Chapter 24: Scientific Research Big Shot × Seductive Film Queen (4)

Xi Nian curiously opened Weibo, and sure enough, Zheng Xiao and Jiang Nan were trending again.

[Zheng Xiao: I sincerely apologize to Xi Nian and Gu Yin. There is indeed no relationship between Xi Nian and me. All the previous accusations were made because I was threatened by Jiang Nan. No more words, here’s the evidence. Once again, I’m sorry!]

Below were chat records between Zheng Xiao and Jiang Nan, showing Jiang Nan instructing him to admit to a relationship with Xi Nian and to publicly smear her—or else Jiang Nan would ruin his career.

[Whoa, is Jiang Nan getting exposed again?]
[Poor bro, he’s innocent—Jiang Nan threatened him.]
[Are Zheng Xiao’s fans stupid? That screenshot is clearly edited.]
[They’re like dead ducks still quacking stubbornly, LOL.]
[Our bro provided evidence—what more do you want?]
[Exactly. Got any proof he slandered Xi Nian? If so, report it to the police!]
[The last person who said that is probably pedaling a sewing machine in jail now.]

Just as Xi Nian was enjoying reading, she noticed that netizens were now talking about another reversal. She quickly exited and re-entered the trending section—and sure enough, Jiang Nan had posted again.

[Jiang Nan: Regarding Xi Nian, I’m sorry, and I’ve received my karma. But Zheng Xiao, you idiot—making a woman take the fall, do you even have any shame? Who said they couldn’t stand Xi Nian? Who said they wanted the male lead role? Who said Xi Nian mocked and belittled you? Who asked me to help you get into Crescent Entertainment?]

Attached was the full version of their chat history. It showed Zheng Xiao complaining about Xi Nian, the two conspiring together, and Zheng Xiao saying that once they succeeded, Jiang Nan should help him get into Crescent.

[Hahahaha, this scandal keeps getting better and better.]
[Right? Where are Zheng Xiao’s fans now? Come out!]
[Guess the duck got stewed.]
[So one of them was jealous due to lack of resources, and the other was angry his acting was criticized—they teamed up to frame her. Xi Nian really suffered!]
[Hahaha, Xi Nian’s got someone who loves her, don’t even try messing with her.]
[Boss Gu really stepped up. Big thumbs up!]
[Of course he stepped up—he’s a pillar of the nation! Word is, his lab just developed a cancer treatment drug that’s in clinical trials. Hope it’s available soon!]
[Ahhhh please roll it out ASAP!]

Seeing the topic veering off track, Xi Nian cleared her throat and quietly opened the door—sure enough, there stood Gu Yin, leaning against the study door with a half-smile.

She walked over, burying her head into his arms and rubbing against him coquettishly.

“You’re sparking with static electricity,” Gu Yin chuckled as he gently pulled her away. “No more drinking when you go out.”

“Mhm mhm mhm.” Xi Nian nodded quickly. The two entered the study, which had two desks specially set up. Gu Yin returned to his work, and Xi Nian began reading a script.

The new script was about a woman starting her own business—a female lead–driven period drama. Xi Nian had never done this kind of strong-female-lead story before and found it fascinating. After reading it, she messaged Wu Mei and decided to accept the role.

“So you’ll be gone for three months?” Gu Yin raised an eyebrow. Their relationship was just heating up, and Xi Nian was also reluctant to leave.

But this was a great chance for her to pivot her career, and the script was excellent.

“Just three months—it’ll go by fast. And you can come visit me!”

Xi Nian turned on her signature charm again, leaving Gu Yin utterly defenseless. Besides, his family had been pestering him nonstop to come back and explain things. He figured it might actually be good if Xi Nian was away filming for a while—he could settle everything before she returned.

So he nodded and agreed. But that very night, Xi Nian experienced firsthand the full energy of a man about to be “starved” for three months.

The next morning, she stared blankly at the ceiling for a long while before shakily getting out of bed.

Gu Yin had already left for the lab. When Xi Nian reached the dining table, she found porridge and steamed buns kept warm for her.

She slowly began to eat while checking a message from Gu Yin:

[Heading to the lab. Breakfast is on the table—make sure you eat. Signing the contract today? If there’s time, I’ll come pick you up. Same place?]

Xi Nian smiled contentedly and replied:

[Ate it all. Heading out to sign now. Might be a bit late today, lots to take care of. Will you be done on your side?]

Gu Yin was likely busy with his experiments, and she didn’t get a reply until she arrived at the company:

[I’ll make it in time.]

Xi Nian strolled happily into Wu Jie’s office. Seeing her beaming, Wu Jie teased, “Someone’s in a great mood.”

She shyly nodded. Wu Jie rolled her eyes. “Alright, let’s get down to business. The male lead for this show has been confirmed—it’s Xiao Yan.”

Xi Nian froze, murmuring, “It’s him!”

She and Xiao Yan were childhood friends. They’d grown up together, always playing house as a couple. Their families even joked about arranging a marriage between them.

Later on, she did develop a faint crush on him. But before she could confess, Xiao Yan took her cousin’s hand and announced they were dating.

Xi Nian gave up on him. So much time had passed, she’d nearly forgotten about him.

A few years back, she’d heard he entered the entertainment industry too, but by then she was already with Gu Yin, completely focused on him, so she didn’t pay attention to Xiao Yan’s news.

Now she wondered—would Gu Yin get jealous? She imagined various scenarios of him being jealous and couldn’t help but laugh.

Wu Mei, watching her with a kaleidoscope of expressions, decided the girl had gone crazy.

Wu Jie waved her hand in front of Xi Nian. “Alright, stop giggling. You’ve got a pile of things to handle. I need to go take care of some stuff. We’re signing contracts this afternoon. Busy day.”

“Okay.” Xi Nian nodded obediently.

Wu Jie suddenly recalled what President Gong mentioned that morning. “By the way, your contract ends in three months. The company’s already asked me several times—they want to renew with you, offering the best terms. What do you think?”

“I want to start my own studio.”

“With your current fame, that’s a great idea. But it’s complicated—our initial plan was too simple.”

“Gu Yin’s childhood friend owns Crescent. He said he’d help us.”

“Really?” Wu Mei slapped the table. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? No problem, then. Crescent is a top player in the industry. With them backing you, your studio will have no issues at all.”

“And Gu Yin has such a powerful background—you haven’t even made use of it yet?”

“We’re in a serious relationship!”

“Alright, alright! You little love-brained girl, be careful. If you go digging for wild herbs, I’m not going with you!”

“Then I’ll go dig wild herbs right in front of your door!” Xi Nian joked back at her.

That evening, Gu Yin was waiting at the usual place for Xi Nian. As soon as she got in the car, she dutifully reported the male lead of her upcoming drama—wanting to see his reaction.

“So… you’re going to film a romance with your childhood sweetheart?”

Gu Yin immediately felt a pang of jealousy—but he held it in and calmly started gathering intel on his “rival.”

“It’s not a romance! It’s a female-centric drama. There’s just a tiny bit of romantic subplot.”

“Oh~” Gu Yin’s tone dripped with danger. Xi Nian, remembering the events of last night, blushed and panicked.

“Besides, he’s my cousin’s boyfriend—or was. Technically, he’s our cousin-in-law. You can’t be jealous!”

“You just want to see me get jealous, don’t you?”

Xi Nian didn’t expect Gu Yin to see through her plan. She pouted and ignored him.

She thought he didn’t mind—but later, when he had her pinned to the bed, he whispered in a deep voice, “So… are you ready to handle my jealousy?”

Xi Nian truly panicked and waved her hands frantically. “No, no, no!”

But the poor, pitiful, helpless little thing was still thoroughly ravished by the big bad wolf. Fortunately, this time he was uncharacteristically gentle.

---

[Film Years with an End: The road to growth always has shadows, but look up, and the sky is filled with stars. Youth is limitless, but time is finite. Hello, Qi Sui @Xi Nian. Hello, Nan Qi @Xiao Yan.]

[Ahhhh! Nian Nian’s doing a strong-female-lead drama?]
[Congrats Xi Nian! Hello, Qi Sui!]
[As a fan of the original, I don’t think Xi Nian looks quite right for the role…]
[Attacking her looks now? Who says an inspiring female lead has to be unattractive?]
[Xiao Yan’s finally acting again—I thought he left the industry!]
[Didn’t he say he was quitting to get married? Didn’t happen?]
[No idea. But now that we know Xi Nian’s boyfriend is Big Boss Gu, Xiao Yan suddenly looks… meh.]
[Oh please, like you’re any better looking. You keep hyping Xi Nian—can Boss Gu’s prestigious family even accept her?]
[Screenshot this. Open your eyes—the guy personally confirmed she’s his girlfriend!]

---

“Long time no see, Nian Nian.” Xiao Yan looked at the now even more beautiful Xi Nian, and regret gnawed at him. He’d known she liked him back then, but her family situation was far worse than her cousin’s. As a man, he’d chosen what benefited him more.

“Yes, it has been a while. Where’s Yi Yi? Didn’t she come with you?” Xi Nian glanced around, not seeing Cheng Yi.

“She…” Xiao Yan hesitated. “We broke up.”

“Oh.” Xi Nian was briefly stunned, not sure what to say. After a bit of awkward small talk, she turned to leave—only to have Cheng Yi suddenly rush in.

“You broke up with me because of her, didn’t you?” Cheng Yi pointed at Xi Nian.

Xi Nian coughed, and Cheng Yi finally got a good look at her. She gasped in disbelief, “Sis?!”

“Yi Yi, you two—”

“He cheated,” Cheng Yi snapped. “But I haven’t found out who the mistress is yet.”

“I told you, there is no mistress! I’m just tired of you—always suspicious and nagging nonstop. Don’t you see the problem lies with you?”

Xiao Yan was clearly annoyed, especially making a scene in front of Xi Nian after so long—it was utterly humiliating.