After A Secret Marriage Agreement With A Rival Omega - Chapter 94

Chapter 94

◎ “You deserve nothing but the best.” ◎

The room was far too busy tonight; two people were unable to check any messages or even go online. Although the promotional plan had been set in advance, Qian Chunhe, wanting to ensure there were no mishaps, still sought Jian Jixing’s final opinion before posting.

At 10:30 PM, Gu Shengci felt a bit restless and planned to go out for a few laps on her motorcycle. She received a call from Qian Chunhe asking about the promotional strategy.

Gu Shengci saw no issues and asked casually, “Isn’t it enough to just ask Jian Jixing?”

“I simply can’t find Director Jian. She said you can make the decision as well,” Qian Chunhe replied truthfully.

Gu Shengci: “…” Considering the time and the fact that Jian Jixing and Sheng Ruxi had left together, Gu Shengci realized her question had been entirely redundant.

Five minutes later, the production photos released by Jian Jixing’s official team sent the discussion levels skyrocketing.

The production stills were released alongside the behind-the-scenes photos taken that afternoon.

#Jian Jixing Sheng Ruxi First Collaboration# #Jian Jixing Sheng Ruxi Reconciled?!# #Sheng Ruxi Yao Tai Stills# #Professor Chu, did you see this: They are actually making a movie together!!!#

【What kind of once-in-a-lifetime grand spectacle is this? Are my eyes seeing these trending topics side-by-side?】 【The reconciliation of the century? Taking a screenshot for my grandchildren.】 【Oh my god, Jian Jixing truly is the director who knows how to ‘tame’ actors best. I never imagined Sheng Ruxi could play Yao Tai. Who tortured her into looking like such a worn-out office worker?】 【She looks exactly like me when my boss tells me the first draft was actually the best after making me revise a proposal 100 times. Tiny question: Was Director Jian standing right in front of her when this photo was taken? /laugh-cry】 【If Professor Chu comes out of the lab, the sky will fall. How did her two pursuers get mixed up together?】 【Don’t talk nonsense. A collaboration doesn’t mean they’ve reconciled. These two were caught scowling at each other just a while ago, and now this? What are the paparazzi in the film city doing? Marketing accounts, have you given up on your performance targets?】 【I’m shipping it! If you don’t ship them now, you’re missing a feast! I’m almost certain the relationship improved because their pheromones are highly compatible!】 【Are you ‘shippers’ delusional? You’ll ship anything. Did you ignore the cold faces and that disastrous livestream from the other day?】

After the news broke, Gu Shengci had the foresight to silence her phone.

Meanwhile, Xie Jinheng immediately tried to call Jian Jixing, only to realize she couldn’t get through. She had long since been blacklisted. This move by Jian Jixing caught her completely off guard. How did she prepare for production? Where did the investment come from? And how did she convince Sheng Ruxi to participate?

The feeling of losing control made Xie Jinheng’s lungs nearly burst with rage. Unable to find Jian Jixing, she went to find Gu Shengci, but Gu Shengci’s phone rang and rang with no answer.

…

The next day, Sheng Ruxi woke up with a body full of aches. On the nightstand was a note: [I’ve moved your scenes to later today. Come by 2:00 PM.]

There was a smiley face and a heart drawn at the end. Beneath the cute sketches was Jian Jixing’s elegant signature.

Hmph, and she thinks she can be forgiven like this?

Sheng Ruxi let out a soft huff but honestly curled her lips into a smile. She found that Jian Jixing had also thoughtfully prepared an invisible scent-blocking patch for her nape. Sheng Ruxi touched the area; the bite mark was still quite deep.

Last night, after she had said those words, Jian Jixing had become like a person possessed, taking and demanding without end. When she was rational, she knew there was work tomorrow; when she wasn’t, she figured that since they were filming Yao Tai’s “withered” phase anyway, it worked out perfectly…

Sheng Ruxi only remembered being tossed and turned. When she was exhausted, she would call Jian Jixing whatever she was told to call her.

Baby, Darling, Wife, Sister… She didn’t dare think about the others. It was too shameful. And except for when they were in bed, Sheng Ruxi would never call Jian Jixing “Sister.”

Sheng Ruxi got dressed and headed downstairs, bundling herself up tightly as Jian Jixing had instructed. As the car pulled out of the garage, she realized what Jian Jixing meant by “things getting busy tomorrow.” On the short drive from the hotel to the film city, there were noticeably more fans waiting and paparazzi with long-range lenses.

“Our set is currently the most crowded. Two security teams were called in this morning to maintain order. The trending topics from last night haven’t dropped at all,” Tuanzi said.

Sheng Ruxi shook her head guiltily. She had been “busy” last night and had no time for social media.

Tuanzi continued, “It’s better you didn’t look. You and Director Jian gained nearly 500,000 followers overnight. The influence is incredible! By midnight, paparazzi were already camping outside the set to claim spots.” She laughed. “But you two must be used to this.”

Sheng Ruxi, veteran of grand spectacles, thought: This is still a bit too grand. She texted Jian Jixing to say she was arriving and asked how it was inside.

Jian Jixing replied quickly: [It’s okay inside, just get through the gates. Keep yourself covered.]

Sheng Ruxi followed the advice. She didn’t take off her hat, mask, or sunglasses even inside the car, and she even took a photo of herself like this to send to Jian Jixing.

The reply came back instantly: [Your face looks soft. I want to pinch it.]

Sheng Ruxi: [?] How on earth did Jian Jixing find the desire to “pinch” a photo of someone covered in black from head to toe? She hesitated before typing: [You seem to have plenty of energy.]

Unlike her, whose waist and back were aching, yet she still had to maintain a “state” for filming.

A question mark came back from the other side.

Sheng Ruxi: [??] Truly Cute Shrew: [How did you conclude I have energy from what I said?] Sheng Ruxi: [How did you conclude my face is pinchable? That’s how I know you have energy.] Truly Cute Shrew: [Get to work.] Sheng Ruxi: [I hate you. A woman who is heartless the moment she lets go.] Truly Cute Shrew: [Good. Keep that feeling. Start filming the moment you arrive.]

Jian Jixing in work mode is not cute at all!!!

Sheng Ruxi angrily set her phone aside. But with a professional spirit, she went straight into makeup and onto the set, ignoring Jian Jixing. Her state was excellent; both afternoon scenes were done in one take, her emotions full and heavy.

After the “Cut,” Lin Qie praised: “Amazing! Working with Miss Sheng is so much easier. She expresses many effects I wanted without even saying them.”

Jian Jixing laughed. “Her state is so good that there’s no room for me to show off as a director.”

Sheng Ruxi finished watching the playback. Hearing Jian Jixing’s teasing tone, she glared at her. But looking closer, her heart softened—there were faint dark circles under Jian Jixing’s eyes.

She pulled Jian Jixing aside. “Don’t you feel tired at all?”

Sheng Ruxi had at least slept in, but she had asked the staff and found out Jian Jixing had been working since 7:00 AM without a break.

Jian Jixing stretched lazily, her gaze sweeping over Sheng Ruxi’s nape hidden under thick hair. “I am tired.”

Sheng Ruxi hesitated for a moment before following her heart. “…I’m impressed. Do you want me to give you a massage to relax?”

The crew members were nearby, all working in an orderly fashion. Sheng Ruxi didn’t expect Jian Jixing to lean in with such a serious face, only to say playfully: “Oh… like the kind of ‘relaxation’ I gave you in the car yesterday? Then let’s go.”

Sheng Ruxi: “…” Go to hell, you pervert. Even at work you’re like this. Seeing that she still had the energy to joke, Sheng Ruxi knew Jian Jixing wasn’t going to collapse anytime soon.

…

There were no night scenes today, and filming wrapped at 6:30 PM. Sheng Ruxi liked this rhythm. Since Jian Jixing needed to review the day’s footage at the office, she sent Sheng Ruxi back first.

On the way, she happened to catch a stunning sunset. Despite the exhaustion, working with Jian Jixing made her feel mentally fulfilled. She usually didn’t care for scenery, but today she wanted to capture it and share it with her.

As the car was about to leave the film city, just as she took the photo, the car suddenly braked hard.

“What’s wrong?”

Before she could get an answer, she heard violent pounding on the car doors. She looked out and saw a crowd appearing out of nowhere—some with cameras, some with phones—blocking the car completely.

“Is Sheng Ruxi inside? Movie Queen Sheng, can you come out and explain?” “If she really did it, how could she explain…” “Just getting a photo is enough, it’s first-hand info.” “Movie Queen Sheng, is Director Jian in the car with you?”

“What is happening?” Sheng Ruxi remained calm. The voices outside were muffled. Tuanzi, in the passenger seat, scrolled through her phone frantically, her face turning pale. “Just half an hour ago, someone leaked a rumor saying you and Director Jian have an improper relationship, so…”

Sheng Ruxi scoffed. There were many rumor-mongers; she expected this. With the current hype around them, someone was bound to lose their cool.

“The heat wasn’t rising that fast, but twenty minutes ago, all the trending topics suddenly disappeared. That caused even more suspicion.” Tuanzi shifted into work mode. “I’ll notify Director Jian immediately. Wait… at this speed of removal, did someone from the family intervene? The methods are too forceful…” It was having the opposite effect.

Sheng Ruxi frowned. “The most important thing is to get out of here. Contact the security team.”

These people were clearly prepared, and the car couldn’t exactly plow through them.

“Hey!”

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the roadside greenery, holding a large bamboo broom. Like a gust of wind, the figure charged at the crowd.

“It’s just you trash who have to block people’s cars! Get lost! Stay here any longer and I’ll whip you!” With the sound of the bamboo broom whistling through the air, Yan Huaixi appeared heroically, swinging the broom at the startled crowd, clearing a wide gap.

The crowd instinctively dodged. The thorns on the broom were sharp. The paparazzi retreated, cursing: “Where did this little brat come from? Hey! I’m talking to you! Stop—ah!”

Before he could finish, he was whipped hard across the backside.

Sheng Ruxi looked out the window. A slender figure appeared tiny against the massive bamboo broom, but she had the “newborn calf” spirit, completely unafraid of the mob. She fought her way through, physically sweeping the people away from the front of the car.

When the figure pressed against her window, Sheng Ruxi recognized those eyes—it was Yan Huaixi.

“Quick, let her in. Open the door,” Sheng Ruxi said to Tuanzi, moving over to make room.

Thanks to Yan Huaixi, the car could move. Tuanzi timed it perfectly. Yan Huaixi slipped in like a wisp of smoke, but not before giving the reporters one last round of whipping and throwing the broom at them. She slammed the door shut.

Yan Huaixi almost called her “Sister-in-law” but, seeing others in the car, she whispered her greeting in Sheng Ruxi’s ear.

“Why are you here?” Sheng Ruxi asked. Yan Huaixi looked down guiltily. “I…”

“Who is this?” Tuanzi asked, noticing it was just a young girl once the hat and mask were off. She looked only twelve or thirteen. Seeing her close relationship with Sheng Ruxi, Tuanzi didn’t pry further.

“Based on their stance, they must have people stationed at the hotel. This trending topic is clearly aimed at you,” Tuanzi noted.

Sheng Ruxi frowned. “Turn around. We’re going back to the set to find Jian Jixing.”

Realizing she was about to face Jian Jixing, Yan Huaixi shrunk back, not daring to speak.

Sheng Ruxi saw her fear and smiled. “Thanks to you. If not for your heroic act… the car wouldn’t have moved. I’m surprised you could even lift such a large broom.”

“Yeah, little girl, you helped us out a lot. When we see Director Jian, I’ll have her reward you.”

Yan Huaixi rubbed the back of her head. She was proud, but the thought of seeing her sister terrified her. She curled her lips shyly. “It’s what I should have done.”

Once my sister knows I did a great service for my sister-in-law, she shouldn’t yell at me for following her, right?

…

At the set, Jian Jixing was pacing in circles, dialing Sheng Ruxi’s number. She had received word of the rumors twenty minutes after Sheng Ruxi left. The calls went through, but there was no answer.

When she was about to call Tuanzi, the group rushed in. Jian Jixing looked up and saw Sheng Ruxi being shielded by Tuanzi. She hurried forward, gripping Sheng Ruxi’s arms and checking her over. “Are you okay? Is anything wrong? I’ll have a security deal with those people.”

Seeing her back at the set, she knew she had been blocked at the gates. In her panic, she didn’t even notice the person next to her.

“I’m fine.” Sheng Ruxi shook her head and patted Jian Jixing’s cheek with a reassuring smile, gesturing for her to look aside. “It was sudden. I didn’t answer because I was already at the door.”

Jian Jixing was still focused on her. Sheng Ruxi whispered in her ear: “Look next to you.”

Jian Jixing frowned. “What’snext to me’? ” In the future, even if you’re right in front of me, if I call, you answer.”

Then a tiny voice spoke: “…Sister.”

Jian Jixing’s head snapped around. She saw Yan Huaixi standing there, her face a bit dirty. How did Yan Huaixi get involved in this? She pulled Yan Huaixi toward her. “Why are you here?”

Her tone automatically became stern when speaking to her younger sister. Yan Huaixi was scared. She looked around and whispered, “Um… you should let Sis—Miss Sheng explain. I saved her!”

The others looked at Yan Huaixi with suspicion, wondering why a middle-school-aged girl was on set. Her clothes suggested she was doing part-time work in the film city. Many “sasaeng” fans used part-time jobs as an excuse to get close to idols, so the staff were tense.

Sheng Ruxi smiled. “Alright, don’t blame her. Let her rest. Let’s sit down and talk. Yan Huaixi followed us secretly because she didn’t want to be home alone.”

Jian Jixing: “…”

Yan Huaixi was indignant. “They were talking trash about you online! This afternoon someone was saying…” She paused as Gu Shengci walked in.

Gu Shengci’s eyes widened when she saw Yan Huaixi. She smacked the girl’s head. “Huaixi? What are you doing making trouble here?”

Seeing the crew whispering, Jian Jixing didn’t hide it. She introduced her as her sister. Before Yan Huaixi could celebrate, she was pulled into a small meeting room with Gu Shengci and Sheng Ruxi.

In the privacy of the room, Yan Huaixi finally felt free to call her “Sister-in-law.” She explained she had been hanging around since they started filming. Being outside, she had overheard the paparazzi planning how to block the car.

“What they said is pure bullshit,” Yan Huaixi said angrily. “The rumors are ridiculous. My sister-in-law is already this famous; why would she need to let a director ‘unspoken rule’ her for a role?”

Gu Shengci said, “But you have to admit, rumors travel fastest, and people are more willing to hear the scandalous version.”

Seeing Jian Jixing’s solemn expression, Yan Huaixi thought she was worried and whispered, “What does it matter? Can’t my sister just announce that they’re married? They are married.”

“No. We can’t say it now,” Jian Jixing said.

Sheng Ruxi looked at her in shock. “What did you say?”

Last night they were discussing whether to go public. Sheng Ruxi had proposed it, and Jian Jixing had reacted so well that she thought she was willing.

Gu Shengci saw Sheng Ruxi’s stunned expression and felt a headache coming. “I think I understand Jian Jixing’s thought process. Going public voluntarily is different from going public to dispel a rumor.”

“Yes,” Jian Jixing said calmly, projecting data onto a screen.

“You are a popular young Movie Queen, at the height of your fame. But many people are waiting for you to fail.”

The screen showed numerous marketing accounts that had posted that afternoon, claiming Sheng Ruxi only took the role for the hype. Their evidence was shallow—videos and photos of past conflicts or maliciously edited quotes. The marketing accounts were clearly guiding netizens to believe Sheng Ruxi was using Jian Jixing. Even the time Jian Jixing carried Sheng Ruxi to the hospital was being painted as a pre-meditated publicity stunt.

Sheng Ruxi’s fanbase was huge and capable, but because the trending topics were silenced so quickly, they lost some “passerby” goodwill. Both she and Jian Jixing were being affected.

“So what? Do you think I care what they say? As long as we’re happy, what does it have to do with them?” Sheng Ruxi didn’t expect such a direct rejection. “You know I…” She couldn’t finish. Saying more would make it seem like she was begging Jian Jixing to go public. If Jian Jixing didn’t want to, she wouldn’t say another word.

She turned to leave, but Jian Jixing caught her. Gu Shengci, sensing the tension, pulled Yan Huaixi out. “I’ll take the kid for some food. You two talk.”

Sheng Ruxi’s face was cold. “No need. I’m leaving too. Since Director Jian has already decided on the plan, there’s nothing to discuss.”

Even “Director Jian” had come out. Jian Jixing knew she was speaking out of anger.

“Sheng Ruxi, don’t use that tone with me.” Jian Jixing felt a headache. She held her wrist tight. Her voice softened. “Don’t go, Wife. I want to solve this too.”

Sheng Ruxi stood rigid, her head turned away. “Then tell me—why won’t you tell everyone we are married?”

Jian Jixing walked in front of her, trying to pull her into an embrace, but Sheng Ruxi didn’t budge. She persisted, gently shaking Sheng Ruxi’s hand until she finally got her to look at her.

“You think I don’t want to go public? If I didn’t want to, would I have been that excited last night?” Jian Jixing’s voice was low, an undeniable intimacy melting into Sheng Ruxi’s ear.

Sheng Ruxi bit her lip; her cold expression softened.

“I just don’t want our announcement to be born out of a PR move to fix public opinion. Even if we know our relationship is pure, what will they say about you later? ‘That actress who developed feelings for her director just to get resources’? I won’t allow it. I want to put everything in front of you properly, including the timing of the announcement.”

Jian Jixing cupped Sheng Ruxi’s face. “Wait until this movie is finished. When you stand on that awards stage again, I’ll be the one begging you to give me a title.” Her voice was right against Sheng Ruxi’s ear. “You deserve nothing but the best.”