After Transmigrating into the Role of the Villain Forced to Pamper the Heroine of an Angsty Novel - Chapter 34

How could Sister Lin possibly miss her idol’s first variety show appearance? The anecdotes Yuan Yi had mentioned and the promotional teasers Penguin TV used to build hype had already whetted her appetite long ago.

Even if last night had been perfectly normal, she would have spent every spare moment watching it, let alone given the unusual circumstances that unfolded. However, she hadn’t expected Gu Ruolan to come and ask about it in person.

Unable to guess Gu Ruolan’s intentions, Sister Lin simply started by nodding. “I watched it.”

Gu Ruolan hesitated, appearing unsure about the question she was about to ask. But after a moment of wavering, she pressed on: “The scrolling comments and the trending searches… you probably know about those too, right?”

Sister Lin had guessed it might be related to this from the very first sentence, but she was genuinely surprised by Gu Ruolan’s directness. She didn’t hide anything. “I saw them. We were all furious and anxious.”

“Then… last night, did you all help me?”

Sister Lin froze, but her expression didn’t give her away.

Last night, her group had indeed been busy, but it wasn’t long before Yuan Yi told them that a more professional team would be taking over. They were told to simply monitor the public sentiment and report any new developments. Yuan Yi hadn’t specified who was behind it, but with Sister Lin’s life experience, she could guess. Coupled with Meng Qiuran’s sudden appearance for coffee today, the “coincidence” was a bit too convenient.

She had thought the young socialite might take the opportunity to probe for information, which was why she had lingered after serving the coffee. To her surprise, Meng Qiuran seemed to genuinely just want coffee; her only feedback was about the brew.

Sister Lin came from a good background and ran the café mostly as a hobby, but she didn’t lack the shrewdness of a businessperson. Even if it was Meng Qiuran’s doing, if the woman didn’t mention it, there was surely a reason.

So, she only told Gu Ruolan about the fans’ spontaneous efforts. As for what happened after that, she truly didn’t know the details and couldn’t make them up. Yuan Yi had asked for secrecy, and she wouldn’t break that rule.

A faint look of disappointment crossed Gu Ruolan’s face, and the speed at which she stirred her spoon slowed down.

It seemed someone else was indeed operating behind the scenes.

Last night, she had flatly denied that Xie Yuzong was helping her, but she truly couldn’t think of who else would act so decisively to turn the tide in such a short window. Especially since Yu Youqing had noted that someone beat the company to the punch. It was clear this person had been watching closely with a keen intuition, acting the moment the problem surfaced.

Gu Ruolan felt like a pair of eyes was watching her from the shadows, but she couldn’t locate them. Although the person had helped her this time, this sense of passivity made her feel uneasy.

Furthermore, she had begun to question the company’s handling of her affairs. In the past, the company was more anxious than she was, reacting like a fire brigade. Since the beginning of the year, things had inexplicably slowed down—or rather, they felt sluggish, a beat behind.

Whether it was the photo scandal after Berlin or the rumors regarding The Starlight is Like You, the company’s defense was always overdue. She hadn’t thought much of it initially, but with the increasing frequency, she had to link it to the contract renewal. In the matter of the contract, the company was uncharacteristically urgent; the contrast was becoming glaring.

However, none of this had anything to do with the fans who genuinely loved and supported her. Whether from Yuan Yi or Sister Lin, she could feel the most sincere affection.

She gathered her emotions and smiled at Sister Lin. “Thank you all for stepping in to help me when I needed it most.”

She spoke sincerely, but Sister Lin detected a hint of helplessness and loneliness in her voice. She didn’t know Gu Ruolan well; before meeting Meng Qiuran, most of her knowledge came from the screen. Even sitting face-to-face, she didn’t dare say she truly understood this Movie Queen who once felt out of reach. That subtle, hidden loneliness might have been her own imagination, but she didn’t voice it.

The purpose of the visit had been achieved. Gu Ruolan could have found an excuse to leave early to avoid being spotted, but seeing that her coffee was barely touched—and remembering she had been in such a rush last time—she felt she hadn’t properly thanked Sister Lin for her hospitality.

Gu Ruolan chose to stay for a while longer, like an ordinary guest, to seriously savor the coffee Meng Qiuran had recommended. She had always viewed acting as a job, considering herself an actor on camera but wanting only a normal life in private. Aside from her natural personality, this was why she kept a distance from fans.

She wasn’t unaware of the massive commercial resources a large fan base could bring, nor that it was becoming the benchmark for an artist’s popularity. But Yuan Yi and Sister Lin gave her a good feeling. Their heartfelt support gave her a great deal of encouragement; she seemed less resistant to getting closer to those who liked her.

Since she didn’t mention leaving, Sister Lin naturally stayed with her. Who would want to miss a chance to spend time with their idol?

Meng Qiuran looked toward the cash register from time to time; Sister Lin hadn’t returned. Nor had she seen Gu Ruolan leave.

Staying this long?

She had initially thought Gu was just stopping by for a takeaway. When Sister Lin led her to a private room, she guessed she might be there for business, likely related to last night. But Sister Lin didn’t know much about last night; any questions should have been over by now.

Was she waiting for someone?

Meng Qiuran’s coffee was nearly finished, and she had pushed aside her half-eaten matcha mousse. She had intended to leave, but now she was curious about who Gu Ruolan might be meeting. Perhaps last night’s events had made her more alert to every detail.

She signaled the waiter for another coffee, the same as the first. The waiter’s skill was good, but it lacked the “soul” of Sister Lin’s brew. Meng Qiuran wasn’t picky; her focus wasn’t on the coffee, but on the mystery. She wanted to see who would show up.

Yet, thirty minutes passed. People came and went, but no one walked toward the private room area. Sister Lin didn’t come out, and neither did Gu Ruolan. She was still in there.

Meng Qiuran began to consider another possibility: Had Gu Ruolan and Sister Lin become close friends? But remembering her stiff, seemingly “socially anxious” state at the recording, Meng Qiuran shook her head. Gu was hardly a social butterfly.

Yuan Yi had said these fans were self-organized and no one was close to Gu Ruolan. She had tested this before; Sister Lin’s surprise at getting the autograph was genuine.

So, what are they doing in there?

Her curiosity grew until, with her second cup nearly empty, she stood up. She walked straight past the register, ignoring the slightly surprised look of the waiter, and headed for the private rooms. Sister Lin had said Miss Meng was a Super VIP, so no one stopped her.

Only one door was tightly closed. Meng Qiuran didn’t have to search to know where they were. She intentionally cleared her throat to make some noise, waited a few seconds, then walked to the door and knocked.

The door opened quickly, with Sister Lin’s face blocking most of the gap. “It’s you?” Sister Lin was surprised to see Meng Qiuran, having expected an employee.

Meng Qiuran gave a calm smile. “I finished my coffee but didn’t quite get enough. I was hoping for another refill.”

It was a bit abrupt to come specifically for such a request. But then again, it fit the socialite’s personality. When did she ever wait for something she wanted?

Normally, Sister Lin wouldn’t have been bothered by this, but right now, she was torn. Behind her was her rare idol guest; they had been chatting about the fan club. Gu Ruolan seemed quite interested, listening seriously and asking several questions. To have it interrupted now… it would be hard to get back into the flow.

However, she couldn’t neglect Miss Meng either. Meng Qiuran seemed to see through her difficulty. “Busy?”

Sister Lin’s voice was very soft, her lips barely moving: “Keeping her company.”

Meng Qiuran raised an eyebrow, pretending to look inside. “No one else?”

Sister Lin shook her head. The meaning in her eyes was clear: just her and Gu Ruolan.

Truly just here to chat with a fan?

Meng Qiuran felt a sense of relief. Sister Lin and Yuan Yi were people she could get information from; she wasn’t worried about them being alone with Gu Ruolan. “Then I won’t disturb you,” Meng Qiuran said, not forgetting to add, “The coffee you make really is excellent.”

Just then, a voice came from inside the room: “Is that Miss Meng?”

Sister Lin immediately stepped aside. The light from the room and Gu Ruolan’s face both appeared in Meng Qiuran’s view. Her trench coat was off, and her black satin shirt draped perfectly over her—shoulders, waist, elbows—every line was flawless. The loosened buttons revealed her alluring collarbones, adding a touch more sexiness than when she had first entered.

Yet her face remained calm and detached, without a hint of seduction or intent to flirt. This inherent sexiness within coldness was the most lethal kind.

Meng Qiuran checked her inner thoughts and replied with a smile: “I was hoping for a refill, I didn’t mean to interrupt your chat.”

“We’ve finished chatting, more or less.”

It sounded like she was planning to leave. Meng Qiuran confirmed that she wasn’t waiting for anyone here. Sister Lin was a bit sad that time had passed so quickly, though she was still very satisfied.

However, Gu Ruolan’s next sentence was: “Do you have plans tonight?”

Meng Qiuran could tell from her eyes that the question was directed at her. “Not at the moment.”

“Then would it be convenient to have dinner together?”

Sister Lin didn’t find it strange, as they had eaten together before, but Meng Qiuran was surprised. Gu Ruolan didn’t give a reason, but she sat there waiting for an answer, and it didn’t look like a polite, empty gesture.

Meng Qiuran also happened to want to ask if she had offended anyone lately, so she took the opportunity and walked in. The space Sister Lin left was wide enough for her to walk straight to the table. The tabletop was clean; Gu Ruolan only had a coffee, and Sister Lin just a tea.

Last time, she and Gu Ruolan had sat across from each other, but that spot was currently occupied by Sister Lin. However, sitting right next to Gu Ruolan felt inappropriate.

Fortunately, Sister Lin was quick-witted. She took her tea and wiped the table down. “Order whatever you like.”

Meng Qiuran finally sat down, looking at Gu Ruolan first. “What would you like to eat?”

The timing was a bit awkward; afternoon tea was over, but dinner hadn’t quite started. But sitting in silence waiting for the kitchen to open would be even more awkward.

“You order. It’s my treat today.”

Meng Qiuran’s eyes flickered. What is with Gu Ruolan today? Not only did she proactively invite her to dinner, but she was also treating.

Gu Ruolan, however, remained calm. “Last time we left in a hurry. Consider this a makeup meal.”

Meng Qiuran chuckled. A single meal—she calculated things so clearly.