Chapter 21: Scientific Research Big Shot × Seductive Film Empress

[As I suspected—how did Xi Nian win Best Actress with acting like that? Turns out she has someone backing her!]

[2018 Golden Dragon Award for Best Supporting Actress, 2019 Baiyu Award for Best Actress, 2020 Golden Dragon Award for Best Actress—how is that “no acting skill”?]

[If you ask me, there’s no one decent in the entertainment industry. Wasn’t that Li Nan just caught and sent off to work a sewing machine in prison?]

[Don’t generalize! Saying our queen has someone backing her—where’s your proof?]

[Xi Nian fans are delusional. Even after the paparazzi caught them red-handed, they still deny it.]

[Rumors already said she acted like a diva on set and even hit another actress under the guise of filming. Absolutely disgusting!]

[Just look at her seductive, vixen-like face—she doesn’t look like a decent person at all.]

[By the way, that guy in the photos with her looks pretty good—he’s got to be at least 185cm.]

[Finally someone noticed the highlight—the big shot looks good too!]

[No matter how good he looks, he’s still out of reach for a lowly actress like her. Keep dreaming.]

Riiing riiing…

“Hello? Sister Wu? What’s up?” Xi Nian mumbled sleepily, picking up the phone without even opening her eyes.

“What’s up? You and Gu Yin got photographed! I warned you before to be careful—you never listen! Get yourself together and come to the company now. We need to discuss how to handle this.”

Xi Nian woke up instantly. She scrambled to her feet, her long, fair legs straddling Gu Yin’s body, sending her slightly curled hair swaying. She dashed into the bathroom, brushing her teeth while scrolling through online news.

Top of the trending search! Thinking of the promise she made with Gu Yin, Xi Nian lowered her gaze and sighed softly. How did they get caught? They were already so careful…

As she dressed quickly, Gu Yin sat up, leaned against the headboard, and put on his glasses. “What happened?”

Xi Nian froze for a second, replying stiffly, “Work stuff.” Then she rushed out the door.

Watching her leave, Gu Yin smiled indulgently. “System, load the plot.”

The original host was a scientific researcher. During graduate school, he worked with his advisor to study trace elements and discovered some that were beneficial to the human body. After publishing a paper, he gained significant attention.

Later, as his advisor aged, the research was passed on to the original host. He made remarkable progress, applying the elements widely in medicine—especially for clotting—with great success and won numerous awards.

Handsome and from a good family, he was dubbed by netizens as “the most handsome big shot.”

He met Xi Nian at a party. Her stunning beauty and alluring gaze captivated him at first sight. When someone tried to coerce her into a shady deal, he saved her—and began “keeping” her.

The original host’s family was very strict. His parents would never allow him to marry an actress, and he didn’t dare tell them about her, fearing ridicule. He repeatedly warned Xi Nian to be careful: if they ever got photographed, they would break up.

Xi Nian thought they were in a genuine relationship but had no idea that in his eyes, she was just a kept woman.

It was her birthday. The original host claimed he was busy and came to her filming location several days late to celebrate—only to be photographed by a paparazzo who had been lurking for days.

In the original plot, Xi Nian was cyberbullied. Netizens dug up everything about her life. A director who once tried to exploit her even came forward accusing her of seduction.

To avoid being exposed, the original host broke up with her and even pressured her to quickly find someone else to “take the fall” publicly, so as not to drag him down.

Heartbroken, Xi Nian was abandoned by the male lead. A third male lead from the same production came out and claimed he was the one photographed with her, earning a ton of attention. Then he turned on her, accusing her of being promiscuous and declaring their breakup.

He had no real evidence—just repeated insinuations, helped by the online water army the original host paid for. The truth was drowned out by self-righteous netizens shouting for Xi Nian to be banished from the entertainment world.

Her agency immediately terminated her contract. She was forced to pay breach penalties. Overnight, she became a public enemy. Under unbearable pressure, she jumped from the 22nd floor and ended her life.

“Protection Target: Xi Nian. Side Mission: Fulfill Xi Nian’s dream. Last mission reward already granted. Please activate the mission.”

“Dream?”

“Please explore it on your own.”

Gu Yin opened his eyes. A vast trove of scientific knowledge streamed into his mind. Now this reward was practical. But what exactly was Xi Nian’s dream?

“I told you to be careful. Why didn’t you listen?” Wu Mei, Xi Nian’s manager, scolded her angrily. She had never liked Gu Yin—he clearly wasn’t a good man. Only her foolish little star still clung to him.

“We were careful!” Xi Nian pouted. Her adorable expression made her seductive features even more alluring.

“Is Gu Yin planning to come forward and admit it?” Wu Mei was agitated. Xi Nian had just won an award and was at a critical turning point. If this spiraled out of control, she’d be ruined.

Xi Nian lowered her head. Of course he wouldn’t admit it—he’d warned her from the start that if they were caught, it would mean a breakup. Had he seen the news yet? Would he break up with her?

“You silly girl. Are you that love-struck? If he refuses to acknowledge you and you still go along with it—then don’t sleep with him in the first place!”

Wu Mei was furious. She had managed Xi Nian since her debut, watching her grow from a nobody to a household name. In the original story, she had always supported her—she even sold her own house once to help Xi Nian repay debts.

“Sis!” Xi Nian looked helpless. “I haven’t even talked to him yet.”

“Have you seen what they’re saying about you online? And you’re still defending him!”

Wu Mei tapped her on the forehead. “The company’s given us two options. One, let things play out naturally. Once a new scandal breaks out, yours will fade. But that’s risky—too many unknowns. I don’t recommend it. Two, either go public or deny everything.”

“I watched the video. My face was clearly shown. I can’t deny it—I don’t even have a brother or cousin to pin it on. How could I explain it?” Xi Nian slumped over the chair, defeated.

“I’ll ask PR what we can do. If you choose to deny it, we still have options. Don’t worry,” Wu Mei said as she rushed off to speak with the PR department.

Xi Nian held her phone, her beautiful face full of hesitation. Would he be angry?

“What’s with this Director Jiang?” Wu Mei returned quickly, clearly having run into more trouble.

When Xi Nian was a nobody, Director Jiang had tried to exploit her. Now he posted a vague, snide article implying she had tried to seduce him for resources.

After being warned by Gu Yin, he’d kept quiet for a while—but his career had plummeted. He still held a grudge. Gu Yin was untouchable, but a fallen Xi Nian? He could crush her.

“He tried to coerce me before, and Gu Yin hit him. Even called his wife.”

Xi Nian recalled the day they met. Gu Yin had been so handsome—everything she had ever dreamed of. But dreams always end.

She opened her phone and saw the backlash after Jiang’s post.

[See? How could a no-name actress like Xi Nian land a role in Director Ming’s project? Had to be a casting couch situation.]

[Watch your mouth. Xi Nian is professionally trained and passed the audition. Everyone in the industry knows how shady Jiang Lu is—only idiots believe him.]

[XN fans are in full meltdown mode. Just look at that vixen face—definitely not innocent.]

[If you can judge character by looks, then you must be downright vile.]

[As a casual fan—I can’t believe y’all buy Jiang’s essay. Use your brains.]

[They don’t have brains. Keyboard warriors never do.]

Xi Nian was touched by her fans’ defense. “Sis, what did PR say?”

“They sent out a lawyer’s letter. But you know how it is—rumors spread in seconds, while explanations take forever to catch up. People won’t necessarily believe us.”

“Did Gu Yin leave any evidence? That place should’ve had surveillance, right?”

“There is video,” Xi Nian remembered, “but he’s in it—hard to explain.”

“He’s your boyfriend. What’s there to explain? At this point, if he’s not helping, what kind of boyfriend is he?” Wu Mei said as she pushed her to call Gu Yin.

Xi Nian wanted to hear what he thought too. She dialed, “Ah Yin…” Her voice trembled, on the verge of tears.

“Don’t cry, Nian Nian.” Gu Yin’s deep voice was gentle. “Be good. Are you at the company? Hand the phone to Sister Wu, okay?”

The call was on speaker. Hearing that, Wu Mei snatched the phone and turned off speaker mode. “Gu Yin, this is serious. What’s your plan?”

Gu Yin’s tone turned serious. “I will clear this up—but now isn’t the right time.”

Wu Mei frowned. “Your girlfriend’s getting destroyed online and you’re still waiting for the right time? Are you nuts?”

“Sister Wu,” Gu Yin said patiently, “have you wondered why we were caught? Nian Nian and I have always been careful. I even heard the paparazzi that day originally intended to catch someone else.”

“You mean… we were set up?” Wu Mei was stunned.

“So why don’t we hit back hard—together?” Gu Yin said calmly. “This Jiang Lu is just the appetizer. The real show hasn’t even started.”

“But…” Wu Mei still hesitated. The longer they waited, the more damage Xi Nian’s reputation took.

“If we clarify now, it won’t have the best impact. Nian Nian will just be branded a femme fatale—and that label is hard to shake. Why not aim for a single, decisive victory?”

“Alright. I’ll leave Xi Nian to you!” Wu Mei chose to trust him.

“As I should. Whoever’s behind this won’t be patient. I suspect it’ll all play out in the next few days. I’m taking Xi Nian with me for now,” Gu Yin said gently.

“Okay. I’ll send her over.”

“No need. I’m already in your parking lot. Same spot as always.”

“Oh—okay, okay.”

Wu Mei hadn’t expected Gu Yin to be so reliable this time. She glanced at Xi Nian, who was anxiously waiting to hear what he had said, and let out a sigh.