I Stole the Male Lead's White Moonlight [Transmigration] - Chapter 42

As soon as Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu entered the private room, the director warmly invited them to sit at the main table.

Halfway through the drinking session, Qi Zhou, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, suddenly dropped his smile. Holding his glass, he walked over behind Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu and loudly declared, “Come, let me propose a toast to you!”

Zhu Xinya turned her head helplessly and glanced at Qi Zhou. “You’re drunk, Qi the big star. Calm down a little.”

“I’m not drunk! Are you looking down on me and don’t want to drink with me?” Qi Zhou pouted, looking aggrieved.

Zhu Xinya: “Are you sure you want to toast Hanfu? We still have to drive home later, and she doesn’t like drinking anyway.”

Hearing Que Hanfu’s name, Qi Zhou’s muddled mind cleared for a moment. “Right, Hanfu doesn’t like drinking. I’ll toast you, you drink!”

Though Zhu Xinya had a good tolerance for alcohol, she didn’t enjoy drinking either. She sensed that Qi Zhou seemed to be drowning his sorrows tonight earlier he had accepted every toast without refusal, and now, drunk, he was actively seeking others to drink with.

It didn’t take much thought to figure out why he was acting this way wasn’t it because Lu Mengrou hadn’t shown up today?

Que Hanfu wasn’t aware of the situation between Lu Mengrou and Qi Zhou; Zhu Xinya hadn’t had a chance to tell her yet.

Seeing Qi Zhou so out of sorts, Que Hanfu gave Zhu Xinya a questioning look.

Zhu Xinya leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Sister, it seems Qi Zhou is heartbroken. I’ll take him outside to talk and try to cheer him up.”

Que Hanfu said, “I’ll go with you.”

Zhu Xinya hesitated. “Sister, it might not be convenient.”

Que Hanfu’s gaze turned cold. “Not convenient?”

“It’s not what you think,” Zhu Xinya had no choice but to quietly explain Qi Zhou’s past crush on Que Hanfu. “He probably has feelings for Mengrou now but can’t get past his own mental block, he feels he shouldn’t give up on his long-time crush on you so easily. If you come along, I’m afraid he’ll only get more confused about who he really likes.”

“Zhu Xinya, just say whether you’ll drink or not!” Qi Zhou had been waiting for a while, only to see Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu whispering as if he weren’t there. In his agitation, he spilled more than half of the wine in his glass.

Zhu Xinya stood up from her seat, took the half-empty glass from Qi Zhou’s hand, and said, “There are too many people here. Let’s go outside to drink.”

She gave Que Hanfu a meaningful look. “Sister, I’ll be right back.”

Que Hanfu frowned slightly but nodded.

She had never noticed Qi Zhou’s crush on her, how did Yaya find out?

Qi Zhou, dazed and confused, was pulled out of the private room by Zhu Xinya.

The hallway was bustling with waiters carrying dishes and other guests, making it unsuitable for conversation. Zhu Xinya remembered that on their way up, she had seen a large balcony on the second floor, surrounded by white curtains, with a coffee table and chairs faintly visible inside.

The two made their way to the second-floor balcony. Zhu Xinya helped Qi Zhou sit down, then took the seat opposite him. She didn’t drink the wine she was holding but placed it on the round glass coffee table.

Qi Zhou frowned at Zhu Xinya. “Drink up.”

Resting her chin on her hand, Zhu Xinya looked at Qi Zhou’s flushed face from drinking and said softly, “I remember Mengrou hates men who drink excessively. What do you think, if I send her a photo of you drunk, would she start to dislike you?”

Qi Zhou’s face stiffened. He silently set down his glass, rubbed his face vigorously, and after letting go, took a deep breath. His eyes cleared considerably. “Sorry, I was a bit drunk. Please don’t tell Mengrou.”

“What are you talking about? That you’re drowning your sorrows in alcohol over a broken heart? That the person you’re heartbroken over used to be your fan?” Zhu Xinya didn’t give Qi Zhou time to think. “Mengrou said she won’t like you anymore, she wants to forget you. Anyway, you have plenty of fans. One more or less makes no difference. Considering how she used to feel about you, she won’t turn against you after withdrawing her support. Are you relieved now?”

“Relieved?!” Qi Zhou roared, grabbing his hair with both hands, his face contorted in anguish. “I never wanted things to turn out like this.”

Zhu Xinya retorted, “Then what did you want? You don’t like Mengrou, but you won’t allow her to stop liking you? Look at yourself right now, how are you any different from a man drowning his sorrows after a breakup?”

“No, it’s not that. There’s someone I like, but I can’t let go of Mengrou either.”

“Don’t tell me your heart is split in two, divided equally between two women,” Zhu Xinya said, exasperated.

“No,” Qi Zhou shook his head. “I’ve always had a crush on someone, but it was just a crush. I never thought we could be together, and I believed I wouldn’t fall for anyone else.”

“That’s just what you thought, not the reality. Since it’s a hopeless crush, why not give up? Are you sure it’s a crush and not just admiration for an outstanding friend?”

“I don’t know!” Qi Zhou closed his eyes in pain. “Stop asking.”

Zhu Xinya leaned back in her chair, composed and sharp-eyed as she looked at Qi Zhou. “Fine, I won’t ask. But you should know, if it weren’t for Mengrou, I wouldn’t have spoken to you this much today. Think it over carefully. I’m leaving.”

Zhu Xinya stood up, intending to find Que Hanfu. It was getting late, and they still had to drive home.

She had said all she needed to say it was up to Qi Zhou to figure out his own heart.

Returning to the private room, the lively banquet table was filled with drunken guests, their voices growing louder. Only one figure stood apart from the rest.

Her silhouette was elegant and aloof, her long hair cascading down, completely out of place amidst the surroundings.

Zhu Xinya’s eyes softened with affection as she walked over and sat beside Que Hanfu. “Sister, I’m done talking with Qi Zhou. When are we going home? I’m a bit tired.”

Que Hanfu’s eyes held a trace of concern. “We’ll leave now.”

“Good. I want to sleep well when we get home,” Zhu Xinya lowered her voice. “Holding you while I sleep.”

Que Hanfu chided gently, “Don’t be mischievous in public,” her jade-like ears tinged with a faint blush.

Zhu Xinya grinned, her eyes curving into crescents, and pulled Que Hanfu up to bid farewell to the director.

The director, slurring his words from drinking, heard they were leaving and said, “I know Professor Que definitely won’t enter the entertainment industry, but Xiao Zhu, you’re not bad. I have a reality show opportunity called ‘Facing South Mountain.’ Are you interested in joining? I’ll send you Director Pu’s contact. If you’re interested have your agency get in touch with him.”

“Thank you, Director,” Zhu Xinya replied, having already decided to pursue a career in entertainment. Any opportunity was welcome.

“Don’t mention it!” The director waved his hand casually.

Zhu Xinya hadn’t expected to gain a reality show opportunity from the wrap party and couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Once in the car, Que Hanfu helped fasten her seatbelt and noticed her bright-eyed expression as she messaged her agency manager. “So happy?” she asked.

Zhu Xinya turned to look at her and nodded emphatically. “Although I signed with my family’s company, the only TV drama I’ve acted in hasn’t aired yet. I only have a small number of followers on Weibo. Without popularity, it’s hard to get resources even if the company tries to secure them for me. My dad said he’d invest in a movie for me if no one offers me roles, but getting opportunities through my own efforts would make me much happier.”

“You’re outstanding, Yaya,” Que Hanfu said.

Praise from Que Hanfu made Zhu Xinya’s cheeks flush slightly. “Really?” Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Really, you’re the most exceptional in my eyes,” Que Hanfu affirmed seriously.

“Though I think you’re seeing me through rose-colored glasses, I’m still really happy.”

Zhu Xinya had studied economics until her third year of university when she suddenly decided to become an actress. While her family didn’t fully understand her choice, they didn’t oppose her pursuing what she loved.

Originally, Zhu Yin’s plan was to hire a professional manager if Zhu Xinya didn’t want to take over the company. But now that Zhu Xinya had married Que Hanfu, who expressed interest in venturing into the business world, Zhu Yin immediately decided that Que Hanfu would manage the company in the future provided she could deliver results first.

Que Hanfu wasn’t particularly interested in taking over the Zhu family’s enterprises. She preferred creating wealth from scratch and experiencing the joy of building something from nothing, much like she had done with her previous research.

However, since Zhu Yin was her father-in-law and Yaya’s dad, Que Hanfu agreed with a nod.

The company Zhu Xinya signed with was a film and television subsidiary under the Fangyin Group. Yunyun Film and Television had previously only engaged in film investments and had never signed any artists. After Zhu Xinya signed, she became their sole artist, with all the company’s resources dedicated to her.

The surname Zhu was common in Longcheng, so the staff at Yunyun Film and Television didn’t connect Zhu Xinya with Zhu Yin after she signed. Only the CEO of Yunyun Film and Television and her agent, Ling Xiaoxiao, knew Zhu Xinya’s true identity.

A few days after the wrap party, Ling Xiaoxiao brought Zhu Xinya good news: the company had finalized a deal with “See the Southern Mountain,” confirming Zhu Xinya as a regular guest for five episodes, with a fee of 30,000 per episode.

The pay was reasonable for a newcomer who had only acted in one series.

When Ling Xiaoxiao mentioned the salary, she was worried the young miss would look down on such a small amount. To her surprise, Zhu Xinya seemed delighted and signed the contract without hesitation.

“The first season of ‘See the Southern Mountain’ is tentatively set for five episodes, filming every Saturday and Sunday. After editing, it will air during the summer vacation,” Ling Xiaoxiao explained, handing the script to Zhu Xinya.

“A reality show script is this thick?” It was only slightly thinner than the script she received for “Fangting’s Forgotten Dream.”

“It includes detailed profiles for each guest, along with their expected behaviors and lines in various situations. There are five regular guests in total. Director Pu said that besides you, Yaya, the confirmed guests are the popular young actor Jiang Huai, rising starlet Hu Caicai, and veteran film star Jin Sheng. One spot is still undecided.”

Zhu Xinya flipped through the script and skimmed the character profiles.

Jiang Huai was portrayed as a cheerful, sunny boy with a strong, protective boyfriend vibe.

Hu Caicai was gentle, considerate, and enjoyed taking care of others.

Jin Sheng appeared cold on the outside but warm inside, preferring to work quietly.

“There are two character types left. You can choose one that fits you, and the remaining one will go to the last guest.”

The two remaining character types were a delicate, spoiled young lady and a straightforward, blunt person who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.

“Neither of these options seems particularly good. Are you sure they won’t attract backlash?” Zhu Xinya didn’t want to choose either one.

“I think the delicate, pampered young lady persona is quite fitting. You could play it naturally, it’s much better than the ‘sarcastic and argumentative’ type,” Ling Xiaoxiao suggested tentatively.

Zhu Xinya had her own ideas and a strong background, so Ling Xiaoxiao didn’t dare make decisions for her.

Zhu Xinya shook her head. “I’m not delicate at all. Forget it, I’ll go with the ‘sarcastic and argumentative’ type.” It was better to be the one dishing out criticism than the one receiving it.

Zhu Xinya already had a feeling that after filming this reality show, she would end up on a path of “black fame” where she’d be famous but controversial. Still, black fame was still fame. In the future, if she starred in a few good films and showcased her acting skills, it would be easy to redeem her image.

Zhu Xinya didn’t care much about what people online said about her, but she was worried that Que Hanfu might be upset if she saw it. “Being sarcastic and argumentative doesn’t necessarily mean people will dislike me. I need to think it through carefully. If possible, I’d rather not take the black fame route. Otherwise, my partner might be unhappy.”

Ling Xiaoxiao thought Zhu Xinya was referring to Zhu Yin and quickly said, “Yaya, how about I negotiate with Director Park again to get you a better persona?”

Zhu Xinya replied, “No need. I know you must have already tried your best to change it for me, but it didn’t work out, right? That’s normal. I’m not famous, and I suspect the same goes for the other person who hasn’t been confirmed yet. Both of us are meant to serve as foils to Jiang Huai and the other two. Director Park won’t change it.”

Ling Xiaoxiao informed Director Park about Zhu Xinya’s choice of the “sarcastic and argumentative” persona. Director Park was somewhat surprised. “From her photos, she looks like such a soft-spoken girl. Can she really be argumentative?”

“No problem at all. Our Yaya is a great actress, so you don’t need to worry,” Ling Xiaoxiao assured him, though she wasn’t entirely confident herself.

“By the way, Director Park, has the final guest been confirmed?”

“Yes, just like Zhu Xinya, it’s another newcomer with no prior works. Her name is Fan Chunyi.”

Seeing the Southern Mountain was inspired by the line from Tao Yuanming’s poem, “Leisurely, I see the southern mountain.” It was a pastoral life reality show, a genre that had never been done before. Director Park was worried that the audience might find the show boring or that there would be no chemistry among the guests, so he assigned two flawed personas to stir up conflict. Just like in talent shows, the more arguments and controversies, the more attention the show would get.

Director Park thought his plan was quite clever.

At least, that’s what he thought at first.

Until he witnessed Zhu Xinya’s version of “sarcastic and argumentative.”

To avoid upsetting Que Hanfu by taking the black fame route, Zhu Xinya decided to refine her persona slightly. She transformed her sarcasm into praise, using a sharp tone to compliment others. She thought it would be quite interesting.

On the day of filming, Que Hanfu drove her to the airport. Since the cameras would start rolling at the airport, Que Hanfu didn’t get out of the car. Zhu Xinya kissed her and said reluctantly, “I’ll be gone for two days. You have to miss me, okay?”

Que Hanfu didn’t reply but pulled Zhu Xinya closer and gave her a deep kiss, whispering, “Take care of yourself.”

Knowing her lipstick wouldn’t survive the kiss, Zhu Xinya hadn’t applied any earlier. After their farewell, she took out a youthful, sweet grapefruit-colored lipstick from her bag and applied it.

Before getting out of the car, Zhu Xinya couldn’t resist hugging Que Hanfu one more time. “I’ll miss you every day,” she said, then immediately turned and left.

She was afraid that if she lingered even a moment longer, she wouldn’t be able to bring herself to go.

Although it had only been two days, ever since Zhu Xinya and Que Hanfu got married, they had slept together every night without ever being apart.

Zhu Xinya carried her suitcase to the program team’s waiting room and found two people already inside.

“Teacher Jin, hello, I’m Zhu Xinya. I really love your show ‘The Detective’,” Zhu Xinya proactively shook hands with the film emperor Jin Sheng.

“Jiang Huai, hello! I really like your recent TV drama, the young martial artist, the scholarly spirit, playing two roles at once, absolutely brilliant.”

With two cameras filming around them, Jin Sheng, true to his status as a film emperor, stood up and shook Zhu Xinya’s hand, coolly greeting her. But when Zhu Xinya sat down, he took off his jacket and draped it over her legs to prevent any accidental exposure, perfectly embodying the aloof-yet-warm persona.

Jiang Huai, on the other hand, flashed a bright smile and chatted with Zhu Xinya, “Xinya, you look quite young are you even twenty? Don’t tell me you’re underage?”

“I’m twenty-one, not underage.”

“Wow, then we’re the same age,” Jiang Huai said in surprise.

“Really?” Zhu Xinya acted even more surprised than him.

Jiang Huai laughed, “Hahaha, my face is pretty mature, right? Do I look like I’m twenty-eight?”

Zhu Xinya widened her eyes, “Nonsense! You look eighteen. How can you say you look old?”

Her tone was so serious that Jiang Huai was taken aback. After a moment, instead of feeling offended, he felt quite pleased. Unlike actors, idols rely heavily on their looks, looking young is always better than looking old.

“Xinya, you’re such a smooth talker. I almost believed you,” Jiang Huai gave her a thumbs-up.

“I’m just telling the truth. Don’t underestimate yourself,” Zhu Xinya frowned disapprovingly.

Jiang Huai’s face immediately lit up with a smile, “Xinya, I consider you a friend now.”

Jin Sheng seemed unapproachable, and even Jiang Huai was a bit hesitant to talk to him. But it wouldn’t be right to only chat with Zhu Xinya and ignore Jin Sheng.

Jiang Huai said, “Teacher Jin, are you thirsty? Let me get you a bottle of water.”

Jin Sheng shook his head, about to refuse, when a bottle of mineral water was suddenly thrust in front of him. “Teacher Jin, you should know that you’re not just an actor but also an amazing singer! Your voice is so precious, how can you not drink water?”

Jin Sheng, who had only ever lent his singing voice to his wife’s TV dramas: “…”

He almost believed it!

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