After class, Ji Nian returned to the villa, still feeling floaty. Her mind kept recalling the man's gentle eyes.
"I have to admit, Yu Luobai is really handsome," Ji Nian couldn't help but exclaim as she ate the dinner that was delivered.
The treatment tonight was quite good. At least there was meat in the salad. Although it didn't have much taste, it was more satisfying than before.
Before she could finish eating, WeChat messages popped up on her phone. Ji Nian opened them to look.
He Yi: Sister, there's a job. Happy Base Camp has invited you onto their show the day after tomorrow, right after we finish recording. Then you can start shooting the next day.
Ji Nian: Happy Base Camp? What's that?
He Yi: ?
Ji Nian was puzzled, so she quickly searched Baidu and a bunch of information popped up. She skimmed through and basically understood that it was a live variety/entertainment show.
Ji Nian: Hahaha, just kidding, just kidding.
He Yi: The show also invited Shuyao. You two will be partners over there so remember to look out for each other. Live shows are easy to get trapped.
Ji Nian: Live...So there's no rehearsal?
He Yi: I asked them. They said no rehearsal needed. You'll just introduce yourself as a guest, chat about some topics, play games and interact.
Ji Nian: I'm nervous...
He Yi: Don't say anymore. I'm nervous too, scared you'll get flamed again.
Ji Nian: ...
He Yi: Let's not talk about this now. I still have to accompany Shuyao for night shoots. I'll come get you the day after tomorrow.
Ji Nian: Okay.
After reading the messages, she had just about finished eating. Ji Nian cleaned up her dishes and walked past the scale in the corner. Out of curiosity, she stepped on it and surprisingly discovered that she had lost 11 pounds.
Could it be because of too much stress lately? She didn't seem to have exercised specially and losing 11 pounds from just eating salads in a few days seemed unlikely.
Even before crossing into this world, she was the type to gain weight just from drinking water, completely incapable of losing weight even if she didn't eat or drink.
"It's tough being a celebrity," Ji Nian lamented as she sat down on the sofa with script in hand.
It was time to practice her acting skills again. She felt exhausted but what could she do? This was the original owner's career. Even if she wanted to switch careers now, it would be quite difficult. First off, she didn't have a degree. And she still had debts. This was a high paying industry and she needed the money too.
The job was mentally taxing but Ji Nian forced herself to buck up. It was work after all. She started reading her lines out loud.
Meanwhile, online searches about her had died down but the "Reading Couple" title still steadfastly ranked in the top ten.
After Ji Nian had replied to Lin Xi's comment today, he did not respond further. Some netizens started clamoring in outrage underneath.
"A national first-class actor and famous composer can't even invite this mysterious person?"
"And Lin Xi made Ji Nian reply. Don't forget, this woman was reviled by everyone not long ago."
"A no-name actress who got popular by creating hype with another woman? Ridiculous."
"The above poster clearly forgot. Ji Nian has hit songs: (Guest), (Arrogance), (Wedding in a Dream), (Flying Bugs)."
"That's only thanks to the mysterious person! Without him, she'd be nothing!"
"But her songs are good, that's just fact right? Her personality on shows is also nice. I think she's a good girl."
"Why is everyone arguing? The mysterious person himself doesn't want to reveal himself. He already said he doesn't want his private life disturbed. Why are you all so worked up?"
"Right, these keyboard warriors are too much."
"Stop smearing Lin Xi."
The online chatter didn't affect Ji Nian at all. After a night of exhausting acting practice, she yawned and slowly went upstairs to sleep.
Over on Shen Shuyao's side, she had just finished shooting when she was notified that someone had come to pick her up.
Stepping out of the set, she indeed saw a black luxury car parked not far away. Everyone else had gone back to the hotel so no one noticed.
Shen Shuyao jogged over happily and got into the passenger seat. The dim light from the streetlamp shone onto the man's face.
His originally cold features seemed to take on a bit of warmth in the soft light.
"Ye Jingzhan, why are you here so late?" Shen Shuyao asked, pleasant surprise evident in her eyes.
Ye Jingzhan turned to look at her, puzzled. "Hm?"
Shen Shuyao's eyes held a trace of shyness. Although she and this man had been intimate before, her heart still raced seeing him.
"Since we're dating...I can't keep calling you Chairman Ye right? Can I call you by your name?" Shen Shuyao looked into the man's eyes somewhat expectantly.
Ye Jingzhan was in a bad mood today for unknown reasons. Yet running here to find this woman seemed to have improved his mood already.
"Okay," he answered flatly.
Hearing his response, Shen Shuyao's eyes shone brightly. "Why did you come find me so late today?"
Ye Jingzhan looked into the woman's limpid eyes. Her exquisite makeup made her appear charming, a tantalizing air that was usually hidden by her pure image. He couldn't help but pull her over roughly and bite her lips, vigorously tangling their tongues together as if pouring out his frustrations.
The bite hurt Shen Shuyao. Teary-eyed, she said, "It hurts."
Hearing that, Ye Jingzhan eased up but he seemed addicted to her sweetness, reluctant to let her go.
When they finally parted, Shen Shuyao's lips were red and swollen. She could sense the man's bad mood today. Her eyes glanced at him worriedly.
"You seem unhappy today?"
With his constant cold facade, no one could usually tell Ye Jingzhan's moods. But this woman somehow made him want to confide in her.
"It's my mother's death anniversary today," Ye Jingzhan said flatly. A closer look would reveal deep loneliness in the depths of his eyes.
Shen Shuyao was shocked, suddenly recalling that this famous young master of Jingdu, who lost both parents at a young age, was raised single-handedly by his grandparents.
"I'm sorry," Shen Shuyao said, eyes filled with sympathy.
Ye Jingzhan gave a mocking laugh. He turned to look deeply at the woman, lost in thought. He had severe psychological issues but this woman was an anomaly.
"Are you done working?" Ye Jingzhan asked.
Shen Shuyao nodded. "Yes, all done."
"Drinks?"
"I can't hold my liquor but I'll accompany you." Shen Shuyao answered obediently.
"Okay."
