Deeply in Love [Showbiz] - Chapter 3

Chapter 3

In her past life, she must have saved the galaxy to not only get a second chance at life but also to marry Bai Lian.

However, she couldn’t exactly perform a celebratory backflip-kick in front of Bai Lian right now; she had to maintain her image. She tried her best to look indifferent and nodded as if it were no big deal. “Okay.”

Only after saying that did Nan Zhiyao finally realize where she was: her own small two-bedroom apartment.

After she had signed with Chuangyi, her family had bought this apartment for her near the company for convenience. If Nan Zhiyao remembered correctly, Bai Lian’s manager had just issued a statement last night once again denying any “romantic hype” involving Nan Zhiyao.

And yet, here was Bai Lian, handing her an agreement and saying they were getting married.

As she followed Bai Lian out the door, Nan Zhiyao wondered if she had missed something. How was it that none of these events existed in her past memories?

She remembered that around this time in her previous life, she had gone back to the Nan family home to see her grandfather. Based on what Bai Lian said, it seemed the marriage was the elders’ idea.

Bai Lian…

Does she find it incredibly awkward to marry me?

While Nan Zhiyao found the prospect of marrying Bai Lian delightful, that was built on the foundation of her having been a fan for a long time. But Bai Lian’s view of her—based on observation—should be that of a complete stranger. Or, if there was any connection, it was that of a low-tier starlet trying to use her fame for “hype.”

Waiting for the elevator, Nan Zhiyao stole glances at Bai Lian. She didn’t even dare to stand too close, feeling as if Bai Lian were an angel descended to earth, radiating a dazzling aura.

How could I possibly block my idol’s charisma!

Bai Lian had a small face, which made her beautiful eyes look even more striking behind her mask. Nan Zhiyao had never stood this close to her before. Bai Lian watched the elevator floor numbers in silence, but it was impossible to ignore the intense gaze coming from her side. The moment she turned her head, Nan Zhiyao whipped her head away at lightning speed.

“…” Bai Lian remained silent for half a second. “Are the terms of the agreement clear?”

Nan Zhiyao hadn’t even looked. “Clear.”

As the elevator doors opened, she followed Bai Lian in, blinked, and said, “I’ll agree to any conditions you have.”

Actually, even without looking, she could guess: it must state that the marriage is purely contractual, that assets must be clearly divided, and since they are both artists, they would continue their separate careers without making the marriage public.

In short, a hidden marriage. To be even more blunt: once they signed this paper, they were just two people with a certificate and nothing else.

“Not going public is better for both of us right now,” Bai Lian said, her eyes slightly downcast. “I added an extra clause at the end. Look at it when you have time.”

For some reason, Nan Zhiyao thought she detected a hint of an explanatory tone in Bai Lian’s voice.

The two stopped talking, standing in the elevator in a silence that was deathly awkward. A ringtone saved her from the embarrassment. Nan Zhiyao hurriedly answered, and the voice on the other end was exceptionally clear in the quiet elevator.

“Yaoyao, are you at the Civil Affairs Bureau yet? When are you coming home?” It was her older brother, Nan Shiming.

“Getting ready to go,” Nan Zhiyao glanced at Bai Lian.

“You should thank your big brother, shouldn’t you?” Nan Shiming’s playful voice came through. “Since you two are going to register now, let me tell you something.”

“Huh?”

“Remember when you talked in your sleep at Grandpa’s last time? You kept saying Bai Lian’s name, and Grandpa heard you.” Nan Shiming teased. “So Grandpa asked me about it, and I felt out your true feelings. Once I realized you really like Bai Lian, Grandpa settled the matter for you.”

Nan Zhiyao: “???”

Brother, please stop talking! Do I not get to keep any dignity!

Bai Lian caught Nan Zhiyao’s distress, and her lips curled up in an imperceptible smile.

Nan Zhiyao finally remembered. Not long ago, right after she had finished binge-watching Bai Lian’s videos, Nan Shiming had messaged her: “Sister, your company is hyping you and Bai Lian. Do you want the family to clear the air for you?”

She had replied: “No need, Brother. It’s not affecting Bai Lian much right now.”

Nan Shiming sent another: “You’re quite considerate of Bai Lian.”

Nan Zhiyao: “It’s fine, it’s only right.”

She meant: She’s my idol, so it’s only right. Her brother understood: This is the person I love, so it’s only right.

Nan Shiming’s final message had been: “Understood.”

Understood my foot!!!

The reborn Nan Zhiyao felt very conflicted. So, this was real.

Following her original life path, she had spoken about Bai Lian during her second visit to the Nan family. By then, she was being heavily criticized and had joined the same film crew as Bai Lian, playing the “vile female supporting role.” Bai Lian was the female lead for the first time and was doing an excellent job.

Nan Zhiyao used to watch Bai Lian’s romantic scenes with the second female lead every day, thinking how aesthetically pleasing they were. Meanwhile, as the villainess, she was constantly sabotaging the second lead, only to watch Bai Lian play the hero and “save the beauty.”

Nan Zhiyao’s heart had been bitter. When her parents asked what was going on between her and Bai Lian, she had insisted they were total strangers. Joke was on her—if she had admitted to being a fangirl, her brother might have actually dragged Bai Lian in front of her!

But this time, things moved faster. Her family had already arranged the marriage.

Why did Bai Lian agree to marry me? And that agreement…

Bai Lian must have been so unwilling but unable to argue with her elders. She probably hated the idea, which is why she drafted that agreement.

Thinking this, Nan Zhiyao’s excitement cooled by half. She hung up the phone dejectedly as they reached the garage. Bai Lian walked ahead, and Nan Zhiyao followed with her head down, not knowing what to say.

When Bai Lian opened the car door, Nan Zhiyao’s hand also touched the handle. Bai Lian rolled the window down slightly and said, “Wait a moment.”

Nan Zhiyao was already imagining 108 tragic scenarios of their married life—even the moment Bai Lian would lose patience and demand a divorce. Hearing this, she blurted out, “Bai Lian, do you really not want to marry me?”

Bai Lian turned up the AC, finally letting the stifling heat dissipate. Her hand paused on the seatbelt. “No.”

Nan Zhiyao’s grievance was so obvious in her tone that Bai Lian felt a bit at a loss.

“Don’t force yourself,” Nan Zhiyao wailed internally, thinking her idol was too kind to say anything hurtful even now. “You made me sign an agreement, and you won’t even let me in your car.” She bit her lip, twisting her fingers behind her back. “You—”

Click. Bai Lian opened the passenger door from the inside. “Get in.”

“Huh?” The blast of cold air hit her, leaving her stunned.

Holy shit, am I actually going to sit in my idol’s passenger seat!

Nan Zhiyao, what have you done to deserve this? If Bai Lian’s fans find out, my Weibo will explode.

“The car was too hot inside, that’s why I didn’t let you in yet.” Seeing Nan Zhiyao hadn’t moved, Bai Lian made a move to get out, unbuckling her own belt.

Nan Zhiyao scrambled inside immediately, wanting to punish herself for being so impulsive. She noticed a thin layer of sweat on Bai Lian’s forehead—it must have been scorching when she first got in.

“Did you not look at the agreement I gave you?” Bai Lian’s lips curved into a smirk. She looked at Nan Zhiyao with a playful gaze. “The clause I added.”

Nan Zhiyao froze. She fumbled through her bag for the contract and flipped to the last page. The added clause stated clearly: If the parties agree to terminate this agreement, Party A (Bai Lian) shall transfer all real estate under her name to Party B (Nan Zhiyao). This agreement takes effect from the date of notarization.

Notarization date… yesterday.

Holy crap.

Nan Zhiyao wasn’t short on money, but Bai Lian’s addition shocked her. The thin paper suddenly felt heavy, as if she were literally holding a house in her hands.

She turned dizzily and asked, “…How many houses do you have?”

“My family bought two, and I bought one myself,” Bai Lian said casually. She started the car smoothly and tilted her chin, signaling Nan Zhiyao to buckle up.

Nan Zhiyao tried her best to appear calm, not like someone dazed by a real estate windfall. “I’m not marrying you for your houses, don’t misunderstand.”

Bai Lian kept her eyes on the road, holding the steering wheel loosely. “Mhm.”

That “mhm” left Nan Zhiyao feeling a bit lost. There were still so many things she didn’t understand. She needed to ask Shen Jiaye for clarification. Why would Bai Lian give her houses in a contract marriage?

Ugh, what kind of goddess is my idol? Nan Zhiyao just wanted to roll down the window and sing “I Don’t Deserve You.”

Bai Lian suddenly broke the silence. “Neither am I.”

The weather was beautiful. The sun cast light across Bai Lian’s face, gilding the tips of her eyelashes. Her red lips curved slightly in a faint smile that made it impossible to look away. Her jawline was stunning.

Nan Zhiyao hadn’t expected such a serious answer. Blinded by beauty, her speech became clumsy. “O-okay. Then you’re… a very filial child. And I… me too. Yes, exactly.”

Arghhh! You pig! What are you doing!

She sounded like a bumbling manager. She wanted to say: Okay, I understand you’re doing this for your elders, and I am too. I will follow the agreement and won’t affect your career.

Nan Zhiyao wanted to punch herself. Her hands tightened on the seatbelt, accidentally hitting the release button. Click. The belt snapped open. The noise made her choke on her words. Just then, they hit a red light, and Bai Lian brought the car to a stop.

Bai Lian had seen everything. Without a word, she leaned over while Nan Zhiyao was still fumbling. Her slender fingers hovered just above Nan Zhiyao’s shoulder as she pulled the strap across and clicked it back into place.

Nan Zhiyao’s heart nearly stopped. They were too close.

“Nan Zhiyao, do you know?”

I don’t know anything! Please stop being so charismatic! If you keep talking, I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself and I’ll pounce!!

Bai Lian looked up while fastening the belt. Her eyes were enough to steal one’s soul—the shape of peach blossoms, slightly upturned at the corners. She looked cold when still, but alluring when smiling. Nan Zhiyao could see her own panicked reflection in those tea-colored eyes. Her forehead and nose felt a tingle of electricity from Bai Lian’s proximity.

She saw Bai Lian smile. And she heard Bai Lian say:

“Nan Zhiyao, we’ve met before.”

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