Chapter 9: Who’s Your Wife?

Completely unaware of Yue Yuze’s twisted thoughts, Tang Xin sprinted back to her room without stopping, occasionally wiping at her lips along the way…

Pah!

No matter how attractive the male lead is, he’s still the male lead of the female protagonist!

And yet, here she was—this cannon fodder side character and the original author herself—getting forcibly kissed by the male lead… Ugh, the injustice! Curse the heavens!

Slumped on the sofa like a beautiful salted fish, Tang Xin’s mind was momentarily blank. But every now and then, the taste of the man crept back into her thoughts…

As someone who had fallen into the rabbit hole of web novels during college, started writing her own stories, and stayed so reclusive that she didn’t date once through all her years in university, Tang Xin was utterly defenseless against the charms of a stunningly handsome male lead!

“Oh, my poor, fragile heart,” she groaned, finding herself inexplicably savoring the memory of the male lead’s fiery yet soft lips…

Realizing her own shameful reaction to the male lead, Tang Xin felt like her whole world was falling apart.

He was the female protagonist’s male lead!

In a normal transmigration story, it might not matter. But she wasn’t just any ordinary transmigrator—she was the original author who had painstakingly written out every detail of the male lead’s longing, desires, and even the parts where he did this and that with the female protagonist… How was she supposed to calmly steal the female protagonist’s man now?

“Although Yue Yuze hasn’t done those things with Lin Shiyin yet in the current timeline… I wrote about it in my original novel.”

There was even a time when, after some of her more shameless and fervent fans begged her for spicy content, she had given in and penned long, steamy scenes that were posted exclusively in a secret fan group for those insatiable little tycoons.

So, even if she shamelessly wanted to have a true “sparks flying” moment with Yue Yuze before returning to her original world, she just couldn’t get past her own mental block.

She couldn’t help but imagine that if she ever found herself in the middle of something with Yue Yuze, her mind might suddenly conjure up the explicit scenes she’d written of him and Lin Shiyin… and then she might kick him off the bed in a panic halfway through.

Yes, we women can be that petty.

“Ugh, was I kissed so hard that I lost my mind? Why am I even thinking about this?” Tang Xin snapped herself out of her increasingly shameful thoughts, raised her hand, and gave her face a few light slaps. “I might even return to my original world soon. Why overthink it…”

She got up, grabbed her clothes, and headed to the bathroom.

She needed to wash away the lingering daze from that man’s kiss.

–

Meanwhile, in another room.

Yue Yuze, whose arms had been left empty after the soft woman slipped away, felt an inexplicable emptiness in his chest… and his heart.

Frowning slightly, he stepped out and stood in front of her closed door for a long while, his expression growing darker.

That evening, the butler was summoned by his young master for a private conversation.

Trembling with unease, the butler entered the study. But all Yue Yuze said was, “From now on, if Lin Shiyin comes to the villa, don’t let her in.”

“Yes, sir…” The butler was puzzled, trying to guess the reason when Yue Yuze added,

“Especially when Tang Xin is home.”

The butler: …

Ah, of course. The young master must be worried that Miss Tang might say something unpleasant and upset Miss Lin.

“Rest assured, young master. I’ll keep a close eye on things. If anything unexpected happens, I won’t let Miss Tang have the chance to say anything to Miss Lin,” the butler declared loyally.

At this, Yue Yuze raised a brow and said coolly, “Who said I’m worried about Tang Xin saying something?”

“Huh? Then why…” The butler was baffled.

Yue Yuze took a deep drag of his cigarette, his face dark and brooding. He cast a sidelong glance at the butler but said nothing.

Swallowing nervously, the butler dared not ask further. “Understood, young master… I’ll handle it.”

“You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.”

The butler left, gently closing the door behind him.

In the study, Yue Yuze smoked one cigarette after another. Amid the swirling haze of smoke, his handsome, chiseled features seemed shrouded in mystery. After a long while, his lips—sculpted to perfection—parted slightly, his deep voice spilling out in a low murmur.

“Why, indeed?”

Why didn’t he want Tang Xin… to meet Lin Shiyin?

The next morning, as Tang Xin ate breakfast, Yue Yuze entered the dining room.

This time, Tang Xin was much calmer.

She merely cast him a fleeting glance before lowering her head to focus on her meal.

Yue Yuze, however, fixed his gaze on her for a few seconds before asking in a measured tone, “Up so early? Busy, are you?”

That remark instantly struck a chord with Tang Xin.

“Of course! I’ve got a shoot this morning,” she replied without looking up.

Yue Yuze’s lips curled into a faint smirk, though there was little warmth in his tone. “You’re just a cannon-fodder supporting role. What kind of packed schedule could you possibly have?”

He was well aware of the role she played in White Collar, as it was one she had begged him for herself.

Tang Xin pouted at his words—he had hit a sore spot!

“Precisely because I’m just cannon fodder, I have to accommodate the big stars. Even if I only have a two-minute scene, I might end up waiting in the studio for two or three hours… over and over again.”

With that, she lowered her head and continued devouring her congee with gusto.

Today’s shrimp and crab congee made by the chef was absolutely divine!

Watching her eat with such satisfaction, Yue Yuze felt the faint trace of pity he had when she complained about her small role instantly evaporate. This woman… truly had no cares in the world.

Yue Yuze wasn’t one to eat much for breakfast, but today, he ate exceptionally slowly.

So, when the woman across from him finally set down her spoon and chopsticks with a satisfied sigh, he also put down his chopsticks and gracefully picked up a napkin to dab at his lips.

“Wait a moment, I’ll be heading to Xinhe Film and Television City as well. Get ready; I’ll drop you off on the way,” he said, standing gracefully before leaving the room.

“No need,” a slow, nonchalant voice sounded from behind. The woman spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Ashu is already coming to pick me up. He’s my agent, after all, so we’re heading there together.”

In other words, you do your thing, let your car carry whoever it needs to carry.

Yu Yuze’s long stride faltered slightly before coming to a complete stop. Turning his head, he glanced at the woman behind him. Her face was the picture of innocence, which, at this moment, made him want to pinch her soft, rosy cheeks out of sheer exasperation.

“You two?”

His lips curled into a sneer, a cold laugh escaping him.

Oh, how close they must be.

“Yes,” Tang Xin replied, wiping her mouth as she stood up. Just as she was about to explain, he had already turned his head back and walked off, his strides brisk and resolute. His posture screamed disdain, as if he couldn’t be bothered to exchange another word with her.

“What’s with the sudden mood swing? What’s wrong with this male lead?” she muttered under her breath before leaving the dining room herself.

When it came to going out, women were the masters of dawdling, especially when making sure they looked stunning. Tang Xin, being one of those women, was no exception. But when she finally made her way downstairs, she discovered Yu Yuze hadn’t left yet either.

At the same time, Qi Shu arrived in his car.

He was used to waiting on Tang Xin’s habitual delays, so he always drove straight into the villa grounds.

However…

Running into Yu Yuze here was a first.

Part of the reason was what Tang Tang had once told him: Yu Yuze seldom returned to this villa. The other part was that Yu Yuze didn’t particularly care for Tang Tang, making it unnecessary to acknowledge Qi Shu.

To be honest, Qi Shu didn’t like Yu Yuze either.

Too cold. Too ruthless.

And worst of all, a rival in love.

What man could possibly like his rival?

That said, Yu Yuze’s lofty status was undeniable. It was one thing not to run into him, but now that they had, decorum had to be observed.

“Well, isn’t today a lucky day? Getting to meet Mr. Yu in person.” Qi Shu wore a warm smile as he walked over and extended his hand. “It’s an honor.”

Yu Yuze reciprocated with a handshake.

The exchange was brief, both men letting go as quickly as they had clasped hands.

“No need for formalities, Mr. Qi. My wife tends to be a bit absentminded, so I appreciate you taking care of her.”

Qi Shu: …

Tang Xin, who had just walked over: …

Your wife?! Who’s your wife?!

For a brief moment, Qi Shu’s expression froze, but as an experienced agent, he quickly recovered his usual smile. “Of course. After all, Tang Tang and I were best friends long before her contractual marriage with Mr. Yu. It’s my pleasure to look after her.”

Yu Yuze’s face remained expressionless, though his gaze darkened.

Without another word, he turned and got into his Rolls-Royce.

“Let’s go,” Tang Xin said as she climbed into Qi Shu’s car.

Two vehicles, one after the other, slowly left the villa.

“Tang Tang…”

“Don’t ask me; I’m as clueless as you are,” Tang Xin sighed, glancing at Qi Shu. “I think I’m about to become cannon fodder.”

She had spent the entire night pondering and finally understood Yu Yuze’s odd behavior.

As the repressed yet manipulative male lead she had written…

That dog of a man, Yu Yuze, was undoubtedly using her to provoke Lin Shiyin’s jealousy.

Sigh. The fate of cannon fodder truly cannot be changed.

To think her heart had fluttered last night, almost convincing her that the male lead might actually have feelings for her…

As expected, she was the only shameless one here.

“Cannon fodder?” Qi Shu didn’t understand.

Tang Xin turned to him. “Let me be honest. Lin Shiyin—the movie queen who returned yesterday—is actually Yu Yuze’s one true love. She even came to the villa last night to see him. They’re clearly madly in love but too stubborn to admit it. Afterward, Yu Yuze started acting weird. I suspect he’s using me to make Lin Shiyin jealous.”

Qi Shu’s face turned grim.

“How could he?!” Furious, he pounded the steering wheel. “Lin Shiyin is highly influential in the entertainment industry. If Yu Yuze does this, and Lin Shiyin decides to come after you, you’re doomed!”

“Oh, right! Why didn’t I think of that?!” Tang Xin’s own fury flared as she slapped her thigh. “That shameless dog Yu Yuze!”

Qi Shu: … Yu Yuze isn’t your thigh; why are you slapping yourself?

“Tang Tang, the only way to handle Yu Yuze’s scheme is to subtly signal to Lin Shiyin that you have no romantic interest in him whatsoever. Ideally, make her think you’re in love with someone else. Lin Shiyin will probably figure out your current relationship with Yu Yuze soon enough, so you need to have a solid explanation ready.”

Tang Xin narrowed her eyes and nodded. “Got it! I know what to do.”

She suddenly shot a deep, meaningful look at her good buddy Qi Shu.

Ashu… If not you, who else will take one for the team?