Chapter 32
Uploaded along with the text was the photograph they had taken when registering their marriage.
The background was bright red, festive and auspicious. Both women wore simple white short-sleeved shirts and smiled brilliantly, the happiness on their faces impossible to fake.
Weibo lagged so badly that Shen Yishu nearly lost her mind.
Instead of checking the comments beneath her own post, she went to Ji Xiangyu’s first. After all, Shen Yishu was merely a minor actress without any fans. No one would feel disappointed that she had married young.
Ji Xiangyu was different.
As one of the rare actresses in the industry who possessed both genuine ability and immense popularity, her private life had been repeatedly discussed by gossiping netizens for ten years.
Throughout those ten years, there had not been a single rumor supported by concrete evidence.
Then, without any warning, she suddenly posted a stamped marriage photograph.
It shocked everyone.
Some career-focused fans who had already guessed the truth remained relatively calm, standing out like a clear stream amid the endless question marks in the comments.
[Congratulations, Sister. Happy newlywed life. Whether you live alone or beside someone else, I only hope you’ll be happy.]
The replies beneath that comment were not nearly as peaceful.
Some fans who rarely followed gossip were asking who Shen Yishu was, while others were worried.
[Sister Yu isn’t going to support someone useless, is she? I could never accept that.]
[Don’t worry. Don’t you know how frequently Teacher Ji joins productions? She’s far too ambitious about her career to become lost in romance. Trust her.]
Spectators also arrived at astonishing speed.
[Is no one paying attention to the fact that this is an Alpha-Alpha relationship?]
[How exciting! As expected of Best Actress Ji, even her taste is intense. Two Alphas together are so good to ship.]
Ji Xiangyu was also becoming irritated by the frozen app.
Her long Weibo post remained stuck on the sending screen, the loading circle refusing to stop spinning.
Scrolling downward revealed many heartbroken fans.
Ji Xiangyu’s appearance was exceptional and her temperament cold and distant, so she possessed astonishing numbers of both girlfriend fans and boyfriend fans.
After learning she was no longer single, many demanded to know why she had chosen to marry.
By the time Weibo became completely unusable and stopped loading, the number of reposts and comments had each exceeded one hundred thousand.
Seeing that her long post would not upload and knowing they would soon need to begin filming, Ji Xiangyu could only send the text to her manager and ask her to publish it later.
Her manager replied with nothing but an ellipsis.
…
Knowing she was at fault, Ji Xiangyu added:
The studio’s year-end bonuses will be doubled.
Her manager replied:
Thank you, Boss. But warn me beforehand next time. You nearly frightened me to death.
With Weibo down, Shen Yishu decided to close her eyes for a while and calm her wildly pounding heart.
It had all been far too exciting.
When Ji Xiangyu suggested using this opportunity to announce their marriage, Shen Yishu’s mind had nearly crashed.
The words, Wouldn’t that be inappropriate? had not even left her mouth before she saw Ji Xiangyu’s eyes.
She realized Ji Xiangyu probably looked forward to announcing it even more than she did.
Their engagement had originally appeared because of Ji Xiangyu’s terrible circumstances.
They had kept it secret only because Ji Xiangyu still had concerns.
Shen Yishu did not understand what those concerns were, but she could follow Ji Xiangyu’s arrangements unconditionally.
Now that Ji Xiangyu believed the time had arrived, publicly confirming the marriage was only natural.
There was no need for Shen Yishu to hesitate any longer.
“All right,” she heard herself say.
At worst, she would be insulted.
Once someone became famous, negative news was unavoidable.
Ji Xiangyu had paved the road for her and shielded her from wind and rain. If Shen Yishu continued worrying about every possible consequence, it would be meaningless.
“Restrict the comments,” Ji Xiangyu suggested, clearly understanding what Shen Yishu was thinking.
“There’s no need.”
Shen Yishu shook her head.
“I’m not worried about that.”
Compared with herself, she was more worried about Ji Xiangyu’s fans.
Many had not yet had time to process the news.
Once every fan fully understood what had happened, the entertainment industry would experience an earthquake.
Shen Yishu could not imagine how far public opinion might escalate.
Ji Xiangyu understood her concern.
That was why she had prepared the long post.
Ji Xiangyu was a person with extraordinary determination.
Whether choosing scripts or accepting brand endorsements, she made every decision only after careful consideration.
Her fans could not influence her choices in the slightest.
She appreciated their sincere support, but her decisions would never change merely because of what fans said.
The moment they finished speaking, Shen Yishu received a call.
She looked at the screen and realized it was Shen Gaozhuo, whom she had forgotten to block.
She should have added him to the blacklist immediately after their call that morning.
She no longer wanted to answer, so she blocked him without hesitation.
Shen Gaozhuo finally became quiet, only for his son, Shen Yidao, to call next.
This time, Shen Yishu became curious.
She wanted to know what the father and son intended to do.
She turned her phone so Ji Xiangyu could see the screen.
“Sister, I’m answering a call.”
Ji Xiangyu nodded.
Shen Yishu placed it on speakerphone.
Shen Yidao’s oily voice sounded exactly like Shen Gaozhuo’s.
Shen Yishu lowered the volume in discomfort.
“What is it?”
After hearing Shen Yishu’s voice, Shen Yidao asked ingratiatingly,
“Xiao Shu, you and Best Actress Ji…”
“What does that have to do with you?”
Shen Yishu seemed to understand his intentions.
“You climbed onto the high branch that is Best Actress Ji. Why didn’t you tell your brother?”
Shen Yidao sighed in feigned distress.
“If you had told us sooner, the Ji family wouldn’t have dared pressure us like this.”
“Mm. And then?”
Shen Yishu’s impatience was obvious.
“We’ve encountered some difficulties recently. Xiao Shu, could you ask Best Actress Ji to help us and resolve the trouble the Ji family has caused?”
Shen Yidao did not consider himself an outsider at all.
He was still dreaming that he could control Shen Yishu.
“You no longer want me to bow my head to the Ji family?” Shen Yishu sneered.
Shen Yidao could hear the mockery in her voice, so he forced himself to coax her patiently.
“The Ji family is making life difficult for us. Doesn’t that upset you?”
“If you truly refuse to bow to them, then ask Best Actress Ji to speak with the Ji family.”
“If Best Actress Ji offended President Ji, she can simply apologize. Wouldn’t that solve our problem?”
Shen Yishu was speechless.
Their dreams had flown through the roof.
Even daydreaming should have limits.
She laughed from anger.
“Actually, I’m rather happy that you’re suffering.”
“How can you say that?”
Shen Yidao habitually began morally blackmailing her.
“We raised you for so many years. Even if we achieved nothing, we still worked hard, didn’t we?”
In the past, whenever he said such things, Shen Yishu’s arrogance would immediately disappear.
“You raised me using my parents’ inheritance?”
Knowing she would not need to see this family anytime soon, Shen Yishu stopped pretending to maintain their relationship.
“You know better than I do where that money came from.”
“Your parents never left any inheritance. Don’t listen to outsiders trying to drive a wedge between us.”
Shen Yidao had already learned from Shen Gaozhuo that Shen Yishu might know the truth.
However, he believed she possessed no evidence.
Otherwise, she would not be doing nothing but arguing.
“No one needs to drive a wedge between us.”
Shen Yishu lost the last of her patience.
“My wife won’t allow me to speak with idiots. Get lost.”
She immediately ended the call.
After blocking everyone in her contacts whose saved name contained the surname Shen, Shen Yishu finally looked up.
Ji Xiangyu was resting her chin in her hands, watching her with a playful expression.
“Sister, what is it?”
The stare made Shen Yishu nervous.
“Was the wife you mentioned me?”
Ji Xiangyu leaned closer and asked softly.
“Yes.”
Shen Yishu was confused.
“Who else could it be?”
“But I never said you weren’t allowed to play with idiots.”
Shen Yishu: “…”
Why was Ji Xiangyu taking that line so seriously?
“I only used it as an excuse to insult them.”
Shen Yishu tried extremely hard to make her expression appear natural.
“But you said your wife told you that.”
Ji Xiangyu sounded aggrieved.
“I never said it, so did another wife tell you?”
Shen Yishu was so startled that she nearly raised her hand and swore to the heavens that Ji Xiangyu was her only wife.
“Sister, it was an excuse I made up on the spot.”
“I don’t have another wife outside. I only have Sister.”
Her attitude while admitting fault was excellent.
“Don’t speak with idiots in the future.”
Seeing her blush, Ji Xiangyu smiled.
“Now I’ve truly said it.”
“All right.”
Realizing Ji Xiangyu was not going to continue pursuing the matter, Shen Yishu relaxed.
“Still, you sound rather nice when you say ‘wife.’”
Ji Xiangyu leaned close to her ear and whispered so softly that the words were nearly inaudible.
“You can say it more often.”
Shen Yishu did not dare call her that carelessly.
Most people called someone wife when they were deeply in love and sweetly devoted to each other.
When using Ji Xiangyu as an excuse, Shen Yishu had not felt anything.
Now that Ji Xiangyu had pointed it out, her face immediately began burning.
“Baby, call me that once.”
Ji Xiangyu deliberately teased her.
No matter what she said, Shen Yishu refused to open her mouth again.
Ji Xiangyu was about to continue when her own phone rang.
After glancing at the caller, she rubbed her forehead.
The upward curve of her lips instantly flattened, and her expression became displeased.
“What do you want?”
Ji Xiangyu and Shen Yishu were still sitting close together because they had been whispering.
Shen Yishu could therefore hear the voice on the other end effortlessly.
“You got married?”
Ji Wenbin began by questioning her.
“Mm.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Is your marriage something you can decide this casually?”
Ji Wenbin paced around his home with an ashen expression.
“There was no need to tell you.”
Ji Xiangyu’s voice was clear, like a stream formed from melting ice—transparent but painfully cold.
“Your marriage should have been discussed by the Ji family.”
“You failed to differentiate into an Omega, so we could at least have selected an Omega from an appropriate family for you to marry.”
“Now you like Alphas, and I could still have selected several options and allowed you to choose one you liked.”
“But instead, you chose a useless nobody.”
“The Ji family has never asked you to sacrifice anything all these years.”
“We even intended to prioritize your opinion regarding marriage.”
“Is this how you repay us?”
At that moment, Shen Yishu suddenly understood why Ji Xiangyu had hidden the fact that she was an Omega.
Because of their unique biology, Omegas were extremely vulnerable to being threatened and controlled by those around them.
Ji Xiangyu was not someone who passively waited for her fate.
That was why, after differentiating at eighteen, she had concealed her true secondary gender and decisively left the Ji family to live independently.
“You say I never sacrificed anything for the Ji family.”
Three parts anger entered Ji Xiangyu’s voice.
“Then tell me, what has the Ji family ever sacrificed for me?”
“You were born into the Ji family and enjoyed every advantage of being one of us. Naturally, you should sacrifice your marriage.”
“Besides, I already compromised and agreed to let you choose your favorite from several families.”
“What more could you possibly want?”
Ji Xiangyu’s stomach churned with disgust.
“Ji Wenbin, you have never been a good father.”
“Don’t suddenly appear now and lecture me about what I’ve done wrong.”
“You want to play games? I’ll play with you.”
“But you should first consider whether I’m still the person I was six years ago and whether you possess enough capital to challenge me.”
“Didn’t you ask why I refuse to return home?”
“I can tell you now.”
“Seeing you makes me sick.”
Ji Wenbin continued speaking endlessly on the other end.
Shen Yishu turned toward Ji Xiangyu.
Her expression appeared no different from usual and even seemed calmer.
However, Shen Yishu could sense that Ji Xiangyu’s entire body was tightly wound.
If Ji Wenbin provoked her any further, she would probably lose control of her emotions.
Shen Yishu believed Ji Xiangyu disliked losing control.
She sighed, forcefully suppressed her embarrassment, and cleared her throat.
“Wife, don’t speak with an idiot.”
Ji Wenbin fell silent as though someone had pressed a pause button.
His endless speech stopped so abruptly that an unnatural sound escaped his throat.
Ji Xiangyu froze for two seconds before her eyes curved.
She immediately followed Shen Yishu’s words.
“My wife is right.”
“Did you hear that? My wife won’t allow me to speak with you.”
She ended the call and blocked him as well.
After saying it, Shen Yishu’s face became bright red.
She wished she could bury herself beneath the seat to hide her face and cover her mouth so she would never speak carelessly again.
“Baby, thank you.”
Ji Xiangyu did not tease her.
She leaned back against the seat and spoke softly.
“Mm?”
Shen Yishu did not understand.
Ji Xiangyu turned toward her.
The young Alpha overflowed with vitality, resembling the rising sun behind her—warm and scorching, seemingly capable of driving away the coldest winter.
Ji Xiangyu could actually have blocked Ji Wenbin long ago.
She had struggled for years and estimated that by the beginning of this year, she had barely gained enough power to confront the Ji family directly.
Yet she continued hesitating, reluctant to tear away the last layer of civility.
Had Shen Yishu not appeared, Ji Xiangyu might have continued enduring for another year.
Once everything finally became quiet, Shen Yishu took out her phone and discovered countless question marks from her WeChat contacts.
Apart from the private investigator, she did not recognize any of them.
She scrolled past the rest and opened only the investigator’s conversation.
[You’re unbelievable, damn it. No wonder you weren’t afraid your wife would become jealous when you trended. Did Ji Xiangyu’s rivals buy a trending topic just so you two could publicly display affection?]
[You’re truly incredible. Several of my group chats have completely lost their minds. Everyone wants to know how you managed to pluck an untouchable flower like Best Actress Ji from the highest peak.]
[You’re also frighteningly good at keeping secrets. I asked you several questions that day, and you revealed absolutely nothing. Why am I even working as a private investigator? Someone this close to me secretly got married and I noticed nothing. I should change careers and sell jianbing on the street.]
Shen Yishu glanced at Ji Xiangyu beside her.
The other woman was looking down and sending an email, her expression cool as she handled work matters.
Shen Yishu guiltily turned away.
She could hardly explain that the untouchable flower had personally invited her to pluck it.
And when she initially refused, the flower had practically clung to her and demanded to be picked.
In the end, Shen Yishu did not reply.
She had no idea what to say, so she simply said nothing.
Weibo’s programmers worked frantically, and Shen Yishu finally managed to log in before they reached the film base.
Other social platforms had taken over the task of spreading the news while Weibo was unavailable.
Thus, only ten minutes after Weibo recovered, Ji Xiangyu’s announcement had already exceeded five hundred thousand reposts.
The repost section was filled with wailing.
People were not most afraid of Ji Xiangyu marrying.
They feared that after marriage, she would accept fewer roles.
Even more than that, they feared she would use her resources to support someone beneath her level.
There were other celebrity couples with enormous differences in status.
Such gaps usually meant resources would be tilted toward the less successful partner, or one person would use their own opportunities to promote the other.
Most of Ji Xiangyu’s productions over the years had been high quality.
Many people did not even follow her personally and were merely fans of her dramas.
No one wanted the quality of her future work to decline.
At this critical moment, Ji Xiangyu posted again.
[Ji Xiangyu: First, thank you all for supporting my career throughout these years.]
Shen Yishu skimmed it quickly.
It barely mentioned her and mostly expressed gratitude for the fans’ long-standing support.
Compared with the marriage announcement, this post received far more praise from career-focused fans.
[I like you because you treat your work sincerely and never produce terrible films or dramas. Your private life has nothing to do with that. As long as you continue making excellent work, I’ll continue supporting you.]
[Marriage is a personal choice, and I support every decision you make. Thank you for all the wonderful dramas and films you’ve given us over the past ten years. I’ll continue walking beside you in the future.]
[Being your drama fan and career fan is incredibly satisfying. Nothing makes me happier than knowing every production my favorite actress appears in will be worth watching.]
Some contrarians passed by.
[Fans are so easy to appease. Such enormous news, and one Weibo post calmed them down.]
[Exactly. If this happened to another celebrity, wouldn’t it count as their image collapsing?]
The fans immediately fought back.
[What else should we do? Your favorite actress acted like a diva on set last time and only knew how to remove the trending topic.]
[Which other celebrity has Sister Ji’s achievements?]
Passersby inserted themselves wherever possible.
[The most important thing for an actor is still the quality of their work. As long as the work remains good and she hasn’t broken the law, why are all of you so emotional?]
[Don’t insult her until she leaves the industry. There are barely ten actors nowadays who never produce bad work. If Sister Ji retires, who am I supposed to watch?]
This time, Shen Yishu genuinely released a long breath of relief.
If Ji Xiangyu’s acting ability and judgment regarding scripts formed the fans’ confidence, then the fans attracted by those qualities would also become Ji Xiangyu’s support.
Ability was a solid foundation that would not collapse easily.
She returned to the repost section beneath the marriage announcement, curious to see who had shared it.
The first person listed was unexpectedly Jiang Wu.
[Jiang Wu: Congratulations.]
Shen Yishu: “?”
Had it not been for the enormous verified red badge and celebrity authentication, she would have suspected this was an imitation account.
During every interaction Shen Yishu had experienced with Jiang Wu, the woman had never said anything remotely normal.
The comments beneath it left Shen Yishu even more silent.
[Sisters, when Ji Xiangyu married, Jiang Wu could only repost and offer congratulations. This tragic sense of a doomed pairing is like blood-soaked sugar. I ship it!]
[Damn, Sister, you’re excellent at shipping. Let me take a bite too!]
Seeing Shen Yishu’s indescribable expression, Ji Xiangyu leaned over to look at the screen.
Now there were two people wearing equally indescribable expressions.
Before exiting, Shen Yishu checked her own Weibo.
Instead of the bloodbath she had imagined, most comments were simply curious passersby.
Everyone was fascinated by how a newly debuted minor actress had managed to pluck an untouchable flower from the highest peak.
Some had even begun writing short stories in the comments.
[My guess is that their families arranged an engagement. The moment they reached marriageable age, they immediately registered. Then family pressure forced them to make it public. Marriage first, love later—falling in love while doing it.]
[Sister, please explain “falling in love while doing it” in greater detail. I have a friend who wants to read it. To clarify, that friend is not me.]
Shen Yishu: “…”
From a certain perspective, it was not entirely incorrect.
Just as they reached the film base, before either woman could leave the car, the director called.
He said many reporters had gathered around the entrance, probably intending to block them, and advised them to use another route.
The car had not even finished stopping before it began moving again.
They had originally planned to enter through the east gate, but it was crowded.
They could only circle around and use the west gate instead.
Lawyer Li had graduated in law from one of the country’s top universities and won scholarships throughout her studies.
Today, however, she experienced the rare sensation of mental overload.
Everything that had happened was too difficult to process.
Her consciousness had already transformed from that of a lawyer earning thirty thousand yuan per month into a part-time driver earning three thousand.
Zhu Li had gone completely blank.
From the moment she saw their marriage announcement on Weibo, her soul had apparently left the planet and flown somewhere into outer space.
Another production was filming near the west gate.
Shen Yishu and Ji Xiangyu put on hats, masks, and even sunglasses, hoping desperately not to be recognized.
They had barely stepped out of the car and walked a few paces when they heard someone nearby being interviewed by reporters.
Shen Yishu: “…”
She could not understand why someone had chosen today of all days to give an interview at the west gate.
Fortunately, everyone was focused on the celebrity surrounded by reporters.
Shen Yishu and Ji Xiangyu lowered their presence and slipped inside the film base.
They had not taken many steps when Shen Yishu heard someone behind them ask,
“Why do I feel like that person resembles Ji Xiangyu?”
“Now that you mention it, she really does look a little similar…”
Before Shen Yishu could think of a solution, Ji Xiangyu grabbed her hand and pulled her into a run.
If the reporters realized who they were, the detour would have been meaningless.
Sure enough, the moment they turned a corner, they heard people chasing behind them.
The film base had been constructed to resemble an ancient city.
Narrow alleys spread everywhere in a complicated maze.
Without someone familiar with the layout, it was difficult to navigate quickly.
After circling twice, the two women finally lost their pursuers.
Ji Xiangyu exercised regularly and was only breathing lightly after running so far.
She placed a hand against her waist.
“In a few days, I should probably hire several bodyguards again.”
Ordinarily, the car could stop directly outside the film base, and reaching the set required only a few steps.
Apart from early in her career, Ji Xiangyu had rarely asked bodyguards to accompany her.
However, beginning today, another large group of reporters would probably wait outside for several days.
Shen Yishu’s current body was not strong enough.
She crouched on the ground, panting.
“All right.”
After catching their breath, they prepared to continue.
Then Ji Xiangyu suddenly stopped.
Shen Yishu leaned out from behind her and discovered that Ji Xiangyu was staring at an elderly woman with gentle features.
The woman was dressed in ancient costume.
Ji Xiangyu paused for two seconds before slowly speaking.
“Teacher.”
The elderly woman smiled until her eyes narrowed.
“I thought you no longer recognized me as your teacher.”
Shen Yishu did not understand the situation.
Standing beside Ji Xiangyu, she hesitantly followed her example.
“Hello, Teacher.”
Ji Xiangyu looked at her helplessly and explained to the elderly woman,
“She doesn’t really know who you are.”
The elderly woman waved dismissively.
“Is this the child you married?”
Ji Xiangyu nodded.
“When do you begin filming? Sit and talk with me for a while.”
Ji Xiangyu reached out and held Shen Yishu’s hand.
She followed the elderly woman and found a stool for her.
After sitting, Fu Fangling saw the two of them holding hands and nodded approvingly.
“You’ve found your own path.”
Ji Xiangyu pressed her lips together and remained silent.
While holding her hand, Shen Yishu could clearly feel sweat in Ji Xiangyu’s palm.
She was nervous.
“Your name is Shen Yishu, correct?” Fu Fangling asked.
“Yes.”
Because Ji Xiangyu was nervous, Shen Yishu inexplicably became nervous as well.
She could tell Ji Xiangyu respected Fu Fangling.
But that respect was mixed with other emotions Shen Yishu did not understand.
“How long have you and Ji Xiangyu been together?”
Fu Fangling smiled warmly and began making casual conversation.
Shen Yishu’s mind went blank.
This was terrible.
They had forgotten to coordinate their story.
They had never discussed their supposed romantic history.
Shen Yishu did not dare answer, afraid she would expose them.
“Teacher, if you have something to say, please say it directly.”
Ji Xiangyu interrupted Fu Fangling’s question.
“I only want to ask whether you regret these past years.”
Fu Fangling’s expression darkened.
For some reason, Shen Yishu was reminded of her university professor criticizing her.
She became so frightened that she wanted to open a computer and read several academic papers to calm herself.
“I don’t regret it.”
Ji Xiangyu took a deep breath.
“I don’t regret any decision I’ve made during these ten years.”
Fu Fangling stared at her closely.
After a long while, she suddenly laughed.
“I’ve always liked that stubborn personality of yours.”
“When will you return to film?”
Shen Yishu felt Ji Xiangyu’s tightly stretched nerves abruptly relax.
“I’ve recently begun looking at scripts,” Ji Xiangyu answered openly.
“Commercial films?” Fu Fangling asked.
“An arthouse film,” Ji Xiangyu answered decisively.
“You’re pursuing awards?”
“I’m pursuing awards.”
Someone called, “Teacher Fu.”
Fu Fangling stood and patted Ji Xiangyu’s shoulder.
“I’ll help you look. I’m waiting for your return, my finest student.”
Ji Xiangyu’s long lashes trembled.
“I will. Thank you, Teacher,” she said softly.
Fu Fangling returned to her production to continue filming.
Ji Xiangyu still did not release Shen Yishu’s hand.
As they walked, she explained,
“Since my debut, I haven’t accepted a film role for ten years.”
Shen Yishu knew this.
Many people in the industry regretted that Ji Xiangyu no longer appeared in films.
Countless scripts had been sent to her, but she had refused every one.
“Fighting the Ji family required money.”
“Arthouse films offer only passion, not money,” Ji Xiangyu explained slowly.
For ten years, she had entered two major intellectual-property television dramas every year.
Her face became familiar to everyone, from the elderly to children.
Almost everyone in the industry considered her obsessed with money.
“Do you enjoy making films?” Shen Yishu asked, allowing Ji Xiangyu to hold her hand.
There was still half an hour before filming began, and reaching the set would require only ten minutes, so neither woman was in a hurry.
“I do.”
While performing a script, emotions flowed naturally.
For someone who had suppressed her feelings for more than a decade, it was actually a form of enjoyment.
“You’ve earned enough money now. You can pursue your dreams.”
“Yes. I can finally do what I like.”
Ji Xiangyu gently swung their joined hands.
“And I have your appearance to thank for that.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
Shen Yishu did not believe she deserved Ji Xiangyu’s gratitude.
“You did.”
Ji Xiangyu leaned closer and whispered again,
“You said, ‘Wife, don’t speak with an idiot.’ That’s why I blocked him. Shouldn’t I thank you?”
The way Ji Xiangyu said wife sounded tender and affectionate.
Shen Yishu’s heart softened, and a tingling sensation spread through her entire body.
“Ahem.”
Before Shen Yishu could become embarrassed, a righteous director descended from the heavens and coughed while leaning against the wall.
Shen Yishu did not know where to place her hands or feet.
She wanted to pull away from Ji Xiangyu’s hand, but feared making her angry.
She could only remain frozen in place while exchanging stares with the director.
“Developed feelings while filming?” the director asked bluntly.
“No. Love at first sight,” Ji Xiangyu answered without blushing or hesitation.
“I thought Xiao Shen had taken the wrong path to become famous.”
The director glared at Shen Yishu.
She hurriedly turned her head away and avoided his gaze.
“As long as you genuinely love each other, it’s fine.”
Shen Yishu became increasingly guilty.
What love at first sight?
Attraction after one night together might have been more accurate.
And what mutual love?
They had reached an agreement and signed a contract.
“We still need to thank Director for caring about Shen Yishu.”
As expected of a senior with many years of experience, Ji Xiangyu’s lies sounded completely natural.
“You two really…”
The director sighed.
“If stopping production for one day didn’t cost so much money, I wouldn’t have allowed either of you to come today.”
Remembering how sweetly the two had flirted the previous night, the director felt extremely foolish for repeatedly warning Shen Yishu over the past two days.
Especially when a crew member informed him that morning that the two women had officially announced their marriage.
As a director, he was pleased that the drama had gained attention.
But this kind of attention gave him complicated feelings.
When real couples acted together, they usually played the two leads.
Their production, however, had a minor actress playing a scumbag and the Best Actress portraying a love-struck fool.
He could not understand how that could become a promotional point for romantic sweetness.
Although he thought all this, the director merely sighed aloud and told them to change costumes and prepare for filming.
The morning’s scenes passed quickly.
After they changed into the costumes required for the afternoon, the production’s publicity staff stopped them.
“Teacher Ji, Teacher Shen, could we take a promotional photograph?”
The scene they would film that afternoon was the grand wedding between their characters.
Both women wore magnificent crimson ceremonial robes.
Two phoenixes embroidered in elaborate gold thread stretched down either side of their bodies, hanging toward their legs with exquisite beauty.
Li Jin wore the imperial crown.
Zhou Yi wore a golden hairpin.
Holding hands, they walked past the assembled officials, received blessings from the entire nation, and welcomed Zhou Yi’s elevation as Empress Consort.
In the promotional photograph, the two bowed respectfully to one another.
Their expressions were solemn, yet they could not conceal their happiness.
Li Jin had obtained the power she desired.
Zhou Yi had finally received the love she had waited for.
At that moment, both were satisfied.
When filming began, the production account quietly released the photograph without any warning.
[Ta-da! The promotional still you’ve all been waiting for is here~]
The tone was playful.
The comments, however, were filled with nothing but ellipses.
[…You’re exploiting the popularity of a real couple because it would be a waste not to, aren’t you?]
[What is this? A real couple? Let me take one bite—too sweet, I’ve fainted.]
[Production team, truly, you’ve moved me to tears. Excellent post. Never do it again. Please post a solo photograph of my sister next time. I’m begging you.]
Meanwhile, the two actresses filming remained completely unaware.
The lighting had been arranged.
The cameras were ready.
The final period of happiness belonging to Li Jin and Zhou Yi was about to begin.
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