Chapter 26 – The Scientist × The Seductive Film Queen (Part 6)

Xi Nian’s film shoot went smoothly. Ever since Cheng Yi arrived, she hadn’t left and kept a strict eye on Xiao Yan. With no one causing trouble, filming progressed rapidly. When Gu Yin came for the fourth time, he finally succeeded in taking his wife home.

“Why do I feel like you’ve gained some weight?” Gu Yin scrutinized Xi Nian. Good heavens, in just a few days her face had become noticeably rounder.

“You’re talking nonsense!”
Xi Nian refused to admit it. Everything had been going well for her recently. Wu Mei had been busy setting up the studio and hadn’t been around to monitor her, and since the female lead in this movie was supposed to be slightly chubby, she had indulged just a little more than usual.

“A little weight looks good on you—better to the touch!” Gu Yin leaned in and whispered mischievously into her ear. Xi Nian swung a chubby little fist at him in retaliation.

…

As soon as the two got off the plane, they were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of fans.
“Ahhh! Xi Nian! Xi Nian!”
“Nian-Bao, Nian-Bao, look over here!”
“It’s Boss Gu! Ahhhhh!”

“Everyone, slow down and watch your step!” Xi Nian reassured the fans as she accepted gifts and handed them to Gu Yin, signing autographs at the same time.

Wu Mei had previously advised her to take the VIP exit, but considering all that had happened recently—and the fact that so many fans had traveled long distances just to see her—she didn’t want to keep them waiting for nothing.

“Boss Gu, when are you going to marry our Nian-Nian?” Some fans, previously angered by rumors that Gu Yin wouldn’t marry Xi Nian, wanted to hear his answer to clap back at the haters.

“You’ll have to ask her when she’s willing,” Gu Yin replied in his deep, magnetic voice. Paired with his gentle smile, this sent the fans into a frenzy of squeals.

“So, what did you mean by that?” Xi Nian asked as they got in the car.

“Exactly what I said,” Gu Yin answered calmly as he drove.

“You haven’t even proposed! How is this suddenly about when I’m willing?”

“Let’s go meet my parents first. As for the proposal…” Gu Yin nodded with a meaningful look. He had long started preparing for the proposal. His reply to the fans wasn’t just empty talk.

“Meet your parents?!” Xi Nian was dumbfounded. She had completely forgotten about the proposal and hastily flipped down the sun visor to check herself in the mirror. After a long day, she didn’t feel pretty at all. And she’d gotten fat too—ugh, she really shouldn’t have eaten so much!

“What’s wrong? Nervous? An ugly daughter-in-law still has to meet the in-laws someday. Besides, my wife is so beautiful—what are you afraid of?” Gu Yin chuckled. He had already made an appointment with his parents and felt he owed Xi Nian a proper introduction.

“You could’ve told me earlier! I didn’t even get the chance to dress up! And my hair’s a mess from sleeping on the plane—what if I drooled in my sleep?!”

“Hahahahahaha!”

“You’re still laughing?! I’m so nervous I could die!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop laughing. I know you too well. We’ll head to the makeup room first. I already asked Sister Wu to make an appointment for you.”

“At least you’re being considerate.” Xi Nian’s anxiety eased slightly.

Two hours later, Xi Nian was finally dolled up. Gu Yin, looking at the now even more dazzling woman, smiled and pulled her into his arms for a sweet moment before the two headed out to the Gu family home.

“Mom, Dad, we’re back.”

“Mm, have a seat,” said Gu’s mother, gesturing to the sofa beside her. Xi Nian sat down somewhat stiffly and greeted politely, “Auntie.”

“Mm. Xiao Yin already told me about you two. You’ve been together for three years now—it’s time to get married. What are your thoughts?”

Xi Nian felt as nervous as if she were back in school facing a scary dean.

“I…”

“Mom, she just got back from filming. We haven’t had time to talk about it yet!”

“Talk? You run off to film sets multiple times a month and still haven’t talked it over? You little brat—are you trying to avoid responsibility?” Gu’s father, who had taken time off just to be home, couldn’t help but scold his son.

“Ahem!” Gu’s mother cleared her throat, and Gu’s father immediately shut up.

“What do you know about young people’s matters? Nian-Nian, just tell me—do you want to marry Xiao Yin?”

“Yes.” Xi Nian answered softly, nodding shyly.

“Good. Then we as parents can rest easy. The rest is up to you two—we elders don’t know much about these things anymore.” Gu’s mother cast Gu Yin a meaningful glance.

Gu Yin quickly nodded in understanding.

In the car ride home, Xi Nian let out a long sigh. “My parents know too. They said I should bring you to meet them. When are you free?”

“How about in a few days? Our lab’s research is about to be published, and I’ll be tied up for a bit.”

“That works. I have to work on the studio stuff anyway.”

“How’s the setup going? If you need anything, talk to Wang Mian.”

“It’s almost done. He’s been a big help—I don’t even know how to thank him.”

“No need to thank him. Just thank me.” Xi Nian immediately understood what Gu Yin meant. This guy was getting more annoying by the day!

…

[Xi Nian Studio: The past was just a prologue. A new beginning, walking together. Let’s look forward to @XiNian!]

[@XiNian: Grateful for the past, excited for the future! @XiNianStudio]

[Congratulations to independent artist Xi Nian!]

[Looking forward to Nian-Bao’s new direction. Can we get her on a variety show?]

[Why did she terminate her contract? She got popular and ditched her agency?]

[Are you brainless? Xi Nian’s contract expired, okay? It’s not like she was sold to Chengming!]

[Did Chengming clear her name when she needed it most?]

[Not only did they not clarify, they also made vague and misleading statements.]

[We want more Xi Nian! Give her a variety show, please!]

[New Moon Entertainment: Congrats to @XiNian. Looking forward to future collaboration!]

[Wait, New Moon’s partnering with Xi Nian now too?]

[It’s showbiz—there are no permanent enemies.]

“Sister Wu, New Moon just sent over a variety show. Do you want to take a look?” Wu Jie handed the program proposal to Xi Nian.

Looking at the title [Level Up, Sister!], Xi Nian asked, “Is this a singing and dancing show?”

“Mm, something like a cross-genre performance show.”

“Sounds interesting. I’ll look it over and get back to you tomorrow.”

“Sure, take your time.” Wu Jie then pointed to a stack of scripts. “Oh right, a lot of scripts came in recently, but most are idol dramas—same kind of roles you’ve played before. Not good for your transition. I plan to decline them.”

“Mm-hmm,” Xi Nian nodded. “Besides, I’ll be meeting his parents soon, so I won’t have time anyway.”

“So soon? Gu Yin agreed to marry you?” Wu Jie was stunned. She had always thought Gu Yin was just playing around and had warned Xi Nian a few times. But Xi Nian, smitten by his sweet words, ignored her warnings, so Wu Jie gave up trying to be the bad guy.

“I haven’t agreed to marry him yet!” Xi Nian lifted her chin proudly.

“Oh please, judging by how love-struck you are, you’re going to fall right into that wolf’s den.”

“My Gu Yin is not a wolf’s den!”

“Right, right—your Gu Yin is the real deal. I heard his lab’s anti-cancer drug just launched. Save some for your sis, yeah?”

“Sis, why would you need it? And besides, they’re working hard to promote it. It’ll definitely become widely available.”

“True. I’ll hit you up when I need it, then.”

“All done?” Gu Yin came to pick her up. Tonight, they were going to meet her parents.

“Mm. Wang Mian gave me a variety show proposal. Looks good. I want to participate.”

“If it’s from him, it’s probably solid. Go for it!”

Xi Nian’s parents had booked a hotel. As soon as Gu Yin pushed open the door, he saw Xiao Yan sitting by the entrance. He raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Xi Nian, who was also confused. “Mom, Dad, Auntie and Uncle are here too?”

“Yes, yes!” Her usually arrogant uncle was unusually enthusiastic this time.

As soon as they sat down, Xi Nian understood what was going on.

“We heard you found a great partner, so your aunt and I came to check him out!”

“Yeah, your Auntie said Yiyi is preparing for marriage too, and wanted some advice.”

Xi Nian’s mother looked helpless. These people had insisted on tagging along—what could she do?

“Right, right! Yiyi and Xiao Yan are getting married too. You can all compare notes!”

“Oh, Xiao Yin, I heard your lab developed an anti-cancer drug? My family has sales channels in that area. What do you think?”

“Uncle, I’m not involved in sales. I really can’t help. Sorry.” Gu Yin declined politely.

“Well…” Cheng Yi’s dad gave an awkward smile.

“Enough! This is our dinner to meet our son-in-law. If you want to talk business, arrange your own meeting!” Xi Nian’s father slammed his wine cup down. Cheng Yi’s family had always looked down on them and flaunted their power. Now that their son-in-law was impressive, they suddenly wanted to cozy up? Disgusting!

“Yes, yes, let’s eat,” Cheng Yi’s mother smoothed things over.

Xiao Yan looked extremely uncomfortable. He kept glancing at Xi Nian, which Cheng Yi noticed—she kicked him under the table multiple times. He was stuck. He didn’t want to marry, but he also didn’t want to give up the benefits Cheng Yi brought.

“Xiao Yin, my daughter is my only treasure. I hope you’ll love and protect her. If she ever does anything wrong, come to me—I’ll scold her!”

Xi Nian’s father, slightly drunk, kept reminding Gu Yin, afraid his daughter might be hurt.

“Don’t worry, Uncle. We’ll be fine!”

“Good, good!”

Xi Nian’s eyes turned red. “Dad, why are you getting so emotional? I’m not even married yet. Save this speech for the wedding!”

“You little brat!” Her father ruffled her hair, making a mess of it.

After the meal, a photo of Xi Nian and Xiao Yan surfaced online. Xi Nian was speechless. The three of them had stood together—why was the gossip only about her and Xiao Yan? All Gu Yin’s fault for pulling up in his car late!

Gu Yin: So it’s all my fault, huh?

[This is the second time already—are they really not involved?]
[With someone as amazing as Boss Gu, why would Xi Nian even look at Xiao Yan?]
[The saying goes “the wildflower is more fragrant than the garden bloom.” Applies to women too!]
[Hahahaha exactly!]
[There were three people in the photo—why accuse Xi Nian and Xiao Yan?]
[Right, my Yan-Ge has a girlfriend. Maybe the third person was her!]
[Exactly, don’t drag our Nian-Nian into this.]

“Gu Yin, clarify things for me!” Xi Nian kicked him in frustration. Gu Yin hugged her and rubbed her waist.

“How should I clarify? Should we go get our marriage certificate tomorrow?”