Deeply in Love [Showbiz] - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Nan Zhiyao carefully tucked the marriage certificate into the inner pocket of her small bag, thinking to herself that she’d have to buy a protective case for it soon. Something this important had to be treasured properly.

She stole a glance to the side. Bai Lian’s hands were fair and clean, resting loosely on the steering wheel. Her sunglasses were off now, and her eyelashes curled with a natural, graceful arc.

She looked unspeakably elegant and like a “CEO type,” yet something was missing.

Missing…

Ah!

Wedding rings!

This whole thing had happened so suddenly that Nan Zhiyao hadn’t prepared anything. But then she reconsidered… she and Bai Lian were in a hidden marriage, so they couldn’t wear rings publicly anyway. Did it really matter?

Just as a sense of disappointment began to well up, her phone screen lit up. Shen Jiaye, having learned of her contract termination, was in a state of absolute shock and was messaging her frantically.

“Holy crap, holy crap! You really terminated it?! You finally quit, my eldest young lady!!”

“Hurry up! Didn’t Brother Shiming say long ago he’d open a company for you so you could develop freely?! Let’s arrange it immediately—let me be your new manager!”

“Do you still want to do the jobs you already accepted, or should we just push them all? Oh, wait—isn’t there a drama where you and Bai Lian are supposed to join the cast together?”

“Are you still going to the Starlight Gala tonight? Bai Lian will be there; her group won an award.”

“Where are you? I’m coming to find you.”

With Nan Zhiyao’s termination, her family was no longer sitting still either. The family group chat was flooded with messages, everyone cheering and celebrating. Nan Shiming had already sent lawyers to deal with Chuangyi.

She stared at her phone for a long while, not even noticing where Bai Lian was driving until she glanced outside and realized they were almost at her home.

“What are your plans for the future?” Bai Lian suddenly asked.

Nan Zhiyao answered obediently, “I haven’t thought about it yet…”

In the past, all the jobs she had accepted revolved around Bai Lian. Her former company needed her to be linked to Bai Lian; if Bai Lian was at an event, they’d squeeze Nan Zhiyao into some corner of the guest list. If Bai Lian was in a drama, they’d take an unlikable villainess role just to get her in the same cast.

Nan Zhiyao felt very conflicted about it now, unsure if it had been a good or bad thing.

Bai Lian thought for a moment and said, “I’ll drop you home first. I need to head back to the company in a bit; Lu Yi and the others are waiting for me.”

Lu Yi and Wu Yueming were the other two members of the girl group. Lu Yi was around Bai Lian’s age but had a distinct personality—someone who loved and hated fiercely, a rare straight-shooter in the entertainment industry. Wu Yueming was only nineteen, with a carefree attitude and immense musical talent; despite her youth, she had amassed a huge following of “Auntie” and “Big Sister” fans.

Bai Lian was the core and the “parent” of the group.

If it were any other group, fans would be tearing each other apart knowing their idols were going solo, but that didn’t happen with N.A.E. The three of them had an exceptionally good relationship, and both group fans and individual fans were united. There was never any fighting over resources.

Seeing her front door approaching, Nan Zhiyao inexplicably became nervous. After dropping her phone into her bag, she felt her hands were conspicuously empty.

The car came to a steady stop.

Nan Zhiyao didn’t speak, and Bai Lian remained silent as well.

“I want to go back and tell them I’m married,” Bai Lian finally broke the eerie silence, turning to Nan Zhiyao. “Is that okay?”

Bai Lian was actually asking for her opinion! Ask-ing!

Yes, yes, yes, of course! Nan Zhiyao wanted to scream that Bai Lian could announce it to the whole world, but she restrained herself, nodding with feigned calm. “Okay.”

A flash of a smile crossed Bai Lian’s eyes.

“Is the planning for your final variety show starting now?” Nan Zhiyao asked, her tone a bit awkward. “About that… I didn’t realize before that the company wanted to force me into your show. I’m sorry. Now that I’ve terminated my contract, that won’t happen!”

Fearing Bai Lian wouldn’t believe her, she emphasized her last words, sounding especially sincere.

For some reason, after she said that, Nan Zhiyao felt the atmosphere in the car turn cold.

Ugh.

As expected, Bai Lian surely disliked that kind of hype behavior! What a principled idol—even if she was now her legal wife, she still hated “leeching” hype and didn’t want to let her fans down. Nan Zhiyao, possessing the fragile heart of a devoted fan, felt a mix of pain and joy.

Nan Zhiyao waited anxiously for at least five seconds before she heard Bai Lian say, “The production team is waiting on my schedule. We can start next week at the earliest.”

So impressive. This was the treatment of a top-tier idol; the production team would adjust everything based on Bai Lian’s schedule. But it made sense—Bai Lian’s status was massive, nothing a third-tier star like herself could compare to. Just as Nan Zhiyao was silently mocking herself, she heard Bai Lian ask:

“Do you have time next week?”

Nan Zhiyao instantly perked up. “I do, I do!”

Since they just got married, it was only natural to have dinner with the elders on both sides, right? Nan Zhiyao assumed Bai Lian was asking about meeting the families. She added, “Since I’ve terminated my contract, I don’t have any work looking for me right now. I’m very free.”

If my idol needs me, even if I have plans, I don’t have plans! I must cooperate.

“That’s good.” The coldness in Bai Lian’s eyes vanished. She seemed to have made a decision and called out to Nan Zhiyao as she was about to exit the car. “Wait.”

Nan Zhiyao turned back, quickly being considerate. “It’s fine, really. I’ll just go in and tell them myself. You have work, so go back first. My family will definitely understand.”

The Starlight Gala was tonight; Bai Lian surely had to go back to get her styling done immediately. It was already difficult for her to find time to register today. Nan Zhiyao felt tired on Bai Lian’s behalf.

A cool sensation touched her wrist. Nan Zhiyao looked down—Bai, Bai Lian had reached out and placed her hand on Nan Zhiyao’s wrist.

Boom. Nan Zhiyao’s brain crashed again.

Bai Lian opened a small box, revealing an exquisite and sparkling pair of diamond wedding rings. At least five carats… Nan Zhiyao was momentarily blinded by the dazzle.

If that wasn’t enough, before the shock of the diamond rings could fade, Bai Lian pulled out another velvet box and opened it. This pair was much more low-key—a minimalist design, silver bands with a pavé of small diamonds around the outside.

Nan Zhiyao knew at a glance these weren’t off-the-shelf; they were custom-made.

Bai Lian was obscenely rich. These must have cost hundreds of thousands, yet she had spent it on her so casually. Nan Zhiyao just wanted to sing again—I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve this.

“I didn’t know which style you’d prefer, so I ordered both,” Bai Lian said softly, her eyes holding a trace of uncertainty and anticipation. “Which one… do you like?”

“I love them both!” Nan Zhiyao nearly burst into tears. Bai Lian was being too thoughtful.

She understood Bai Lian’s meaning. Although they were hidden-married to the public, they needed to wear rings when meeting family. It was so touching; how could Bai Lian think of everything so perfectly?

Nan Zhiyao pointed to the low-key pair. “This one is probably better for daily wear. The other one… is perfect for a wedding or a proposal.”

Ah, she just remembered they hadn’t had a proposal or a wedding.

Nan Zhiyao, that’s enough! You’re getting ahead of yourself. Do you really think Bai Lian married you because she’s madly in love? After scolding herself internally, Nan Zhiyao snapped back to reality.

Bai Lian seemed to agree with her, nodding thoughtfully. “Then let’s wear this one home, and I’ll put the other one away for now, okay?”

Okay? Okay? That tone was a crime. Combined with that face in front of her, it made her want to commit a crime.

Unaware of Nan Zhiyao’s racing heart, Bai Lian took the minimalist ring and slid it onto Nan Zhiyao’s finger. As the cool metal glided onto her ring finger, Nan Zhiyao involuntarily got goosebumps. At that moment, Bai Lian looked up into her eyes.

Truly… it was the death of her.

The ring was a perfect fit. Nan Zhiyao gathered her courage, took the remaining ring from the box, and hurriedly slipped it onto Bai Lian’s finger. She then pulled her slightly trembling hand back, hopped out of the car, and waved goodbye. “Drive safely on your way back!”

Bai Lian chuckled softly. “See you tonight,” she said calmly.

“Ah? Okay, okay!” Dazzled by Bai Lian, Nan Zhiyao completely forgot that she hadn’t planned on attending the Starlight Gala.

It wasn’t until Bai Lian’s car disappeared from the villa district that Nan Zhiyao withdrew her gaze and floated back into her house.

“You’re back?” Greeting her at home, besides the servants, was Nan Shiming. He was still in his suit, seemingly having just returned.

“Mom and Dad are returning tomorrow. The lawyers have already gone to talk to Chuangyi, so don’t worry about that.” Nan Shiming showed none of his cold business persona in front of his sister; he was all smiles. “You don’t need to worry about anything. The family will handle it. Shen Jiaye will be your new manager.”

“Thanks, Brother.” Nan Zhiyao raised her hand and waved it in front of him, saying happily, “Does it look good?”

The sister-doting maniac Nan Shiming naturally said, “It looks great.” He glanced behind her. “Bai Lian didn’t come back with you?”

“She has work tonight; she’s getting styled now.” Fearing her brother might be offended, Nan Zhiyao added quickly, “That’s how our industry is, you know. Besides, I’m going tonight too. I figured we’d invite her over once Mom and Dad are back.”

“Fair enough.” Nan Shiming nodded. “I’ll have Ye-zi list out your upcoming jobs; if you don’t want to go to some, just say the word and we’ll cancel them. The PR team has been reorganized for you. As for those rumors online… not that I’m lecturing you, but if we just reveal you’re a daughter of the Nan family, who would dare slander you?”

Nan Zhiyao said with a grin, “Where’s the fun in that? Why tell everyone I’m a max-level boss right from the start? I’ll hide my strength; I know what I’m doing.”

“Fine, but how will you handle these rumors flying around about you and Bai Lian?” Nan Shiming asked helplessly. “The PR team is our own now; those fabricated stories from before won’t happen again.”

“No need to handle them.” Nan Zhiyao’s smile deepened, happy at the memory of Bai Lian putting the ring on her. “Bai Lian and I are married; whether they’re ‘rumors’ or not, they’re actually true. As for my reputation in the industry… we’ll take it slow. Anyway, the family is arranging things now, so I won’t lack resources, right Brother?”

“Fine, fine, everything your way.” Just as Nan Shiming checked the time, there was a knock at the door. Shen Jiaye’s voice called from outside, “It’s me! Yaoyao, open up!”

Shen Jiaye burst in with a stack of documents. After greeting Nan Shiming, she dragged Nan Zhiyao into her room.

“If you’re going to the event tonight, you need to start preparing now. Currently, your only near-term schedules are the Starlight Gala and that drama you’re supposed to join.” Shen Jiaye had adapted perfectly to her role as manager. “I heard that Geng Pan is planning to buy marketing accounts to smear you. Also, that Jiang Yingjia is going tonight. Geng Pan took your seat and gave it to her, canceling your spot entirely.”

Nan Zhiyao took the schedule Shen Jiaye handed her. The ring immediately caught Shen Jiaye’s eye. “Oho?”

“It’s beautiful, right?” Nan Zhiyao showed it off proudly. “My dream has come true.”

“It’s early days. Wasn’t your dream to sleep with Bai Lian?” Shen Jiaye laughed and joked with her. Then she said with certainty, “Let me tell you, tonight’s Starlight Gala is a big deal. It’s your first appearance since the trending scandals and your contract termination. Geng Pan bringing Jiang Yingjia is clearly meant to humiliate you. So, tonight you must make a stunning entrance and let everyone know how high-class you are.”

Nan Zhiyao asked, “Where is my seat?”

“Listen to yourself! Is that a human question?” Shen Jiaye nearly hit her with the folder. “Sponsor! Your family is a sponsor, my dear heiress!! You can sit wherever you damn well please!”

Nan Zhiyao: “…”

There are so many investments; I forgot about that one long ago.

The news of Shen Jiaye becoming Nan Zhiyao’s new manager had already spread through the circle. Shen Jiaye’s phone hadn’t stopped buzzing for two hours, but just then, a message came through with a ding.

After reading it, she looked up with an expression of pure shock. Dropping her phone, she grabbed Nan Zhiyao’s shoulders and screamed: “Ahhh! Holy crap, Yaoyao!”

Nan Zhiyao: “Speak properly.”

“PD Li just WeChatted me asking for your schedule—if you’re free next week!” Shen Jiaye was incoherent with excitement. “Li Zong! The gold-star producer! The PD in charge of Bai Lian’s final group variety show! He just said he wants to invite you to be a permanent guest on the show!”

Nan Zhiyao: “…?”

Support Deeply in Love [Showbiz]