Deeply in Love [Showbiz] - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Nan Zhiyao felt that life was just too difficult right now.

Fortunately, the camera was still focused on the host; otherwise, everyone would have seen her face flush crimson in an instant.

Especially after hearing Wu Yueming call her “Little Sister-in-law.”

Ahhhhhh, what kind of shameful title is this? Yet, for some reason, it sounds strangely pleasant.

Bai Lian’s aura was so powerful that Nan Zhiyao hadn’t fully snapped back to reality.

Lu Yi laughed and said, “I was wondering why Xiao Bai’s eyes were so sharp. Turns out she saw her wife here. And to think the fan who was showering us with gifts was actually our Sister-in-law—why be so polite with your own people?”

With “Sister-in-law” being tossed around like that, Nan Zhiyao’s face continued to simmer.

Seeing Nan Zhiyao speechless for so long, Bai Lian tilted her head slightly and said to her teammates, “Say less.”

“Being so protective of our Little Sister-in-law?” Wu Yueming leaned closer to Nan Zhiyao and whispered in her ear, “Little Sister-in-law, are you coming to our show? Bai Bai said you’re still considering it. Don’t think twice! Let me tell you, Bai Bai did all this just so you could—”

“Wu Yueming.” Bai Lian said the three syllables of her name calmly, and Wu Yueming immediately shrunk her neck.

Mommy, so scary. Is the ‘Parent’ of the group actually feeling shy?

The three of them spoke in very low volumes, and since the staff were a distance away, they dared to keep calling her “Sister-in-law.”

“…Hello everyone.” Nan Zhiyao finally found her voice.

After greeting the two, she didn’t dare turn her head, sitting as straight as a board. She couldn’t act too intimate with Bai Lian—how could she face her fellow fans otherwise? Absolutely not!

Earlier she thought Jiang Yingjia looked like a proud peacock, but now she was even more so.

“Is the light blinding?” Nan Zhiyao said, carefully reaching out her hand to block the light above Bai Lian’s field of vision. “Shall I block it for you?”

Actually, the light was already dim. Nan Zhiyao’s hand ended up blocking Bai Lian’s entire view, plunging everything into darkness.

Wu Yueming couldn’t help but chime in: “Little Sister-in-law, if you do that, the camera won’t be able to capture Bai Bai’s face later.”

“Oh, oh, sorry, sorry.” Nan Zhiyao quickly dropped her hand. She caught sight of Bai Lian’s naturally resting left hand, where the outline of the ring was clearly visible.

“Why didn’t you take off the ring?” Nan Zhiyao asked.

“Forgot.” Bai Lian’s hand moved slightly, her expression unchanged.

“I thought so…” Nan Zhiyao let out a breath, reminding Bai Lian with what she thought was great thoughtfulness, “Then you must remember to take it off later, otherwise it won’t be good if fans and the media see it.”

Bai Lian looked at Nan Zhiyao’s bare hand, and for once, didn’t even give a hum of acknowledgment.

Even though Bai Lian maintained her usual cold and elegant expression, Nan Zhiyao couldn’t help but feel… was Bai Lian unhappy about something?

She looked down at her phone screen; the camera was still open. Was it because she was caught trying to take a secret photo? It made sense—Bai Lian had to deal with crazy fan confessions and camera flashes every day; it was normal not to want to be photographed anymore.

Nan Zhiyao silently tucked her phone away and sat obediently, listening to the host.

Soon, it was time to reveal the Idol of the Year.

Bai Lian was a shoo-in for the award, but Nan Zhiyao, peeking with her peripheral vision, noticed she was sitting perfectly still with no intention of moving yet.

“I’ll visit your house tomorrow.” Bai Lian looked down, her slight irritation smoothed over by Nan Zhiyao’s well-behaved manner. “Your parents are coming back tomorrow, right?”

“If you’re busy, you don’t have to make a special trip.” Nan Zhiyao waved her hands hurriedly. “I’ll just tell my parents. You have follow-up interviews to do later, and you’ll finish so late. Go back and rest well.”

She certainly knew her schedule well.

“Not busy.” The corners of Bai Lian’s lips curved into a subtle arc as she whispered, “I’ll have Lin Zheng give you something later.”

Lin Zheng was the manager for N.A.E.

On the giant screen, as the host announced N.A.E.’s name, the camera switched to their section. Before Nan Zhiyao could ask what Bai Lian wanted to give her, Lu Yi stood up and nudged Bai Lian: “Quick, stop being lovey-dovey and get up there to accept the award.”

The four women appearing on the big screen each had their own charm. It was a visual feast for the fans and the attendees alike. If the “rainbow farts” (extravagant praise) in their hearts could manifest, everyone would have red heart bubbles floating over their heads.

Even under a high-definition lens, Nan Zhiyao’s skin was flawless, enough to make other actresses—who required heavy editing even after makeup—die of envy. Her eyes sparkled with admiration and love for Bai Lian, showing no attempt to hide it even on camera.

Bai Lian, who had already stepped into the aisle, should have been looking straight ahead, but she suddenly turned her head to look at Nan Zhiyao one more time.

Under the bright lights, Bai Lian looked like a celestial being. Nan Zhiyao’s heart skipped a beat.

Tissues! Give me tissues now! I’m going to have a nosebleed, I’m dying, I’m ascending.

The bullet comments were flying.

“Holy crap, that look… why do I feel like shipping them?”

“Acting! It’s all acting, friends! Don’t be fooled! Her acting is at its peak right now!”

“She definitely sat near Lianlian on purpose; her original seat was so far away.”

“Wait, I saw Lianlian sit over there herself…”

“Seeing the way Nan Zhiyao looks at Bai Lian, I feel like I’m looking at myself.”

“Sisters, wake me up. Why do I find her a bit cute?”

As Wu Yueming passed by Nan Zhiyao, she wore a mysterious smile: “Little Sister-in-law, did I mention it was Bai Bai who asked PD Li to invite you as a guest?”

…You just did.

“You must come.” Wu Yueming finally got the words out and looked very pleased. “Bai Bai… she can’t wait for this variety show to start.”

With that, the “biker girl” skipped onto the stage.

Nan Zhiyao: “???”

It’s definitely not what I’m thinking. Variety shows were just work. Bai Lian and PD Li must have agreed to film a more relaxed show. Since Bai Lian was so busy every day, filming something “slice-of-life” was probably her way of relaxing.

Yes, that must be it. Ugh, thinking about it makes my heart ache for my idol.

With the N.A.E. girls gone, the seats around Nan Zhiyao were empty. Before Shen Jiaye could speak to her, Geng Pan marched over aggressively.

A visitor with ill intent.

Nan Zhiyao’s attention was fixed on Bai Lian on stage; she didn’t want anyone to disturb her idol-watching.

“Nan Zhiyao!” Geng Pan’s voice carried the anger of a confrontation. “You say you don’t want to hype things up, but your body is being very honest, isn’t it? Thinking of such a shameless way to attract attention!”

Nan Zhiyao didn’t even turn her head. Even if the heavens fall, wait until Bai Lian is off stage. Don’t be noisy.

“Found a good sugar-daddy, have we?” Geng Pan had heard everything from Jiang Yingjia and sneered. “Do you think you can snatch good resources this way? You’re just making the fans hate you more! Besides, you have no company now, no professional team to manage you. You think you can make a splash on your own?”

Only then did Nan Zhiyao turn her head, looking at Geng Pan as if she were looking at someone mentally deficient.

“Tsk.” After a while, Nan Zhiyao let out a slow hum.

Shen Jiaye stood back with her hands behind her back; it looked like she didn’t need to help.

“Don’t think you can get that variety show resource just like this.” Geng Pan’s blood pressure rose at Nan Zhiyao’s reaction. “You think licking Bai Lian’s boots for heat will work? With your mountain of scandals, any production team would avoid you like the plague!”

“Sister Geng is so considerate of me,” Nan Zhiyao smiled faintly. “Truly hard work.”

Just as Geng Pan was about to speak again, a voice came from behind: “Excuse me, sorry to bother you.”

Nan Zhiyao and Geng Pan looked over to see Li Zong, dressed in an “elegant ruffian” style, nodding at Nan Zhiyao. With a friendly smile, he said: “I wonder how Miss Nan is considering my invitation? Bai Lian has already communicated with me, and we can make adjustments based on your requirements. We’ll have a simple meeting this weekend, if that’s okay?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Shen Jiaye accepted immediately, nearly incoherent with excitement. “PD Li, we can do it, anything works!”

Geng Pan: “???”

At that moment, the voice from the stage rang out: “Congratulations! Based on the votes and the unanimous decision of the judges, the Artist of the Year is—Bai Lian!”

The woman shrouded in starlight held the trophy, her slight smile enough to let the whole world feel her radiance.

Nan Zhiyao thought of those calls of “Sister-in-law” and the meaningful: “Bai Bai… she can’t wait for this variety show to start.”

My idol’s wish! How could I not follow it! I’d go even if it killed me!

“Okay,” Nan Zhiyao nodded. “You can discuss the details with my manager.”

“Great, we’ll talk more soon.” Li Zong, satisfied, left without even glancing at the stunned Geng Pan.

Bai Lian was now surrounded by media for interviews. Nan Zhiyao, her heart pounding, decided not to interfere with Bai Lian’s work. She said to Shen Jiaye, “Let’s go home.”

Geng Pan was left standing there, ignored by both parties.

As Nan Zhiyao climbed into her van, someone hurried over. “Wait!”

It was Lin Zheng. Nan Zhiyao remembered Bai Lian saying he would give her something. Lin Zheng looked at the driver and Shen Jiaye with a hesitant expression.

“It’s fine, Brother Lin,” Nan Zhiyao laughed. “This is my family driver, and Jiaye is my best friend. They know the situation; you can speak freely.”

“Ah, good.” Lin Zheng checked the surroundings and placed a key in Nan Zhiyao’s hand.

“?”

“This is a duplex apartment Xiao Bai bought last year near the Second Ring Road, Unit 1, 32nd floor of Xinhai Garden. She can’t leave the backstage area, so she asked me to give you the key. You can go whenever you want. She said this is…” Lin Zheng summarized succinctly, “…the marital home.”

After a pause, Lin Zheng added with a sigh, “Xiao Bai said your name is on the property deed.”

Nan Zhiyao: “!!!”

Xinhai Garden was built along the river and was last year’s hottest development—the prices were astronomical. Excellent location, convenient, and nearly impossible to get a unit. Not only did Bai Lian have one, but she just gave it to her?

Shen Jiaye’s mouth was wide enough to fit an egg. Is this how rich female stars date? Is money just dirt to you people?

Nan Zhiyao was stunned for a second, then immediately clutched the key like a treasure.

Ugh, heavens! My idol is so! Thought-ful!

Nan Zhiyao, who saw this as a contract marriage, hadn’t planned on moving in together. She thought they would live separately and only meet for family events. But logically—that would be easy to expose. Bai Lian had obviously planned ahead.

They were both artists; they wouldn’t have much time to stay at home anyway. Nan Zhiyao figured they wouldn’t see much of each other. So, she mentally labeled the arrangement as “roommates.”

Still, she was incredibly excited, wishing she could move in tonight. Can I see Bai Lian sleeping? Can I see her when she just wakes up? Can I hear her magnetic morning voice? Ahhhhhh, damn it.

“Stop it! Shameless!” Nan Zhiyao scolded herself internally.

Lin Zheng left, and the van headed home. Inside, Shen Jiaye was in shock. “Bai Lian is really going all out… are you guys for real?”

“Don’t talk about my idol like that,” Nan Zhiyao glared at her, but her smile quickly returned. A house didn’t mean much in terms of money to her, but because it was from Bai Lian, it had a special meaning.

As Nan Zhiyao was immersed in her “pink bubbles,” Shen Jiaye began flipping through the documents Li Zong had provided. “So we’re definitely doing the show? Let me see… the production format has changed. Fixed guests, tasks, achievement points… wait? Why is it pairing people into groups of two?”

The more Shen Jiaye looked, the more she felt… something was off. This didn’t look like a group variety show; it looked like a dating show??

Shen Jiaye looked at PD Li Zong’s final note: “These changes were made according to Bai Lian’s wishes. Does Xiao Nan have any objections?”

Shen Jiaye looked at Nan Zhiyao, who was currently “auntie-smiling” while scrolling through Weibo. This heiress, who radiated love and followed Bai Lian blindly, would probably jump at the chance to answer Bai Lian’s call.

Nan Zhiyao wasn’t paying attention. On Weibo, the official account had already posted edited photos of Bai Lian at the gala. In truth, they were barely different from the raw shots; she was just that perfect.

At the end of the set, there were two photos of Bai Lian in her seat—naturally, Nan Zhiyao was in the frame. One was clean white, the other a steady, alluring red; they complemented each other perfectly, and even their eye contact seemed to hold an undercurrent.

If this weren’t her main account, Nan Zhiyao would have liked the photos a thousand times. This eye contact! This harmony! It’s love, it’s definitely love.

She opened the comments. The top ones were all fans screaming.

“Ahhhhh, I’m okay! Lianlian, step! on! me!”

“I’m living off these nine photos today!!”

“I’m so jealous of the sisters who were inside. I even… feel a bit jealous of Nan Zhiyao? QAQ (Hides under a lid)”

“How does a ‘hype’ star have the face to leach off my Lianlian’s heat again? She’s so disgusting.”

“Exactly, Lianlian clearly doesn’t even like her. If I ever see Lianlian respond to her, I’ll twist my head off and kick it like a ball.”

Holy crap, sister, you’re a madwoman.

That comment caught Nan Zhiyao’s attention. The ID was “Chunibyo Girl Shi Lezhi” (Meaning: Chunibyo girl has lost her mind).

She didn’t even switch accounts; she just forwarded the comment.

Nan Zhiyao V: Um, sister, have you heard of ‘True Fragrance’ (Slang for ‘eating one’s words’)? //@Chunibyo Girl Shi Lezhi: Exactly, Lianlian clearly doesn’t even like her…

Within two seconds, Nan Zhiyao’s Weibo went crazy.

[[New Follower +1]

Bai Lian V: Understood. //@Nan Zhiyao V: Um, sister, have you heard of ‘True Fragrance’?

Bai Lian followed Nan Zhiyao, and she had forwarded and commented on her post.

Nan Zhiyao: “???”

Netizens: “…?”

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