After Transmigrating into the Role of the Villain Forced to Pamper the Heroine of an Angsty Novel - Chapter 30

Meng Xiayan seemed to have opened the floodgates. It was unclear whether he just wanted someone to confide in or if he was intentionally dropping hints to his sister. That phrase—somewhat smitten—was like a cage door; once opened, there was no longer a need to keep his thoughts hidden away.

He didn’t even seem to care if his sister knew who the object of his affection was. Though he didn’t state the name directly, he felt she would understand.

“I didn’t pay much attention to her before, and later I just wanted to get to know her. But that aloof, indifferent attitude…” He gave a self-deprecating chuckle. “It’s actually quite attractive.”

Meng Qiuran gave him a look of pure disdain. “Brother, are you a masochist?”

“Tsk, watch your mouth.” Meng Xiayan wasn’t angry, but he rejected the label. In the dictionary of the eldest Master Meng, the word “masochist” did not exist.

Meng Qiuran wasn’t intimidated; the original host had said far more outrageous things than this. She took the opportunity to test the depth of his feelings.

“Didn’t you used to say these actresses were just pretty faces with no substance? You said they were only for fun. So, have you changed, or has someone else changed?”

Meng Xiayan gave a short huff, not denying it. In the past, he indeed viewed these beautiful and proactive young stars as ornaments or playthings. He wanted physical and mental pleasure; they wanted money or resources. It was mutual benefit—no one had the right to judge.

“Besides, if Dad finds out you’re serious about someone in this industry, how are you going to explain it?”

Meng Xiayan’s mouth twitched. That was indeed a problem.

Meng Qiuran continued: “Dad wants you to find an equal match. If you insist on someone who acts for a living, do you think he’ll kick you out?”

“He won’t.” Meng Xiayan pressed the bridge of his nose, his tone turning heavy. “I’ll just have her leave the circle and stop acting.”

Meng Qiuran was stunned. She hadn’t expected Meng Xiayan to have thought that far ahead. “You say ‘quit’ and she just quits? She’s an international Movie Queen. Why would she listen to you?”

Meng Xiayan turned to her, his gaze deep. “No matter how high-tier an award is, it’s just a tool to exchange for fame and fortune. I have those ready for her; why would she continue to suffer?”

It was true that many actresses chose to “land” by marrying into wealthy families before their youth faded, but when Meng Qiuran thought of Gu Ruolan’s “do not disturb” defensiveness, her gut told her Gu would never choose that path.

However, Meng Qiuran’s main concern wasn’t that. She was worried Meng Xiayan would use underhanded tactics to force Gu Ruolan out of the industry—that would be a direct conflict with her mission.

“I think you shouldn’t think that far ahead yet. If she doesn’t appreciate the gesture and finds you annoying, you’re just wasting your time,” Meng Qiuran said, counting on her fingers like a sister genuinely worried for his well-being. “And if you go to all that trouble to make her quit, only to find your feelings were an illusion—what if you can’t get rid of her then?”

Meng Xiayan’s jaw tightened, and his breathing grew slightly heavier. His sister’s words held a bit of logic.

“Just let nature take its course. Being too proactive makes you look cheap, Brother!”

Meng Xiayan looked at her. His usually willful and pampered sister now had a look of genuine concern in her eyes, as if she were truly afraid he would become a “simp” and be laughed at by others.

He was moved. After a moment, he sighed, “Xiao Qiu, you really have grown up.”

Meng Qiuran didn’t know how much of her advice had actually stuck, but at least Gu Ruolan currently had zero interest in her brother.

Back home, as Meng Qiuran was heading upstairs, Meng Xiayan called out to her. “I have to go on a business trip soon.”

Meng Qiuran was puzzled. Him going on business trips was frequent and normal; was there a need to tell her specifically? But she gave a perfunctory, “Safe travels.”

“I want you to go to Penguin TV more often.” Meng Xiayan narrowed his eyes. “I’m busy lately and it’s not convenient for me to be there every day. You’re idle anyway; go see if Gu Ruolan needs any help. And, keep an eye on Xie Yuzong.”

Meng Qiuran understood. That last sentence was the point.

“I went last time and didn’t see Xie Yuzong.”

Meng Xiayan was still uneasy. “He might go for the main competition recordings. Anyway, be diligent. Brother will reimburse your expenses.”

Penguin TV indeed placed a lot of importance on the first main competition, sending out invitations to the major sponsors in advance. If Meng Qiuran got one, Xie Yuzong naturally would too. She figured Meng Xiayan had known about the invitation beforehand, which was why he told her that.

The first performance recording was set for a week later. This was the first episode where Gu Ruolan would participate as a mentor.

Meng Qiuran brought Yuan Yi to the station again. This time, Yuan Yi was still excited but much more coherent.

“Sister Qiu, guess what Gu Ruolan’s styling will be today?”

Meng Qiuran focused on driving. “I’m not her stylist. How would I know?”

“Aww, take a guess! Mentor styling is very important in shows like this; looking good helps win over the public.”

During a red light, Meng Qiuran recalled Gu Ruolan’s last look and her consistently cold attitude. She made a random association: “White, probably.”

Yuan Yi chirped happily, “We’re on the same wavelength! I guessed white too.” She pulled out a photo of Gu Ruolan in a long white dress. “Look. When she wears white, she’s ‘explosively’ beautiful.”

Meng Qiuran grinned. “Can you guys use more subtle adjectives for your idol? It’s always ‘universal’ this or ‘explosive’ that.”

Arriving at the parking lot, Meng Qiuran ran into Xing Qu. He stopped specifically to wait for her. “Aside from your brother, basically everyone is here,” he said, referring to the joint sponsors.

“Oh, so Xie Yuzong is here too?”

“He should be. I haven’t heard that he’s not coming.”

The seats Penguin TV prepared for the sponsors this time were much more formal, right in front of the stage. Lined up in a row, all the big bosses could show their faces and have their “prestige.” Since the Meng Group and Meng Qiuran had separate placements, a Vice President Liu from the ad department attended on behalf of the Group.

Xing Qu tried to pull her over to sit, but Meng Qiuran deftly dodged, leaving his hand in the air. He wasn’t bothered, still smiling. “Qiuran, let’s head over.”

Meng Qiuran pointed to the spot she sat in last time. “I’ll sit in my old spot. I’m used to it.”

The socialite’s temper was notoriously quirky; no one could easily sway her unless she wanted to be swayed. Xing Qu didn’t dare provoke her and hesitated about following. But the representatives from the three joint companies were there specifically for him; it wouldn’t look right if he also sat in an inconspicuous corner at the side of the stage.

“Don’t worry about me. Go tend to your business,” Meng Qiuran urged him. Xing Qu nodded and slowly shuffled toward the front seats.

Meng Qiuran suddenly remembered Meng Qining’s words at the hospital. She realized that just chatting with Xing Qu a few times had already reached her father’s ears. Some things couldn’t be delayed. She called out to Xing Qu: “Wait for me after the recording. I have something to say to you.”

Xing Qu’s smile widened. “Alright.”

The preparations went smoothly, and the mentors entered on time. Gu Ruolan walked last, yet most of the room’s focus landed on her. Yuan Yi saw her white suit and grabbed Meng Qiuran’s arm in excitement. “It is white!”

When Gu Ruolan turned to face the stage, the mentors’ frontal images appeared on the large screen. She wore a light makeup similar to last time, though her eyeshadow had changed to a slightly more vivid color. This white suit was also more tailored than her previous one. Underneath was a modified waistcoat with a noticeably higher neckline; though she wore nothing under it, there was zero risk of a wardrobe malfunction. Her suit trousers were standard, not even exposing her ankles, yet paired with slim high heels, they added much to the charm of her legs.

Meng Qiuran scanned her from top to bottom, and after confirming there was no risk of “exposure,” she breathed a sigh of relief.

“So sexy,” Yuan Yi suddenly sighed.

Meng Qiuran looked at her, tense. “This is ‘sexy’?” She looked back at the stage, afraid she had missed something. But Gu Ruolan was dressed quite conservatively. Last time the collar was high but the ankles were out; today the collar was slightly lower but the ankles were hidden. It was a subtle balance.

“Don’t you think that white waistcoat is uniquely tailored? It’s not the kind of deep V that tries too hard to show off a figure, nor is it the stiff, boring kind a server would wear.”

Though thin, Gu Ruolan had excellent proportions. She had all the grace and curves she needed, but she never flaunted them. Today’s tailored suit gave her a sharp, mature, and feminine “industry elite” look that was different from her usual award gala gowns.

Most people present couldn’t help but steal extra glances at her. After all, the beauty resulting from the perfect fusion of styling and temperament felt like a natural temptation.

Gu Ruolan was used to looks of awe or infatuation, but a “different” gaze was coming from the side of the stage from time to time. That gaze was more of a scrutiny—almost like a security scanner, wanting to cautiously inspect every detail of her person. She knew who was sitting there, as Meng Qiuran wasn’t in the front row with the other “Gold Masters.”

Initially, Gu Ruolan thought she hadn’t come today, but shortly after sitting down, she felt that specific gaze. From her peripheral vision, she saw Meng Qiuran and her assistant. Today, the two weren’t chatting non-stop like last time; they seemed focused on the stage. It was one thing for Yuan Yi to stare at her blankly, but what was with Meng Qiuran’s periodic “inspections”?

Gu Ruolan picked up the script list, wanting to adjust her emotions and focus on the upcoming competition.

Su Yunzi, having finished talking with Qiuhetao, turned to her. “Ruolan, I heard you gave Yu Yimeng some ‘extra coaching’ on set. I wonder if her performance today will stun the room.”

The original press releases for The Starlight is Like You had marketed Yu Yimeng as a “mini Gu Ruolan.” Later, they wanted Gu to do it herself so the releases were retracted, and even later they reverted to the original cast but with less hype. Finally, the project was disbanded. Meng Qiuran had retracted all related publicity, leaving almost zero online heat.

Gu Ruolan didn’t avoid the topic. “She was lacking some technique at the time. I was just sharing some of my experience; it wasn’t exactly ‘extra coaching.’”

Su Yunzi looked at the materials. “In the first round, she happened to be grouped with Xie Zixuan. I don’t know if that’s good luck or bad.”

Xie Zixuan was a rising top-tier “starlet.” In terms of popularity, she surpassed not just the other contestants, but likely even some of the mentors present. With capital currently pushing her hard, she was on this show to gain exposure. While there were no “backdoor deals” regarding the champion or forced eliminations, “bringing your own resources” was something that couldn’t be stopped. Because there were no eliminations in the early episodes, Xie Zixuan could stay until the end regardless of her acting quality.

Gu Ruolan looked calm, seemingly unconcerned. “I am only responsible for critiquing their performances. As for other aspects, I don’t care.”

Su Yunzi happened to see Meng Qiuran, who was also looking this way. Their eyes should have met, but Meng Qiuran seemed not to notice her at all. Su Yunzi was taken aback. She sat back straight and joked, “I didn’t expect Meng Qiuran to become your fangirl. Your luck really is extraordinary, Ruolan.”

Not sitting in the formal front row, yet insisting on sitting in a side corner—just to be closer to Gu Ruolan. Even though she’s not the only person on stage, Meng Qiuran only seems to see her.

Su Yunzi couldn’t tell if she was jealous or envious, but the “thorn” that had been in her heart for a long time crept up again, pricking her with both pain and irritation.

Gu Ruolan’s breathing quickened slightly. She didn’t know if Meng Qiuran was a “fangirl,” but the fact that the woman had stared at her several times today was undeniable.