicious attacks against her are baseless; many just follow the trend blindly.
Your acting is good. You don’t need shortcuts and will have your own breakthrough. Besides, you already have an S+ lead drama waiting to air while shooting another. Instead of focusing on Sister Yue Ling, focus on improving yourself.
Everyone is fighting for their own dreams. Beautiful dreams are still dreams; only what you achieve with your own hands is real. Never lose yourself in a dream, remember your original intention.
You and Actor Ji can’t be a couple. But if you work hard, at the peak, you can be mentioned alongside him in film history.”
Wen Ling: “……”
What is this? Sugar-coated advice mixed with a bit of chili.
“If I didn’t know you, I’d think you were a fan obsessed with my career.
Still, thank you. I’ll work hard.”
After Wen Ling left, Wen Jiu forwarded all the recordings and photos from her WeChat to the “White Moonlight” young lady.
She pushed the door open and returned. Ji Yanting was seated, his clothes slightly disheveled. The young lady had taken down her hair and changed into homewear.
“Once I finish my scene tomorrow morning, we’ll head back to Nancheng together,” Yue Ling said to Wen Jiu.
“What you sent me, I’ve forwarded to the team. The agent will handle it.”
“The Ji family will act too,” Ji Yanting added.
Hearing this, Yue Ling glanced at him quietly. He smiled gently.
Wen Jiu felt something strange, though she couldn’t quite say what.
For one, it was the first time she described a handsome man as “gentle.” That felt off.
“You can go back to your room and rest,” Yue Ling said, seeing Ji Yanting out.
The room grew quiet; Wen Jiu’s stomach growls seemed amplified.
Yue Ling covered her mouth, stifling her laughter.
“I’ll cook.” She laughed and walked into the small kitchen.
Half an hour later, Wen Jiu had a meal that could be called five-star.
It wasn’t that there were many dishes, but that the flavors were extraordinary.
No wonder exchange students often turn out to be good cooks, Wen Jiu was practically falling for the culinary skills of the young lady.
“Tomorrow we’re going back to Nancheng together. Do you want to come home with me? Or should I drop you off at Yao Yao’s first?”
Wen Jiu finally lifted her eyes from the food. She raised her hand. “Sister Yue, I’ll go home with you!”
The “grandmother” the young lady mentioned sounded intimidating, but Wen Jiu’s curiosity overpowered her fear.
She wanted to see how the White Moonlight young lady and Ji Yanting’s story would develop.
The next day, Wen Jiu followed the young lady to the set and once again saw the group of girls from last night.
Today, there were noticeably more people, since the call sheet explicitly mentioned that Xie Junyu would be there.
With the Weibo haters’ comments already resolved, Wen Jiu finally felt a weight lift from her heart, and she remembered the ten thousand yuan.
Since Xie Junyu was showing up, she was determined to get back the remaining ninety thousand.
In the winter filming city, the difference between day and night was stark. The day was a bit warmer, with less wind.
Wen Jiu ordered a hot drink again, not milk tea this time, but some warm fruit tea and hot milk, paired with freshly baked soft bread.
The shop owner immediately got a large order and joined the staff to help.
Today’s earnings were double yesterday’s.
Money made things go faster. After receiving the drinks and snacks, Wen Jiu personally handed them out to the fans waiting outside. Inside the crew, Yue Ling’s assistant distributed them, improving everyone’s impression of the young lady.
When Xie Junyu arrived, it was the first time Wen Jiu noticed that his fans hadn’t gathered around.
“Brother’s here!” someone shouted. The group politely made way.
Even when fangirling in front of the actual celebrity, they maintained distance, screaming but keeping their hands in check.
Wen Jiu glared at Xie Junyu as he walked straight through.
She had just managed to bond with some of the girls, who were now more enthusiastic because Yue Ling had treated them kindly, and now a roadblock appeared.
“Sis!” Xie Junyu thought of the ten thousand from yesterday. His gentlemanly face stretched into a mismatched smile, like a transformation from a wolf king into a husky.
“I was just about to say, that’s my sister.”
“Ah! Why didn’t you say so earlier? I was so cold to your sister just now.”
“My sister and Yue Ling are schoolmates, so she came to introduce Yue Ling to us.”
Fans’ goodwill toward strangers is limited, but for their idol’s family or friends, they transfer it all to them.
Even those who didn’t know Yue Ling subconsciously saw her as a good person.
Wen Jiu didn’t expect such a reaction and immediately spoke kindly to Xie Junyu. “Little brother.”
“Hey, sis, I’m here.” Xie Junyu took a big step and nearly fell on the stairs.
Luckily, he was tall and strong, and managed to steady himself.
The fans were both amused and sympathetic, screaming again.
Xie Junyu raised a finger to his lips, signaling them to quiet down and not disturb the filming inside.
The girls covered their mouths, their eyes sparkling, immediately quieting down.
Seeing Xie Junyu about to leave, they waved and made heart signs silently.
Wen Jiu picked up a portion of food and handed it to Xie Junyu as she entered the set.
Xie Junyu, who was strictly controlling his weight and forbidden from eating on set, was shocked: !!!
“Sis, you’re really my sister!”
The husky persona came forward, impossible to push away.
It was a waste of his striking looks.
Wen Jiu took a couple of steps, then remembered the key point. She stepped back, reached out to Xie Junyu, and said, “I gave you the wrong amount yesterday. I meant to give you 10,000, not 100,000. Give me back the remaining 90,000.”
Xie Junyu, protective of both food and money, hugged the bread and milk tightly and sat on his phone. “Sis, this is the first time I’ve received so much money outside of work, don’t take it back.
Little brother will honor you his whole life!”
Wen Jiu: “……”
She recognized that tone, it was familiar.
She had heard the same from the young lady.
Though she was reluctant to part with the money, it felt genuinely satisfying.
“Sis, if you want, I can get you on a show. You’ll earn it back quickly.”
Xie Junyu would rather introduce Wen Jiu to work than pay from his own pocket.
If the roles were reversed, Wen Jiu wouldn’t hand over the money either.
After thinking for a moment: “Alright, but I don’t need to appear on a show. If you have good, suitable opportunities, just pass them to Sister Yue Ling’s agent.”
In the entertainment industry, connections can’t be bought with a mere 90,000 yuan.
But Xie Junyu didn’t see it as a loss, he never treated it as business.
Flashing a big grin, he said, “We’re all good friends. I’ll definitely introduce you. Don’t worry, sis, I really treat you like my sister.”
Every sentence felt comforting, and combined with his looks, Wen Jiu found him very appealing. She turned and sent him a 2,000-yuan red envelope.
“No time to have a meal with you. Go have some barbecue at the filming city yourself.”
It felt just as joyous as receiving ten yuan from her sister at age eight.
Xie Junyu shouted, “Sis, you’re my only sister!”
At that moment, Wen Jiu imagined herself cheering to the young lady, “I’ll follow you forever!”
Covering her face, she quickly ran away.
It was too awkward.
The young lady was so kind, cooperating with her little performance without judging her embarrassment.
After filming, Yue Ling and her group prepared to return to Nancheng.
They still used a private plane, this time Ji Yanting’s.
After arriving, they went straight to the Yue family estate.
Seeing such a mansion with mountains and water in the land-scarce Nancheng, even Wen Jiu, who had followed Yue Ling on outings before, was stunned.
Another lesson learned.
Only Yue Ling, Ji Yanting, and Wen Jiu got out; the others were dropped off by the driver.
Coming to spy on gossip, Wen Jiu now regretted it.
Alone, she felt a bit lost, ideally, a little assistant could come down and accompany her.
But the driver drove fast, leaving her only a trail of exhaust.
Inside, she saw the White Moonlight young lady’s relatives, all present, from grandparents and parents to uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Unlike the fans outside the crew, these relatives were all accomplished and high-ranking, their gazes sharp and intimidating.
If Wen Jiu hadn’t looked down at the doorway, she might have had to bow and greet them all immediately.
“A-Ling’s back, come to grandmother,” Yue Grandmother said. Her stern face softened into kindness, and Wen Jiu exhaled in relief.
“What’s good about the entertainment industry? Look at how this person has arranged things,” a middle-aged man said, pointing to the documents in his hand.
Just now, the young lady had called him “Second Uncle.”
“Ah Ling, we can’t appear publicly. You’ll face more criticism later, so grandmother has decided…”
Wen Jiu’s heart leapt.
Grandmother wouldn’t make the young lady quit the industry, would she?
This was the young lady’s chosen career. She must love it. Being forced to quit would be devastating.
“Grandmother has decided that you and Ji Yanting will be engaged before the new year. If you don’t want to marry early, the marriage can be postponed for two years, but the engagement must be scheduled.”
“Ji Yanting, as your fiance, has some fame in the industry and can stand in front of the public. Even if we don’t appear, his name can help you.”
“Don’t rush to refuse grandmother. She knows you want to rely on yourself, but the family worries about your struggles. Grandmother isn’t taking away your effort, just reducing unnecessary obstacles along the way.”
“If you really can’t handle it, no amount of preparation from family will help.”
Wen Jiu had thought the White Moonlight young lady spoke comfortably and confidently, now she realized it ran in the family.
No bloodshed, only a harmonious family.
“Yanting, come over too,” Grandmother Yue waved.
Now it was really just Wen Jiu alone, standing there awkwardly. She shifted her feet, her eyes glued to them as if trying to pick a flower out of the crowd.
Once they finished speaking, Yue Grandmother looked up again. “This young lady is A-Ling’s friend, right?”
“It’s my first time seeing A-Ling bring a friend home.”
Seeing Wen Jiu, a bit embarrassed, Yue Ling pulled her closer. “Grandmother, this is Wen Jiu, I mentioned her before.”
“Grandmother, hello.” Wen Jiu ran through a hundred possible titles in her head and finally chose the simplest one.
“So she’s your university classmate. This young lady came alone from a small town in South to study at Nancheng University, she’s determined and persistent.”
Hearing Wen Jiu’s greeting, Grandmother Yue’s smile deepened, the wrinkles on her face smoothing back.
In the Yue family, youngsters weren’t used to being spoiled. Grandmother had previously liked the Ji family’s youngest son, plump and lively.
Now seeing Wen Jiu with her cautious yet sparkling eyes, she found her quite amusing.
“Good, good, good,” she repeated three times.
Wen Jiu dared not move. Luckily, in winter, her thick clothes allowed her to clasp her sleeves over her hands.
The room’s heating was strong; she quickly began to sweat on her back. Even so, she didn’t plan to take off her coat. Thankfully, she hadn’t, otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to fidget with her sleeves to ease her anxiety.
“Call me grandmother. If you ever face difficulties, I’ll help you.
Things that grandmother can’t help with, your uncles and aunts can,” Grandmother Yue said, pointing to the middle-aged people nearby, whose faces had been serious the whole time.
These middle-aged adults were Yue Ling’s elders. Their expressions, though softer than usual, were even more intimidating.
Wen Jiu’s body stiffened; she didn’t dare move or respond.
“A-Ling has few friends, so it’s rare to see her open up like this. Wen Jiu, if you ever have difficulties, you can come to us,” said one woman, solemn as if she were the head of the family.
Wen Jiu swallowed hard.
She could feel them slowing their tone, but it really felt like being lectured: Go out and be a good person…
“She’s from the XX department. That’s just how they talk, bringing work into life. Don’t be afraid, young lady,” Grandmother Yue explained.
With Wen Jiu present, the focus of attention had been forcibly diverted from Ji Yanting.
Wen Jiu regretted her choice, she couldn’t leave, and in the end, was stuck there for dinner.
She had no desire to become part of the upper class; networking events like this were a torment for her.
Thankfully, the Yue family’s dinner was authentic Chinese cuisine, and it was delicious. Wen Jiu buried her head in her food, not raising it, and subtly pushed the attention back to Ji Yanting.
Yue Ling didn’t bother defending her “boyfriend” either; she just served Wen Jiu some dishes. “Take your time eating. I need to rush back to the set later. Are you staying, or leaving with me?”
“Of course I’ll go with Sister Yue.”
After dinner, Wen Jiu still couldn’t leave Nancheng with Yue Ling.
The young lady had gotten drunk, and the male publicist’s call ended up reaching her.
Above the neon lights and nightlife, they were at the upscale club the young lady had taken Wen Jiu and Lan Mingyan to last time.
Wen Jiu wasn’t allowed in; she was stopped at the entrance.
There was some pulling and tugging by the door. Looking closer, it was Lin Yu and Ji Yujing.
Weren’t they supposed to be in Haicheng right now?
Wen Jiu hesitated and checked the date, it was indeed a weekday.
Before she could close the date page, a message from Su Yaoyao popped up:
Jiujiu, I think someone hung up on me.
Her phone rang again, it was the young lady’s number, still asking her to pick her up.
By comparison, the White Moonlight young lady’s previous matter had ended without her involvement, it had been much ado about nothing.
Now, the real storm had arrived.
“Sis, you’re back!” a familiar voice called from behind, who else but Shen Xingzhou?
Wen Jiu stiffened, only her eyes moving.
She had returned directly to the Yue family in Nancheng without telling Shen Xingzhou. To be precise, she hadn’t mentioned at all that she had rushed from Haicheng to the filming city.
“Sis, I saw Xie Junyu’s post, yesterday and today you sent him red envelopes.”
He wrapped his arms around Wen Jiu, his warm breath brushing her neck. Her slightly curled, soft hair rested above her earlobe. Glancing sideways, she could see the deep chestnut color of Shen Xingzhou’s hair.
Tilting her head slightly, his red, thin lips pressed against her earlobe.
“Wait, wait, ” Wen Jiu hurriedly raised her hands.
In front of them, Lin Yu and Ji Yujing seemed to still be arguing.
They vaguely heard voices, looked up, and saw Wen Jiu being held.
“Cousin?”
“Wen Jiu!”
The phone rang a third time. Su Yaoyao didn’t send another message, perhaps silently crying alone at the villa in Haicheng.
Everything had turned into a complete mess…
Wen Jiu pulled Shen Xingzhou’s hand. “Let’s go upstairs first.”
She also called to Lin Yu, “You come up with us.”
Before Shen Xingzhou and Ji Yujing could show their VIP passes, Wen Jiu had already helped get the young lady out.
The attendant at the door immediately let them pass, smiling politely in a worker-like way. “Please come in, four of you.”
In the elevator, Lin Yu looked up. “You three… what’s your relationship?”