Deeply in Love [Showbiz] - Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Bai Lian saw the Weibo post just before her interview began.

Although she hadn’t followed Nan Zhiyao previously, Bai Lian had a habit of checking Nan Zhiyao’s Weibo before bed.

Unlike her own account, which was filled with boring, complex work content like drama promotions or endorsements, Nan Zhiyao’s Weibo was more like a documentary of her life. She would share photos of beautiful clouds in the evening or proudly post a picture of a clean plate after a delicious meal. Even though many people left unpleasant comments, Nan Zhiyao had never disabled the comment section.

She was like a little sun—proactive, positive, and full of vitality.

Before this, Nan Zhiyao hadn’t updated her Weibo for three days.

“Yo, Little Sister-in-law followed you back pretty fast, huh?” Wu Yueming leaned over and glanced at Bai Lian’s screen. “I’m going to follow her too!”

“Me too, count me in.” Lu Yi followed suit. “Xiao Bai, where are you heading back to later?”

“Aren’t you asking the obvious?” Wu Yueming giggled. “Bai Bai had Brother Lin send all her luggage to Xinhai Garden. She’s definitely staying there from now on.”

That was indeed Bai Lian’s plan. But she knew Nan Zhiyao wouldn’t be going there today. And even in the future… it wasn’t certain she would come. Lin Zheng mentioned that Nan Zhiyao looked stunned when she received the keys; would she think it was too sudden?

…No matter, there was plenty of time. This couldn’t be rushed; twisted melons aren’t sweet.

Nan Zhiyao had followed back so quickly because Bai Lian had always been on her “Secret Follow” list.

She really hadn’t expected Bai Lian to reply to her at this juncture. The fans were shocked, and the melon-eating public was utterly bewildered. Nan Zhiyao’s Weibo was instantly bombarded. The non-stop notifications from tags and the surging follower count made her phone ring incessantly, so she hurriedly switched to her alt account.

She had an alt with the ID: “Did I Sleep With Bai Lian Today?”

This was the first time in three months that Bai Lian had actively forwarded a non-work-related post. Following that, the other group members followed Nan Zhiyao one by one, and the comments under that post surpassed 20,000.

“What on earth is happening? Is my ‘melon-eating’ skill failing or is my village’s internet too slow? Did I miss a class?”

“I don’t believe it! There must be a collaboration coming up, so our Lianlian is giving a ‘friendship follow.'”

“Can the ‘hype-leacher’ please stay away from Lianlian?”

“But I think Nan Zhiyao’s visuals in these photos are actually top-tier…”

“Upstairs, I’m willing to risk it and become a visual fan +1.”

“Literally gagging. Your tolerance for a ‘hype-dog’ with no works is this high?”

Nan Zhiyao sighed, feeling melancholy over the fans’ fighting.

It’s a routine, friends! A routine! Have you been following celebrities for so long and still don’t understand how the industry works?

When two people who would never normally interact follow each other, it’s either a dating announcement or hype for a collaboration. For her and Bai Lian, the first option only existed in her dreams.

Look how sensible and understanding my idol is, she thought. Taking advantage of the Starlight Gala’s heat to follow Nan Zhiyao gave the upcoming variety show an instant boost in popularity. Her wife was truly saving her so much money on marketing.

“Holy crap, your followers increased by 20,000—almost 30,000 now!” Shen Jiaye screamed in Nan Zhiyao’s ear, monitoring the real-time trends. “Jiang Yingjia was humiliated today, and now all the heat is on you and Bai Lian. No one is even looking at her photos.”

Nan Zhiyao exited Weibo and sent a message to Bai Lian, but there was no reply; the interview was likely still ongoing. It was already 10:30 PM. Her heart ached for her idol; working so hard, she probably wouldn’t get to sleep until 1:00 AM.

Shen Jiaye was staring at her phone when it suddenly slipped from her hand.

“?” Nan Zhiyao picked it up.

Producer Li Zong V: “Perfect Day” is in production. Fixed cast: @BaiLian @LuYi @WuYueming and @NanZhiyao. I am very happy to invite Miss Nan; everyone is looking forward to collaborating with @NanZhiyao! The other two guests are being finalized. Please stay tuned. Platform: Starlight Video, every Sunday at 8:00 PM.

PD Li was known for being decisive. As soon as the invitation was confirmed, he made the official announcement. Being a gold-medal producer, many stars queued up for his shows. For him to say he “sincerely invited” Nan Zhiyao spoke volumes.

Would Li Zong lie? No. Would he use a “tainted” artist? Even more impossible. This meant either Nan Zhiyao had a powerful background or she was completely innocent regardless of rumors.

The fans didn’t know that Princess Nan Zhiyao fit both descriptions.

Nan Zhiyao quickly switched back to her main account to like and forward the post. The production team soon sent over the schedule: a discussion on Saturday, and filming starts Monday.

By the time Nan Zhiyao finished washing up at home, it was nearly midnight.

Under the warm yellow bedside lamp, she pulled the key from under her pillow and stared at it. Her phone was silent; Bai Lian’s work wasn’t over. Her brother, Nan Shiming, was working late at the office, so she was alone in the Nan villa.

What’s the difference between sleeping alone at home and sleeping alone in the marital home?

As soon as the thought popped up, Nan Zhiyao kicked off her blanket. Her house was only a fifteen-minute drive from Xinhai Garden. She figured since Bai Lian prepared the house, she probably hadn’t moved in yet.

She got out of bed, tied her hair into a bun, put on a mask, and headed out without taking anything. By the time she considered whether the new house had pajamas or toiletries… she was already putting the key in the lock.

Click. Door closed. Snap. Lights on.

A duplex structure, four bedrooms, two living rooms. Crucially… there were clear signs someone had been here. A pair of brown house slippers sat by the door; one was slightly crooked, as if the person left in a hurry. The home was decorated as if waiting for its mistress—spacious, with all daily necessities provided.

Her phone vibrated.

Bai Lian: Asleep?

Bai Lian: I just finished.

It was five minutes to 12:30 AM.

Nan Zhiyao put on a new pair of slippers and replied: Just finished? Are you going back to rest?

Bai Lian: Mhm.

She must be exhausted. Nan Zhiyao hesitated on how to ask when she planned to move in. Since the gala venue was far from Xinhai Garden, she assumed Bai Lian wouldn’t come tonight.

Strangely, despite it being her first time there, she felt oddly at home. The master bedroom’s bed was large and soft. She rolled around on the bed clutching her phone, but seeing no further messages from Bai Lian, she felt a bit disappointed. I thought she’d say goodnight.

But then she thought her idol might have fallen asleep in the car.

On the other side, Bai Lian was staring at the chat interface. She saw that Nan Zhiyao’s status kept flickering to “Typing…”, yet not a single word appeared. What is this girl hesitating about?

She waited patiently. Finally, the message came.

Nan Zhiyao: Hard work today! Rest well tonight. If you don’t have time tomorrow, you don’t have to come home to eat with me!

Nan Zhiyao: Goodnighty-night (Wanan-an)

A plain goodnight would have ended it, but the double-ending made it vivid. Bai Lian rubbed her temples and smiled. She suddenly changed her mind about sleeping nearby and told the driver, “Xinhai Garden, please.”

It was her and Nan Zhiyao’s “marital home.” Even if Nan Zhiyao wasn’t there, the words “marital home” alone were enough to let her relax.

It was an hour later when Bai Lian arrived. She didn’t turn on the lights, found her slippers in the dark by habit, and went straight to the bathroom. As warm water cascaded down her face, she fantasized about how wonderful it would be if Nan Zhiyao were here. It wouldn’t be dark or lonely. It would be warm, happy… maybe even ambiguous and tempting.

Heavens.

She shook her head, drying off and clearing the “indecent” thoughts. She put on a loose long T-shirt, leaving her legs bare, and walked to the bed.

She lifted the soft duvet and slid in. In that instant, her entire relaxed body tensed up.

She felt it.

Smooth, delicate skin. And where her fingers brushed—warmth and curves.

Her senses sharpened instantly. She could hear long, steady breathing and smell the fragrance of hair on the pillow.

Everything told Bai Lian one thing: The person she loved was currently in her bed.

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