After Appearing On A Marriage Reality Show, The Top Star Cried and Says She Doesn't Want a Divorce - Chapter 4

Yan Mengyi realized she had forgotten her purse only after getting out of the car. But given the awkward atmosphere, she couldn’t possibly face the embarrassment of going back inside.

She couldn’t imagine how to interact with Li Tang as her quasi-ex-wife.

Fortunately, she had her phone.

Yan Mengyi called her Senior Sister, Song Yujing.

“Tell me where you are,” Song Yujing instructed. “Stay put.”

After waiting about five minutes, Yan Mengyi saw a Mercedes drive up to her.

“Little Yi, it’s been ages!” Song Yujing exclaimed. “When was the last time we saw each other?”

“Last October, during the National Day holiday.”

“When we were studying, you always preferred poring over old artifacts to socializing. Now that you’ve graduated, you’ve completely gone into seclusion. It’s become incredibly difficult to see you.”

“Nonsense. If Senior Sister wants to see me, I’d brave a hail of knives to come.”

Yan Mengyi meant every word. For someone who rarely socialized, the fact that Song Yujing had taken the initiative to meet her meant she was someone truly important in her life.

“You’re still the same as ever, like you just graduated from high school,” Senior Sister remarked. “Looks-wise, it seems you and your partner are quite close.”

Yan Mengyi forced a bitter smile, remaining silent.

Senior Sister only knew that Yan Mengyi had married her high school desk partner right after graduation.

Yan Mengyi remained tight-lipped about her personal life, so Song Yujing didn’t press the issue.

Yan Mengyi’s uncharacteristic decision to actively seek work this time likely meant there were problems in her marriage.

Song Yujing, who dotes on her junior sister, couldn’t help but speak up.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “You need to realize how incredible you are. That person doesn’t appreciate you? They must be blind!”

Yan Mengyi stammered, “It’s not her fault. She’s actually a really good person.”

“If you ever get the chance, bring her out and let me meet her. If she dares to hurt you, I’ll chew her out until she’s blue in the face.”

Realizing she might have gone too far, Song Yujing quickly added, “Did I just curse? Don’t mind me.” She rubbed her temples. “The department’s been organizing an academic forum on the cultural preservation of modern paper documents, and I’ve been running myself ragged.”

Despite her workload, she still took time to check on Yan Mengyi, filling her heart with warmth.

******

On the way to Galaxy TV, Senior Sister briefly explained the situation.

Producer Lu from Galaxy TV had approached Song Yujing about developing a cultural exploration program and specifically requested Yan Mengyi’s involvement.

As Yan Mengyi’s mentor, Song Yujing immediately connected them.

Soon, they arrived at the Galaxy TV building, where Producer Lu escorted them to her office.

“Professor Song, you promised to bring Teacher Yan with you. Is she not here today?”

Producer Lu’s gaze swept over Yan Mengyi, failing to connect her with the role of a consultant.

“She’s my junior sister, Yan Mengyi,” Song Yujing said with a smile, formally introducing them. “This is Galaxy TV’s top producer.”

“Her?” Producer Lu was slightly taken aback, reevaluating Yan Mengyi.

Yan Mengyi’s thick, long hair, dyed a striking silver-gray, was pinned up with an emerald-green hairpin. She wore a pale green cheongsam that accentuated her slender figure.

Whether in terms of appearance or demeanor, she stood out even in the entertainment industry.

No one would associate such a person with the tedious field of cultural relic restoration.

“Is this the expert you mentioned?” Producer Lu still seemed skeptical.

“What? Do you expect all cultural relic restorers to look like me, dressed in black and white, wearing black-rimmed glasses, and looking like we’ve been out of touch with society for centuries?”

“Not at all, Professor Song. You’re joking! Anyone you recommend is trustworthy, of course. It’s just… I never imagined the legendary Yan Mengyi would be so… stunning.”

Producer Lu revealed a core aspect of the program: Yan Mengyi could effortlessly and swiftly provide the historical context and production techniques of related artifacts. This impressed Producer Lu greatly.

Producer Lu hesitated before revealing her final condition.

Song Yujing and Yan Mengyi had been listening intently and had already grasped the gist.

“You want to list Professor Wu as the consultant, but have Xiao Yi actually handle the project, correct?”

Producer Lu nodded. After all, Professor Wu was the director of the top-ranked university’s cultural relics restoration institute, a renowned expert in the field. He had been deeply immersed in research for the past two years, declining all program invitations, even from CCTV. Securing his involvement would be a major draw for the show.

Song Yujing’s expression darkened. She hadn’t realized Producer Lu had harbored such intentions from the beginning.

“I heard you’re Professor Wu’s favored disciple, Miss Yan,” Producer Lu continued. “Getting her to lend her name shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

Seeing the displeased expressions on Song Yujing and Yan Mengyi’s faces, Producer Lu pulled out her trump card.

“Our program has an S-Tier production team, and Li Tang herself is joining,” she said. “Miss Yan, I guarantee that once the show airs, you’ll have more work than you can handle.”

“Producer Lu, stop throwing empty promises around,” Song Yujing retorted. “This is my junior sister, not an outsider. Didn’t you hear that Li Tang is supposed to be joining a singing competition show instead?”

“Industry insiders say the show’s been canceled. They’ll probably announce it soon. You wouldn’t know since you’re not part of the industry.”

Song Yujing added, “An S-Tier variety show is also reportedly trying to recruit Li Tang. She might not even come to your program.”

“It’s a dating show,” Producer Lu waved her hand dismissively. “Li Tang isn’t married yet—why would she be on a dating show? We’re the best option for her.”

While Song and Yan hesitated, Producer Lu stepped out to take a call.

Soon after, she returned and informed them that the station’s management was hosting a dinner that evening, and Li Tang would be attending. She invited them both to join.

“Li Tang?” Yan Mengyi nearly gasped at the name.

“Don’t be surprised. Galaxy TV has that kind of clout,” Producer Lu said. “Is Li Tang your idol too? Tonight, your dream will come true. You’ll meet her face-to-face, and who knows, you might even get her to sign something for you.”

A signature? Yan Mengyi wasn’t that eager for one.

After all, just hours earlier, Li Tang had signed the divorce filing at the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Yan Mengyi’s thoughts were in turmoil. She never imagined she had meet her soon-to-be-divorced wife under these circumstances.

Song Yujing thought, regardless of whether this collaboration succeeded, it would be good to bring Yan Mengyi along to make connections and expand her network.

Yan Mengyi had many reservations, but determined not to disappoint her Senior Sister, she steeled herself and went.

The banquet was held at Tangning Manor.

Tangning Manor, built in 1902, was once the private residence of a renowned Peking opera artist. Comprising twenty-one garden-style villas, it had been transformed into an exclusive private banquet hall, open only by invitation or through personal connections.

Producer Lu arrived in a Land Rover. Noticing Yan Mengyi examining the vehicle’s interior, she assumed the young woman had never ridden in such a luxurious car before and casually mentioned its price.

“Over six million, fully loaded.”

“Oh,” Yan Mengyi replied mildly.

“But it’s not mine. I’m just driving it for my boss.”

Upon arrival, Producer Lu escorted them inside.

The Tangning Manor banquet, titled “Ningfu Banquet” after the Dream of Red Mansions, featured decor steeped in traditional elegance. To Yan Mengyi and Song Yujing’s discerning eyes, however, it felt somewhat pieced together and superficially cultured.

The private room was spacious, accommodating over twenty people. Their delayed arrival meant they arrived late.

Unskilled in socializing, Yan Mengyi trailed behind her Senior Sister, her gaze briefly sweeping over the people at the table.

The head seat remained empty, while the seat of honor was occupied by an older woman who exuded both dignity and charm. The jade necklace around her neck, with its vibrant luster and unmistakable age, drew Yan Mengyi’s involuntary glances.

Producer Lu addressed the woman in the seat of honor as “Director Qin.”

Song Yujing smiled. “Director Qin, it’s an honor to meet you at last.”

“Professor Song, you’re too kind. Please, be seated.” Director Qin nodded and immediately beckoned Producer Lu over, whispering instructions.

Song Yujing had intended to formally introduce Yan Mengyi, but finding no opportunity, she settled into the lower seats next to her.

Yan Mengyi didn’t feel slighted. She disliked these social gatherings centered around drinking and small talk; being a quiet observer suited her just fine.

“When you get a chance, stand up and toast Director Qin,” Song Yujing whispered to Yan Mengyi.

“Do I really have to?” The mere thought of engaging in such social pleasantries made Yan Mengyi distinctly uncomfortable.

“Make yourself known to her. It might come in handy someday.”

Song Yujing explained that Director Qin’s full name was Qin Biham, a veteran director and producer at Galaxy TV. Nine years ago, the network first implemented the “Studio Strategy,” dividing its teams into seven program groups and three independent production studios led by major producers.

As a producer, Qin Biham now oversees CMT Studio, having launched several high-profile shows like Encounter: Jade Slip and If Antiques Could Speak, bringing obscure history to the public eye.

“So, she was behind all those shows!”

As they whispered, the private booth door swung open. First came Producer Lu’s obsequious voice, followed by a cold draft.

“Director Qin, Artist Li has arrived.”

Yan Mengyi stiffened, instinctively sitting ramrod straight.

A hand rested on the back of Yan Mengyi’s chair.

All eyes turned toward the person behind her.

Qin Biham rose and gestured for Li Tang to take the empty seat of honor. With no other choice, Li Tang headed in that direction.

Noticing how everyone’s gaze followed Li Tang’s movements, Yan Mengyi finally exhaled in relief.

She looked up just as Li Tang glanced back. Their eyes met, and Li Tang raised an eyebrow.

Yan Mengyi shook her head subtly. Her social anxiety had no desire to be the center of attention.

So Li Tang didn’t press the matter and settled into the seat of honor.

“Little Yi, look at the bag Li Tang’s carrying!”

Song Yujing, ever observant, nudged Yan Mengyi’s elbow.

“What about her bag?”

“She’s so cool and edgy. How can she carry such a cute bag?”

Yan Mengyi lowered her head. “Cute? It’s a classic model from Balenciaga. It’s presentable enough for formal occasions.”

Song Yujing clicked her tongue, unconvinced. “No matter how I look at it, this bag just doesn’t fit her. It doesn’t seem like her bag—it looks more like your bag!”

Support After Appearing On A Marriage Reality Show, The Top Star Cried and Says She Doesn’t Want a Divorce