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Chapter 23: Unworthiness – Every Unequal Relationship is Dangerous…

The trending topic was stirred up once again by He Muya out of desperation—she thought, even if she couldn’t land the lead female role in the movie, Zhong Yang shouldn’t get it either.

Among all the entertainers who joined Yuntian Entertainment at the same time, the one He Muya disliked the most was Zhong Yang.

So many powerful people had extended olive branches to her, yet she didn’t accept a single one. She acted like she was above it all—arrogant and pretentious, thinking her beauty made her special.

If you’re already in the entertainment industry trying to make a living, what’s the point of pretending to be some pure, delicate flower?

When they ran into each other again at a closed audition, He Muya’s first thought was that Zhong Yang had finally found a backer.

But quickly, she dismissed the ridiculous idea.

Others might not know whether Zhong Yang’s part-time working lifestyle was real, but He Muya knew it all too well.

The photos trending online were taken by someone she had hired.

What kind of rich backer lets his woman take the subway to work as a bar waitress, getting her hair yanked and harassed by customers? It was ridiculous.

No connections, no background—if she could be ruined once, she could be ruined again.

He Muya didn’t believe that any film crew would completely ignore public opinion and let their movie be dragged into controversy without caring.

After all her scheming, she didn’t expect to end up on the trending list herself… maybe she had been accidentally photographed by some paparazzi?

Being exposed in a relationship is undoubtedly bad for a rising actress, but after watching how the public reacted for a while, she suddenly felt it wasn’t so bad after all.

The man’s face wasn’t visible, so her reputation remained intact, and she could use this as a chance to test Li Jin’s attitude.

She didn’t want to keep being the secret lover forever.

Curled up in Li Jin’s arms, He Muya blew gently into his ear and said coyly, “Honey, check your phone—I’m trending!”

Li Jin looked puzzled. “What trending topic?”

Her voice sweet, she replied, “Just check and you’ll see.”

“Playing mysterious now, huh…” Li Jin chuckled and opened Weibo. The moment he saw the trending topic about He Muya’s relationship, he shot upright, staring sharply at her. “Who did this? Did you have someone take those photos?”

He Muya rushed to explain, “Of course not! It was the paparazzi!”

Li Jin stared at her suspiciously for a long time and finally said coldly, “It better be.”

Seeing his reaction, He Muya’s lips pouted and her eyes welled up. “Honey, what’s wrong…?”

Just as she expected, this kind of act always worked on Li Jin. He softened immediately and pulled her into his arms. “It’s okay, I was just shocked. I shouldn’t have doubted you, baby.”

“I’m just glad your face wasn’t shown in the photos. Otherwise, it could’ve affected your marriage…”

“I’ll have Yin Qi clean up the mess right away.”

The photo only showed his back—it was easy to explain away. Plenty of men had similar builds.

The real danger was whether the paparazzi had more damning material.

Li Jin would rather pay to make it all go away than risk exposure.

Upon hearing this, He Muya gave him a kiss. “If only we could hold hands in public… Marrying you is my biggest dream.”

“It’ll happen, baby. Just wait a bit longer. It’s not the right time yet.”

Resting her head on his shoulder, He Muya lowered her eyes to hide the irritation and impatience. Obediently, she said, “Mm, I trust you.”

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On the TV, a hit drama was playing, but Zhong Yang couldn’t focus at all.

Though the storm had subsided for now, she still worried whether the Wusu production team would reconsider her as the lead.

Buzz—her phone lit up. A message from Pei Yunzhe.

[.: I’ve thought of a name—it’s “Hundred Billion.”]

[zy: Why?]

[.: Because I hope the movie you star in will gross a hundred billion.]

[zy: Wow, I like it! That works for me!]

Zhong Yang happily accepted the auspicious name and called out to the kitten dashing across the living room: “Hundred Billion?”

Surprisingly, the little white fluffball actually responded, trotting over on its tiny paws. Zhong Yang’s bad mood instantly lifted.

She snapped a bunch of adorable cat pictures and posted them to Weibo.

On the other end, Pei Yunzhe got the notification instantly:

[Zhong Yang zy has posted a new update.]

Nine photos in total, captioned:

[This cute little cat named ‘Hundred Billion’ says: Mommy’s going to become a Hundred-Billion-Grossing Actress!]

Zooming in, there were multiple shots of the cat from different angles. In the center was a photo of Zhong Yang holding the kitten with her mouth slightly open, pretending to eat it.

Lovably silly.

Pei Yunzhe saved the photo and gave it a like.

Zhong Yang also picked two of the cutest photos and sent them to him privately.

[zy: Look at Hundred Billion! (pic)(pic)]

A few seconds later, a video call came through.

From the background, it looked like he was still in the office. He was wearing a suit, and his handsome face made her heart race.

Zhong Yang asked, “Why a video call all of a sudden? You’re still working this late?”

“To see Hundred Billion. It’s been a busy day,” Pei Yunzhe answered both questions.

“Look, isn’t it super well-behaved?” Zhong Yang flipped the phone to show the kitten lying beside her. “Hundred Billion, say hi to this handsome uncle.”

“Meow~”

“Hello.”

“Meow meow~”

“Okay, I got it.”

“Meow meow meow~”

“Go play if you want.”

Despite speaking different languages, man and cat were holding a conversation. Zhong Yang couldn’t help but laugh. “You two seem to really get each other.”

Pei Yunzhe smiled too. “By the way, what’s Hundred Billion’s gender?”

“Same as yours. You gave it to me and didn’t even know?”

“Zhang Lin just got a similar one to the cat on the blanket—I didn’t check.”

Zhong Yang sincerely praised, “Assistant Zhang has great taste—he picked the cutest cat in the world!”

Ding-dong.

A notification popped up on her screen:

[Ruan Yu: Xiao Yang, are you okay? Even though we didn’t interact long, I could tell you’re a very capable and kind girl. Don’t let online comments get to you.]

“He actually messaged me,” Zhong Yang said aloud, a bit surprised.

She thought Ruan Yu might have complaints. After all, the crew had taken a risk casting her. If the film tanked, he, as the male lead, would also be affected.

“Who?” Pei Yunzhe asked from the other end.

“Ruan Yu. He saw the trending news and sent a message. I’ll reply quickly…”

[zy: I’m fine. Thank you, Teacher Ruan.]

[Ruan Yu: Don’t mention it. If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know.]

[zy: Mm-hmm, thank you so much!]

[Ruan Yu: Be sure to rest early. Good night.]

Zhong Yang was touched. “For someone as famous as Ruan Yu, he’s really humble. Seems like a nice guy.”

Pei Yunzhe had been silently watching her reply this whole time. Upon hearing her praise, he coldly said, “I disagree.”

Zhong Yang blinked. “Why?”

“He’s two-faced.”

“Really?” She thought for a moment and shook her head. “I haven’t noticed anything yet.”

Pei Yunzhe frowned. “Just keep your distance.”

Zhong Yang teased, “What kind of distance? We’ll be working together on set soon. There are even kissing and bed scenes.”

“Acting is acting. Reality is reality.”

“What if we get too immersed in the roles?”

His frown deepened. “I won’t allow that to happen.”

Wait—what kind of logic was that… Zhong Yang started getting annoyed. “So now the chairman of Pei Corporation also manages employees’ private lives?”

Pei Yunzhe said coolly, “I’m not speaking to you as your boss.”

“Oh? Then what other relationship do we have besides superior-subordinate?”

“There is another.”

Zhong Yang raised an eyebrow. “Alright, tell me—what kind?”

After a short pause, he replied, “Friends who can call each other by name.”

Zhong Yang set her phone down on the coffee table. “Well then, friend, I have a question.”

“Ask.”

“Was I cast as the female lead in Wusu because of you?”

After the initial joy of landing the role, Zhong Yang had begun to feel a deep sense of unworthiness.

Among all the experienced, well-known, reputable actresses, why had they chosen her?

She used to be confident in her looks and acting skills. But now, she didn’t dare overestimate herself anymore.

These past few days, she couldn’t pretend not to notice Pei Yunzhe’s subtle behavior toward her.

Helping could be repayment. Signing her could be an investment. Gifts could be company perks.

But she wasn’t some naïve girl unfamiliar with flirting or relationships. She knew exactly what the look in Pei Yunzhe’s eyes meant.

He was indeed attractive, but she didn’t want to become some clinging, obedient vine dependent on him.

If she always remained in a passive position, receiving handouts, she’d eventually fall into self-doubt and insecurity. That kind of relationship would breed obsessive control in the name of love, relentless self-questioning, and an ever-present sense of gloom.

Every unequal relationship is dangerous.

She refused to be the lesser one in love. She could never give up her own voice in a relationship.

Pei Yunzhe answered truthfully: “Other than giving you the audition opportunity, I didn’t do anything else.”

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